Is the distance crucial?: Week one, run 3, used... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Is the distance crucial?

Ricochet1 profile image
Ricochet1Graduate
14 Replies

Week one, run 3, used treadmill at the gym, don't fancy running in the rain just yet! Did slow jogs in-between walks, and distance was only 2.8k. Is this ok? Am I being a bit thick here? Do I need to track distance or just follow the plan?

I don't track distance when outside. Is it time only that's important?

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Ricochet1 profile image
Ricochet1
Graduate
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14 Replies
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Follow the plan.. do each run for the time it requires.. distance is not important.. the idea is just to get to the 30 minute runs after nine weeks..

Please check out this post...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

It will answer many questions for you:)

Ricochet1 profile image
Ricochet1Graduate in reply toOldfloss

Many thanks, of course yes distance is not important.

primaballerina profile image
primaballerina

Do NOT even think about distance until you are post-graduate... you are learning to run, not to race! Just enjoy the process and you'll be amazed how it all works out in the end (I've only done 5K once and I graduated weeks ago... And it took me ages! LOL)

Ricochet1 profile image
Ricochet1Graduate in reply toprimaballerina

Great thanks so much

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate

Forget pace and distance until after graduation!

Ricochet1 profile image
Ricochet1Graduate in reply toTasha99

Can't think that far! But thanks for helpful comment

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate in reply toRicochet1

Sorry - typo! I’ve corrected it!

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

As the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... explains distance is immaterial as C25K is solely duration based.

Ricochet1 profile image
Ricochet1Graduate in reply toIannodaTruffe

Many thanks for this!

notquiteretired profile image
notquiteretiredGraduate

hello Ricochet1, welcome to the plan and the forum. The main thing at the minute is your moving, doesnt matter how far or how fast, just take each run one at a time and work your way through each week, relax its not a race or a competion, just a journey to a fitter self😊👍

Ricochet1 profile image
Ricochet1Graduate in reply tonotquiteretired

Of course, thanks for reinforcing, it helps!

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

If you're completing the run that's all that matters pace and distance do not good luck 😊

Ricochet1 profile image
Ricochet1Graduate in reply toBuddy34

Thanks so much

Hi Ricochet1, like you I got on the treadmill on W1R3 because I didn't want to run in rain and I've also spent time trying to work out if I'm covering enough distance to run 5k by the end of the programme. Having completed W5R3 where you have to run for 20 mins I only managed to run 2 miles and so W6R1 I decided to increase the pace. My heart rate also increased though to 202 beats per minute (29 beats per min too fast for my age). So I've concluded that it's really not about distance and more about becoming fitter and listening to your body . Instead, I decided to repeat W5 focussing on fitness rather than distance and if it that takes longer than 9 weeks to reach 5k, so be it. I still record the distance so I can watch my improvements, but I'm so impressed that C25k has enabled me to run continuously for 20 mins! Focus on completing each run and you'll eventually cover the 5k target distance. Good luck and keep going! You're doing fantastically well!

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