Week 9 Run 1- When do you reach 5km? - Couch to 5K

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Week 9 Run 1- When do you reach 5km?

Undocontrol profile image
UndocontrolGraduate
11 Replies

Hi everyone,

I've just finished my first run of week 9. Can't believe it's taken me this long to get on this forum!

I've really loved using this app and can't believe I can finally run for 30 minutes! I'm not quite reaching 5km though- so far, I'm covering 4.4km. I know they say that you're not always going to be able to run 5km by the end, but by anyones experience, should I be running further or fastest to meet 5km?

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Undocontrol profile image
Undocontrol
Graduate
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11 Replies
sTrongFuse profile image
sTrongFuseGraduate

Simple answer is "no", just keep doing what you're doing. That said, if you feel you have a little left in the tank, maybe see if you can up the pace a bit in the last few minutes and see if that takes you further. My first 5k was 39mins shortly after graduation. My fastest is now around 33mins, but I'm typically in the 35/36 min range; which is fine by me.

Undocontrol profile image
UndocontrolGraduate in reply to sTrongFuse

Thank you! Gosh, running 39 minutes...I can only dream of running that extra bit xD

sTrongFuse profile image
sTrongFuseGraduate in reply to Undocontrol

If you can do 4.4k, you can do 5. I was a bit behind you at 4.2k at graduation. The next run I decided to push on to 35mins and got to 4.6k. My next time out I just decided to go a bit slower and see if I could do the extra 400m irrespective of how long it took and was pleasantly surprised at coming in (just) under 40 mins.

Get graduation behind you then consolidate by mixing up some faster/shorter runs, with some longer/slower ones for 3-4 weeks and you'll be surprised.

Next week will be 2 months since I completed C25K and I'm now running up to an hour and covering 8k. You will be surprised what you can achieve.

Undocontrol profile image
UndocontrolGraduate in reply to sTrongFuse

That’s great- really inspiring and nice to hear :-) thanks again.

ButtercupKid profile image
ButtercupKidGraduate

I’ve still never passed 3k yet and I graduated in February. Listen to your body: if it thinks it can go a little longer or a little faster, then let it. Don’t force it though - that’s the quickest route to the injury couch !

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

You may never make 5K in 30 minutes...you just run...enjoy and see how everything evolves..the more runs you do..the stronger you become. Strength and stamina build along with the new running legs:)

At this stage...let the legs find their happy pace...always leave a bit in the tank too...:)

The 5K may come..probably even you least expect it!

Undocontrol profile image
UndocontrolGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Good point! Hopefully that's the case, I've signed up for a funrun in August and figured it'd be a great thing to aim for!

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate

Took me 5 months after graduation to get sub 30. Increasing distance did it for me. I hate speed training.

Undocontrol profile image
UndocontrolGraduate in reply to Tasha99

I hate the idea of speed training too! I love how near the end of the run, the trainer says "you can speed up if you want"

Yeah, ok! xD

Candyfloss103 profile image
Candyfloss103

You’re doing well getting to 4.4km in 30mins. After graduation I done a Park Run to see how long it would take to cover the 5k. I’d say if you’ve got more to give try running for a bit longer. 600 meters will only take you another 4mins or so

Undocontrol profile image
UndocontrolGraduate in reply to Candyfloss103

Thank you! Yes, that's true. Once I've graduated and keep running, it'll be great to see the progress and what I can do then! :)

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