W6R2 done! But too slow?

[Nuggets28]

Just finished W6R2 and decided to follow some friends on Strava, my page was 9.28 per km and now I feel like I'm too slow. Should I be faster at this point?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

No, you don't need to run too fast, keep at your own comfortable pace, gradually your pace will naturally increase, slow and steady is the mantra slogan here on C25K 👍 🏃. Onwards and upwards to run 3 of week 6, after you complete it you will OFFICIALLY be a runner. 😊 🏃

[Scouser67 Graduate]

As AIMorr says slow but steady. The programme is about building your stamina so that you will run for 30 minutes at the end of it. Run at a pace that suites you. Happy Running 🏃‍♀️

[backintime Graduate]

No such thing as too slow !

Embrace your inner tortoise (or snail). Go at the pace which is nice and comfortable for you

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

This is why Strava sucks... never compare your pace to anyone but yourself. You were fast enough because there is no too slow... you were slow enough because you finished the run. Great job... keep it just like that.

[Granspeed Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 So hard to avoid irrelevant comparisons!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Granspeed]

For sure... Mo Farah will always kick my ass... I do compare though... if I’m half his pace I’m delighted 🤣

[Granspeed Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

There’s a good perspective. 👍

[Jell6 Graduate]

I use Strava, but only for me, as UFN says, don't compare to anyone. The aim of the programme is to run for the amount of minutes, and you have, job done 😊

[alisonr54 Graduate]

I had a disastrous run a couple of nights ago because I tried to up my speed! I felt awful and my legs were like lead! Tonight I had an easy run at my normal pace and it felt great. I think it will be a while before I attempt another speed run 😫 I do want to increase my pace but right now I’m just going to focus on the fact that I’m running no matter how slow! You do what feels right for you.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

The mantra on here, for which, I am infamous...slow,and steady. You run this at your own pace.. a comfortable happy pace.. . .

No such thing as too slow...just run and enjoy...Onward and upward..x

[Blackcat66 Graduate]

No, not too slow at all. How long is a piece of string? I'm a couple of weeks ahead of you and still very slow, but some lovely people on here drew my attention to Japanese slow running (YouTube). It's a thought. Well done on your progress so far!

[MarkyD Graduate]

In March 2019, StormyMonday said on this forum Comparison is the thief of joy. So true.

[Granspeed Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

Love it! My new mantra. 😄

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

Never, ever, ever too slow 🙂

Trying to go too fast for your current level of fitness, body type, age, health etc etc is a sure fired way to injury.

Please do not think you are expected to run 5km in 30 mins. It's about building endurance not speed. Couch to running for 30 minutes is not a very catchy title! 85-90% of participants have not got to 5km by graduation.

The most important thing is to enjoy your running.

Have fun 👍

From a proud member of the Snail Club (tortoises also welcome♡) 🐌

[Tiggysalledgedowner Graduate]

Just done the same run as you and actually enjoyed it. I’ve been getting slower almost every week, but so what? I did increase the pace a little at the end of the 2nd 10 minutes, and felt very smug. As said elsewhere, getting to 30 minutes is what counts.

[ScottJB Graduate]

I use Strava and I find it great for comparing my own runs to see what progress I’m making as it compares routes/segments you’ve run before, but like others have said don’t worry about comparing yourself to how fast your friends are running. I’ve a few that run almost twice as fast as me, but they’ve been running for years, I know I’ll never reach their standards, but I’m happy to see my own progress and just use Strava as a good way of competing against myself.

[Shubo Graduate]

You are faster than most of the population because you are doing it

It’s still really early days

You are doing it, your friends may be faster but they aren’t you, they will have different bodies, different experience

I often beat myself up about this but I’m doing it

You are doing it. Celebrate that

[Looneychewns]

I've found I've been getting slower but I've noticed a lot more runners when I'm out and about and they all go slow and steady. Speed will come later, for now I'm just focusing on the time rather than speed 🐢

[Tazzy_wazzy Graduate]

Run as slow as you like. It’s your running journey not a race. Keep going and well done 👍

[linda9389 Graduate]

No, no, no, no, no. Just no. It's over two years since I graduated. If I could change one thing about my C25K it would be to have really understood that I should have run those first 9 weeks more slowly. It is not a race. It is a foundation for the future and the key thing is to enjoy it. I have now run three half marathons and managed several sub 30 minute 5ks. I was nowhere near 5k in my 30 min graduation run, yet I see now I could have run much slower and enjoyed it even more! You're doing great, don't doubt it - just enjoy.

[Runrunner Graduate]

I am at the same pace too and was wondering the same question.

[Runs Graduate]

I completed C25K early May and I am still very slow, but very glad I can run just over 4 km. And I congratulate myself for every run. That's my pace and I can see small improvements, e.g. the first few minutes feel less alien than before.

[LittleSallyRacket Graduate]

This programme isn’t about pace. It’s about endurance - building up your endurance until you can jog for 30 mins without stopping. Only after you’ve finished the programme and built up to covering the distance should you start thinking about pace (and even then you don’t have to - the right pace is whatever feels right for you. Everyone’s natural pace is different and everyone has a different length of stride).

[Miss-fuschia Graduate]

I’ve just done W6R2 and had to go slow the last 10 mins as my legs just felt so tired! But don’t forget the 3 min walk might have slowed down your pace, I use a map run thing and the runs with more walks pace is a lot slower so bear that in mind! But isn’t it amazing to be able to run however slow for longer than a minute like 6 weeks ago! Keep it up!

[Rogie55 Graduate]

Not too slow. As everyone says, this is a jog/run at your pace. I have just completed my last 25 mins run! It’s so hot today, I was trying to find shade. I did it and now look forward to cooler weather. My fit bit says I ran, but today I was slower. However just keep going. I’m going to look up Japanese slow running. Sounds perfect.

[Hidden]

If you are moving then you are not too slow. I feel as if I’m running too slow also but I’m better that I was when I started. Better as in able to run longer. You can work on speed once you’re able to complete the timed run at the end. You’ve got this!

[WaIdt17]

As long as you are running the times it matters not a jot how far or how fast at this stage - I am as slow as a slow thing, gradually getting more comfortable in my stride and at some point I might do a sub 30min 5K but that is a long way off - I am delighted that I can do a sub 50min 5K because 9 weeks ago I was willing every minute of running to be over and now I can run 5K without stopping - but at my own pace! Remember only to compare yourself to what you were before you started.

[Evol Graduate in reply to WaIdt17]

That's fantastic advice. I haven't made the fabled 5k yet but I'm extending my time and enjoying myself.

[Sillybilly1 Graduate]

I used to look at friends times and felt the same.. then I realised that I am doing this for ME and that my pace is my pace, the only person I’m racing is myself!!

Enjoy your runs, enjoy your environment, enjoy your achievements......

Just enjoy!!

[Bluepup1 Graduate]

I agree with everything that’s been said - it’s your journey no one else’s - remember the tortoise and the hare - the people you are comparing yourself with could end up burning themselves out and (have to) give up, whereas you will ‘fly’ past them 🤗 x

[Oldlady57]

Slow is always good Nuggets (just ask Oldfloss) Less risk of injury too. Your doing fab, keep doing what your doing 👍🏻

[Richyrunslow Graduate]

I have completed the C25K and have for the last year run on regular occasions. Parkrun is a must for me and the results say i am always in the bottom third of runners.....But you know what? I am faster than i was, sitting on the sofa watching TV. The big difference from last year to now is i have stopped worrying about my speed.

[BaddieThePirate Graduate]

This explains it best youtu.be/9L2b2khySLE(Not working as expected?)

Keep doing what you’re doing 👍

[JumpingFrog]

What does it matter on how fast you go. Your trying and succeeding. If you really want to go faster let your muscles develop over time and it will happen

[Evol Graduate]

I am a happy 🐌 and proud! Just enjoy and don't worry. Well done!