W6 Completed

[Traci28]

I finished my 25 min running on such a high until I heard that 5km should take me 30 mins to run. It took me a total of 36 min to run today and that is only 3km. I’m obviously way too slow but really don’t feel I can up my pace (currently an embarrassing 11:15/km). Totally bummed now 😢

[Davo123 Graduate]

Don't worry about pace Traci. That will come in time. Just be happy that you're taking part in this great programme. I finally completed W9R3 today and felt so good at 30 minutes, I decided to continue on for the full 5K. That gave me such a buzz. There's no such thing as "too slow" on this programme. Just concentrate on completing the 9 weeks and then after a few consolidation weeks you can focus on quickening your pace. Keep at it!!

[Traci28 in reply to Davo123]

Thank you - you have put my head in the right place now xxx

[LeeU Graduate]

Firstly, don't get caught up on the 5K thing, it's only the name of the program, not a target, the name should really be Couch to 30 minutes but it isn't as catchy as Couch to 5k. I can run for well over 30 minutes and don't hit 5k in 30 minutes, not even close.

Only around 10% of people actually hit 5k in 30 minutes, your pace is your pace, did you think that 6 weeks ago you would be running for 25 minutes let alone be thinking about your 5k pace?

My first 5k took me around 46 minutes.

The more you run and the longer you run helps build your stamina and will increase your pace over time, don't try to force it, it will happen naturally.

[Traci28 in reply to LeeU]

Thank you so much - I really needed that! It is so true when you say that 6 weeks ago I would never have imagined I would be able to run for 25 min. xxx

[LeeU Graduate in reply to Traci28]

Traci, the main thing is, just enjoy your runs and over time your pace will increase.

[Comfortnotspeed]

There is no "should" time so don't let that destroy your high. You are aiming to first, run for a sustained amount of time and then build up distance. If you look at the stats at your local park run you will see many people running and walking 5k in more than 30 mins.

Don't sweat it! 🤣😂🤣 sorry for pun!

[Traci28 in reply to Comfortnotspeed]

Love the pun 💦 That’s it - I’m going to not look at the time it’s taken me to run and only look at the actual minutes I have run (if that makes sense) 😂

[RunningStN Graduate]

Don’t feel bummed out. This course is teaching us to pace ourselves and gain a good running technique. Once you graduate you can focus on getting your pace and continue training yourself! My friend did C25k and it’s taken her a year to get her time down, but she can now run 5K in 23 minutes! Which is good considering it was taking her 45 ☺️ you can do this!

[Traci28 in reply to RunningStN]

Thank you 😊

[Oldlady57]

I found that running to time rather than distance takes the pressure off Traci. Your doing fab. Look how far you’ve come since W1R1 👍🏻

[Traci28 in reply to Oldlady57]

That is what I will concentrate on now. Thank you for the positivity 😘

[Astonechat Graduate]

I use MapMyRun alongside the podcast. I find it really interesting to look back and see that incrementally I have improved although it doesn’t feel like it!

[Hatman Graduate]

No way you are slow! My first ParkRun 5K was 46 minutes. About your speed now? The plan gets you running for 30 minutes. You could do that now. Think back to how you struggled in week1, just like we all did! Now look at you! You are so close to your 30 minutes! Really well done!

Do you run the same route each time? W7 is similar times to W6. Could you get to one street corner further in each run? Just a few metres more each time? In the same time? Not too far. Glad you are taking the time to warm up and down properly. That is so much more important now that you are a proper runner. Keep up the good work!

[Traci28 in reply to Hatman]

I love the ‘proper runner’ comment. Made me feel all fuzzy inside 😂

[Hatman Graduate in reply to Traci28]

You are entitled to feel “Fuzzy”, having come on so well.

You do also have to accept the responsibility of being one, and preparing properly. Have fun being that runner!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Nothing to be embarrassed about you just ran 25 minutes non stop that's amazing. Don't bother about pace or distance covered for now. 😊😊

[Gwenllian1 Graduate]

I was just the same. I graduated the months ago and still couldn't do 5k in 30 mins.but I can run for 55 minutes without stopping which is nothing short of amazing! Never going to be speedy but am going to be fit!