Faster, stronger: Does anyone have any advice on... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Faster, stronger

PlodLife profile image
PlodLifeGraduate
14 Replies

Does anyone have any advice on how to get quicker? I completed c25k a few months ago and have run 38 min park runs. My legs just get so tired and don't seem to have the speed. I physically don't feel like I could go any faster. Should I be doing shorter, quicker runs to get more power in my legs?

Any advice appreciated! 😊

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PlodLife profile image
PlodLife
Graduate
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14 Replies
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Runs... lots of them; and mix them up...30 minute runs, short runs and new routes.. and... the lovely long, slow, see where you get to, runs.

They are the very ones, the slow, long ones,, which build up stamina and strength, distance and weirdly...speed:)

Up your non impact exercise on some of your rest days too.. loads of exercises to get those legs feeling stronger...Get a workout routine going... and eventually the running will evolve.

PlodLife profile image
PlodLifeGraduate in reply toOldfloss

Thank you! I gym 3 days a week: mix of low impact cardio and weights. Run 2-3 times. Had an injury last month or so which I think is getting better. Just need to get faster...Thanks for the advice!!!

in reply toPlodLife

Get some lunges going in the gym, try ankle weights if you use the treadmill.

Good luck.

PlodLife profile image
PlodLifeGraduate in reply to

Thank you! I do quads and hams machines and a lot of weighted stuff as a hangover from physio when o had acl surgery. Good tip though...Thanks!

in reply toPlodLife

No problem, I hope it works out for you.

in reply toPlodLife

Are you giving yourself rest days?

PlodLife profile image
PlodLifeGraduate in reply to

Yes. Generally Do something 5 days a week

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Have you read the guide to post C25K running? healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

It explains that the most effective way to get faster is to run slowly(easy conversational pace) for 75-80% of the time, then push harder for the remainder, using intervals or fartlek.

Teemack profile image
Teemack

I’m not there yet, but when I used to run I would find a hill in my local park and run up it as hard as I could for about a minute, jog back down and a couple of minutes later go again. Do that for as long as you can and you’ll start to see the seconds drop off.

PlodLife profile image
PlodLifeGraduate in reply toTeemack

Great advice! I'll give it a go

Kevtrev profile image
Kevtrev

You’re doing fantastic speed will come don’t force it I’m doing 10K training and the distance running is improving my pace I’ve improved so much so that’s what will improve your speed. And going to the gym is a fantastic thing for strength training I go to the gym as well and leg day is important leg extensions leg hamstring curls squats calf raises leg press hack squats calf raises on hack squat machine and dead lifts all these will help and a strong core as well as a strong back all these things add up and help you improve your leg strength. I train 3 times a week at the gym and run 3 times a week one of them is a park run and I ran my last park run and got a new PB without knowing as my pace is improving I first got 36:57 now my best time is 31:24 so my speed and endurance has improved so give it time and you will improve 😉👏👏👏👏

PlodLife profile image
PlodLifeGraduate in reply toKevtrev

That's amazing! We'll done

Kevtrev profile image
Kevtrev in reply toPlodLife

Thank you so much hope the advice has helped you 😉👏👏

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduate

Strength, stamina and the length of service mixed together with strength exercises and various runs, as suggested by the friends above. Once you've reached the limit (you will know it), don't despair or compare yourself to others, irrespective of age/ability/body shape. Pros despair over those things and our job is to maintain fun and health elements for as long as Lady Luck feels that way. Hopefully a long time for all of us.

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