How slow is too slow?!

[Lolly85]

Hello! On Monday I completed week 5 run 2, and to be honest I found it much harder than run 1! I’m not sure if that’s because I did it at a different time of day or I was more tired or something but I’m now a little hesitant about doing 25 mins today!

I have been reflecting on it and as I was running my first 10 minutes, I started slowly as I always do, but there was a woman walking in front of me and I became very aware I wasn’t gaining on her. But she was walking! So I upped my pace and took over (incredibly conscious of my huffing and puffing!) it was really hard work, I tried to maintain it and pass a few more walkers but it was agony! So for the second run I slowed back down... I did it reasonably comfortably but it then I have spent the last two days worrying that I’m so slow!

It’s a long way off I know, but I’m hoping that next year I’ll be able to run a marathon to raise some money for my local children’s hospital as they helped my children so much, but I’m concerned that I’ll be too slow!!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done.

The appropriate pace for you is one at which you can speak clear ungasping sentences as you run as described in the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

If you can walk faster that is not uncommon and not a problem.

This easy conversational pace will get faster as you get fitter.

The next run is not 25 minutes.

[tiggs1 Graduate]

I ask myself the same question every time I run! I completed W4R2 last night and in all honesty I am certain that my brisk walks are faster than my runs. The thing I am keeping in mind is that I am RUNNING and I may not break any land speed records but I am going at a pace I can sustain for longer each week.

I don’t see a point in pushing myself to go faster only to not have the stamina to finish the time I need to run for.

The main thing is that you are managing to run for a longer amount of time every time you go out. I am guessing the speed will come later.

My answer is there is no such thing as ‘too slow’

[Twinkle9 Graduate]

Hi Lolly85. There is no such thing as too slow, you are out there smashing it, well done you. Keep going at your own speed and enjoy 😊

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Wk5r3 is 20 minutes not 25 I take it that's what you mean. Anyway there is no too slow . As long as you are running and completing each run that's all that is asked of you. Well done you 😊

[2718281 Graduate]

If you can go slower without going backwards, it's not too slow! It will take time to get the speed, for now you are working on running for 30min, it's much harder to do that running (whatever speed) than walking and you are smashing it! Don't worry about being too slow!

[Lolly85]

Thank you all! I made a typo and it should have said week 6 not week 5! Definitely 25 mins tonight! But I shall be reassured that it’s not too slow! Thank you xx

[Annieapple Graduate]

Slow is best on this programme! Once you graduate you can work on pace and time and training for marathons. You are doing perfectly for now. Don’t worry about the walkers. Only time to overtake them is when you are walking!! Enjoy 😉🐌