Actually reaching 5K...: First post and just... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Actually reaching 5K...

kjrrunner profile image
16 Replies

First post and just joined the community! Hi!

I'm on week 8 run 3 after a (much longer than 8 week) love hate relationship with running. I'm now at a point where I really enjoy it! Though I so sometimes beat myself up about my pace. Is anyone else finding that they're running for nearly 30 mins and not reaching a 5K?

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kjrrunner profile image
kjrrunner
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16 Replies
Maz1234 profile image
Maz1234Graduate

I’ve just finished week 8 run 3 and I’m not getting to 5k I’m hitting 4 k including warm up and cool down time. Getting so far on is a achievement in itself and you should be proud of were you are and don’t beat yourself up about it.

kjrrunner profile image
kjrrunner in reply toMaz1234

This does make me feel much better knowing that others are in the same boat as me! Thank you!

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnGraduate

Three HMs, umpteen 10ks, oodles of 5ks all non-stop - but best 5k was 33 minutes.

Stamina instead of speed :)

kjrrunner profile image
kjrrunner in reply toIrish-John

That's great to hear that! Stamina instead of speed it is :-) and well done to you, sounds like you're doing great after graduation!

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnGraduate in reply tokjrrunner

Thank you :)

Some are Greyhounds.

Some are Labradors.

Me - I'm a drooling lurching Bulldog when I run, but I keep running and running and its the toughest fun I've ever had :)

Wishing you many happy miles in your future :)

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate

No where near but will work on that after graduation! Well done & glad you enjoying it now. Welcome to the forum👋

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

A lot of people don't reach 5k by the end of the plan, don't worry. The main aim is to run for the time asked . You're doing great. Well done you 😊😊

Seaside22 profile image
Seaside22Graduate

Absolutely nowhere near 5K, but 30 mins non-stop running is a bit of a miracle in itself!

I'd say leave off worrying in two dimensions (time and distance) and just stick to time for now. Then as said above, work on extending one or the other after the end of W9 and consolidation. You're nearly there!

kjrrunner profile image
kjrrunner in reply toSeaside22

Thank you, this is helpful. I'll do just that! :D

tiggs1 profile image
tiggs1Graduate

I am covering just over 3.5k in 25mins of running but I am just glad I manage to run for the 25mins and not die!

You are doing great to be running for 28 mins and as others have said in time you can work on speed. As your stamina improves your speed will too.

MummyTum profile image
MummyTumGraduate in reply totiggs1

Me too!

Granspeed profile image
GranspeedGraduate

The title is catchy, as it was designed to be, but Couch to 30 Minutes Without Stopping would be more accurate. 😄🤣 A poll on here a while ago found only about 10% of runners made it to the 5K by the end of the Plan, so you’re in great company. 👏🏼

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

If you look at this poll of graduates healthunlocked.com/couchto5.... you will see that only a small proportion complete 5k in 30 minutes at graduation.

Requirements to graduate are that you run non stop for 30 minutes three times.

Brooko profile image
BrookoGraduate

4k as well, but that actually gives me hope.

iain-strachan profile image
iain-strachanGraduate

I definitely wouldn't worry about it. I just checked my Strava records and I did 3.49 km on Week 9 Run 3. First Parkrun I did 5k in just under 40 mins. Last week (4th one) 36:13. I expect it'll take me quite a while to get a sub-30m 5k. I think most people who do the course are pretty much the same.

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlGraduate

Graduated well over a year ago, have run many 5ks, but none under 30. Little bit quicker all the time though!

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