Getting fitter

[Fitat501970]

started last year then went on hols and lost motivation. started again now and coming to end week 3. not sure if going to fast as on treadmill and running at 6.7 mph but not sure if could keep going at that pace for the longer runs next week or does this come naturally.

[Ferrygirl Graduate]

I’ve just done run 1 of wk 4 today. Definitely harder but if you just keep your own pace (which in my case varied a bit) you’ll be fine - and feel good afterwards for achieving a step up

[Fitat501970 Graduate in reply to Ferrygirl]

thanks might slow down a little its the completing thats the important bit not the speed

[Bluecat9]

I run outside although this is still new to me this month, first time I’ve actually made it to start the program despite several downloads and intents. Health always threw more than a curveball. But that said I have found that even though I start slow, if I’m finding it hard to maintain that speed, I slow down more. As long as you’re moving and you manage to complete that’s the main thing. And even if you don’t manage to complete the full minutes of running, it doesn’t matter, just be kind to yourself.

[Fitat501970 Graduate in reply to Bluecat9]

you're right I think i should concentrate on just keeping going not the speed at which i am going. its just looking at that speed and feeling like i should be going faster. perhaps outdoor is better.

[Bluecat9 in reply to Fitat501970]

I think I would feel the pressure looking at the info on a treadmill, thankfully I don’t have one and opted for this program as it’s free so buying one would defeat that point. Running outside is good, I give myself little milestones guessing at how far down the street I’ll be when I’m told it’s time to run, or to walk again.

I’m sure you’ll do great whichever you decide to do though. Like you say, good to concentrate on just keeping going

[Fitat501970 Graduate in reply to Bluecat9]

we have had the treadmill for ages but its got a very low mileage! I might try some outdoor its a good idea thinking about how far etc be good motivation! Good luck with your journey.

[Bluecat9 in reply to Fitat501970]

You too

[Redvic97 Graduate]

Try not to focus on speed. Are you running at that speed (which equates to just over 10k/hr) in order to achieve 5k by the end of the programme? As you say it’s about completing it rather than speed and the programme is about building stamina rather than distance. The main focus is to try to ensure that you can run for the time set at each stage.

If you’re worried about being able to keep going slow down. Start slow and build up if you have something left in the tank. A lot of us don’t achieve 5k by the end but it sure feels good being able to run for 30 mins 😊

Good luck and let us know how you get on. Happy running 😊

[Fitat501970 Graduate in reply to Redvic97]

thanks for the advice. i think i am concentrating on distance which is making me go faster. i even speeded up to 7 for the last 1 1/2 min of final 3 to get my distance up! For some reason i feel better the further i have gone!

[Redvic97 Graduate in reply to Fitat501970]

I think that’s a common feeling but you may come unstuck further down the line when the runs get longer. Perhaps it might help to think you’ll only cover distance if you can keep running 😉

[Fitat501970 Graduate in reply to Redvic97]

Hadnt thought of it like that! thanks

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Have a go at an outdoor run. There's nothing to beat it!

[T2runner Graduate]

I am running on a treadmill as well, at the same stage you are, I have slowed down to 6.8 for w3, but I did speed the walk up slightly, w4 I may slow down again, not going for distance but sometimes on the cool down I will slow that after 5 mins for a bit. It is tempting to run longer but follow the plan, we can always speed up when fitter.

[Kezza76]

I am on week 3 as well running at 6 on tredmill god help us next week

[Nilsam Graduate]

There are some great posts that cover loads of fabulous ideas for you to try. I will add ...try an audio book. The story must be exciting and distracting or just plain funny. Pop a smile on your face and have fun. You are doing great! 😁

[shsoga Graduate]

Maybe you could try an outdoor run or two to see what your “natural” pace is when it isn’t being artificially controlled by the treadmill? Then if you choose to go back inside sometimes, or always if you prefer, you will have a better idea of where to set it.

It really isn’t about speed, the time for that is after graduation and consolidation. I am coming up for 3 years graduated and I still don’t get under 40 minutes for 5k - and I’m not trying to either, just happy plodding along!

[Sewnotfit Graduate in reply to shsoga]

This is so inspiring! I’m only only Week 2 and it’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling you’re not going as fast/ as far as others, and that at the end you’ll be dong 5k in 30 mins. I’ve spent 53 years thinking I can’t run. My sporty friend congratulated me at the end of Week 1 and I straight away said ‘well it’s early days, don’t get too excited!’ But as he said ‘well you’ve done a week of running which is a week more than you did last week!’

He’s right and if I’m running regularly in 3 years time, no matter how slowly, I’ll be chuffed to bits! Thanks for the encouragement shsoga!!

[Bikerbloke]

hello,

I think you should have a go at running outside, if you can. For me, it's a key motivator as it's lovely to be outside. not sure I'd cope too well with witnessing my probably negative speed on the running machine; I'm 50 and overweight, so my feet barely leave the ground. As long as I get through it I'm happy. Good luck and keep on truckin'!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Did you say 6.8 MPH - MILES per hour? Are you sure it isn't km/h ? Otherwise, 6.8 mph is very fast for a beginner ... I'd seriously wind that back a lot. You risk injury otherwise!

[Fitat501970 Graduate in reply to John_W]

yes MPH i was managing 3miles in 30 mins last april but then stopped and have started again so think i will slow down a bit.

[Piaffesal Graduate]

Stick a post-it note on your screen!!! Do what feels right & remember your only target is time.

This is where treadmills are unhelpful - if u were running outside, ignorance would be bliss😀

[Jayparr1969 Graduate]

Hi

I mainly run on treadmill

But I don't look at speed just my app

I Run steady so I feel OK

Get in a steady rhythm just get to end that's what's important the time not speed.