Running Comparison

[purple_gem]

Hi, can anyone recommend any good sites to compare your running speed to others based on age/sex?I know the point of couch to 5k is more about stamina but I would like to see how my speed is progressing, thanks🙂

[MarkyD Graduate]

Parkrun publish a load of data, split by gender and age. You’ll see an “age-graded score”. This compares your pace at 5km with the world record holder of the same age category.

But your desire to compare yourself based on age and sex had a fatal flaw. Age and sex are two parameters, but weight & height & surface & number of corners & previous fitness & lung capacity & VO2max & lactate threshold & many other things are important, too. I was able to run a lot faster than my twin brother until he died in February. But then he had a brain tumour and mobility issues, even though we were the same age & sex.

You are running perfectly well for you. Running is all about personal accomplishments. Please don’t care how you compare to others.

“Comparison: the thief of joy.”

[purple_gem in reply to MarkyD]

Thank you, this is very helpful. I agree that the point is to get fitter rather than compare but personally comparison is a motivating factor for me, mostly in comparison to myself but just a vague idea of running times is interesting. Im also sorry to hear of your loss, that must have been awful to deal with.Thanks again.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to purple_gem]

Download the Strava app and join the Health Unlocked C25K group on there.

You're welcome

[Dmwx]

Strava is good- also has a Couch to 5k group on there