Week 4 done - why am I so slow?

[struass]

So, I’ve been sticking to the plan religiously and completing each session. Never been a runner but been pretty fit until the last 2 years.

I record everything in Strava and comparing myself to other friends going the plan I’m about 2km/m slower. I average just over 8km/m.

Wondering if this is ok or should I be pushing myself more? I feel comfortable during each session

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Hi, this plan isn’t about speed and you are faster than us and we’ve been running just over a year now

Don’t compare just take it slow and run easy so you can get to the end of each times run with a little bit left

[struass Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thanks 👍.

I was doing fine until the last run and quite chuffed with myself . I’ll maybe stop looking at other peoples Strava 🙈

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to struass]

Other people’s Strava yeah stop looking, remember you are faster than everyone who didn’t get out there so you are awesome and a winner

[MMP175 Graduate]

I’ve just finished week 5 and averaged 9.3min/k today. The 20min was only 2.3km but I’m just happy that I managed 20 minutes. I’m certainly not getting any faster overall. Just stick with it, slow and steady is the way to go.

[Go59 Graduate in reply to MMP175]

Well done! I've got to do run 3 on Thursday. You are faster than me lol.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

I am not quite sure what your speed is because you have said it is 8k per minute...........which I suspect is not what you intended to write.......maybe you meant 8mins per kilometre.

If you compare to other people, then you will always find faster runners and slower runners.

Whichever, is irrelevant to C25k which is a duration based plan.

Enjoy your journey.

[jb071991 Graduate]

Remember your doing a mix of walking and running which will massively affect your average speed.

If you go into the run (I use Nike) you can see your running speed during the running sessions!