Finished Week 6

[geoh95]

Hi all! I just finished the 3rd run of week 6 today (25 minutes with no rest in the middle) and feel proud I've come this far... but I am slightly concerned I'm really not going very fast at all! Definitely doing nowhere near 5k (just a bit over 3k in the time) and I definitely don't feel like a runner yet! Hoping this isn't too abnormal?

[Timotea Graduate]

Hi there!

I am a graduate and my longest run was 7.5k but no where near 5k in 30 mins. Lay 5k took almost 50 minutes. I am now working on trying to get a bit faster but it’s a slow process. Don’t worry about speed until you have loads of consolidation runs under your belt.

[geoh95 Graduate in reply to Timotea]

Thank you so much - this is so reassuring to hear!

[SandraY1 Graduate]

Well done 👍 The object of Couch to 5K is to get us to run nonstop for 30 minutes. Some of us after 9 weeks will be able to run 5K in 30 minutes, but not everyone. We need to put in the miles and stamina we will get faster over time. We need to learn how to pace ourselves so that we don't get injured. Enjoy the process. The snail 🐌 is your best friend at the moment.

[geoh95 Graduate in reply to SandraY1]

So glad to hear you say snail pace is best at the moment haha, thank you!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

No it isn't too abnormal, you are now OFFICIALLY a RUNNER by completing run 3 of week 6, you don't need to run fast, as long as you ran continuously for 25 minutes which you did, congratulations, onwards and upwards to week 7.

[geoh95 Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you!!

[Nilsam Graduate]

Definitely not, but you actually are a runner. To run for that long without stopping. Well done. Many of us have those doubting little voices but we have to teach them they are wrong. Happy running. 👣😎

[geoh95 Graduate in reply to Nilsam]

Thanks!

[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.

Enjoy your journey.

[Emcg51]

Well done 😄 there is no ‘normal’ just do whatever feels right for you and don’t compare yourself to anyone. I am a tortoise, but still faster than I was when I was on the couch 😂

[geoh95 Graduate in reply to Emcg51]

Very true - thank you!