Still not managing 5k

[Maria_]

I graduated back at the start of June, still can't quite believe it. I struggled with every run but managed to get through them all. I now run for around around 35 minutes every other morning, at first I was only covering 3.75km, now I'm up to 4.5km in 37 mins, going to push to the 5km next week. I don't ever think I'll be able to run the 5km in 30 minutes!

As an aside, I started in April, running every other morning and still do but haven't lost any weight or inches. I've also dramatically changed my eating habits and now eat healthy meals and cut out all the crap. What am I doing wrong, surely I should have lost some weight or changed body shape by now?!

[Archerygoddess Graduate]

Hi, Maria, You're actually doing great! Think back to when you started. I bet you never thought you'd be able to run for 35 minutes. If you can't run 5k in 30 minutes then so what? I've never done it and have no ambition to. If I improve my pace I'm happy, but I'm more happy that I've improved my fitness. As to weight loss, you're probably losing fat but gaining muscle so you won't see much difference to begin with. Give yourself time to adjust to your new lifestyle and also give yourself a huge pat on the back for what you've achieved so far. You have done something amazing xx

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

You are not doing anything wrong, as far as weight, it's up to you if you want to go onto a controlled diet with the exercises, losing weight takes time as you seem to be on a reasonably healthy eating regime, you could run sub 35 minute 5K rather than sub 30 minutes, that's a little more achieveable. 😊 🏃🏾

[tara-j Graduate]

Running is one of those things, I think if you focus on keeping it up and healthy eating the weight will suddenly start to sort itself out. Sub 35 a great idea compared to flogging yourself for not getting sub 30. Chin up😊👏👏

[Jane286 Graduate]

You're doing great! maybe instead of thinking--I can't get to 5k in 30 minutes try focusing on Wow! I can run for 37 minutes or 40 minutes whatever it takes to get to 5k for you. Running is 85-90 percent mental strength and it takes a lot of mental strength to keep going those added 10 minutes.

[Millertime83 Graduate]

Hi Maria. Try using an app called lose it. That’s what I used. I did lots of walking, healthy eating, exercise bike and now running. I have lost over 3 stone and am maintaining now. Sometimes you just need something there with a goal in mind to help with the weight lose.

Don’t sweat the 5k. Just improve your pace and enjoy the running. Trying to push yourself to do 5k won’t be enjoyable unless you are doing it for any other reason than just so can say you did it.

[Bontobpat Graduate]

Hi Maria, are you running on a treadmill or outside? If still on treadmill have you increased the incline in order to burn more calories?

[Maria_ Graduate in reply to Bontobpat]

I now try and run outside as much as possible, I now prefer it.

[Maria_ Graduate]

Thanks all - I'm actually pleased to say I ran (well slowly jogged) this morning and got to the 5km mark in a little over 42 mins! Will carry on now and keep running to the 5km, hopefully i'll get quicker eventually.

[RunGirl1989 Graduate]

Hi Maria_

Just think how far you've come - 37min running!

That's incredible!

I am sure the weight will start dropping soon x