Is this too slow? : Ok so I don't really do... - Couch to 5K

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Is this too slow?

clairelouiserunner profile image

Ok so I don't really do stats when it comes to running, but a friend recently recommended 'Map My Run' so I used it on W7R2 this evening and I'm feeling so deflated 😞

It told me that I ran 2.31km with an average pace of 12:32 minutes/km.

I think this is extraordinarily slow. Can any running pros out there tell me if this is too slow? Do I need to up the pace?

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clairelouiserunner profile image
clairelouiserunner
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20 Replies
Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate

If you want to win an Olympic gold medal, it's too slow. If you want all the pleasure and health benefits that come from running for 30 minutes continuously, there is no such thing as too slow.

As long as you're moving forward in a running motion - both feet off the ground at some point during your stride - you're doing amazing. All you need to do is keep going; you can think about speeding up if you want to after you graduate.

Good luck 👍

Tinytears60 profile image
Tinytears60Graduate in reply toSpeedy60

Yeyyy love this... what a fab way to articulate it!

SO true

Thanks 🙏🏻

Jools2020 profile image
Jools2020Graduate

Well done for your run! How many times have you read on here not to be concerned about your pace? 😀Get through the programme. Enjoy the pace that you are comfortable with. Laugh at yourself if you’re slow (like me) 😀. Concentrate on building your stamina with every run, and increase pace towards towards the end of the run if you have anything left. For me, that’s only the last 60 seconds. And that’s only been for the last 2 runs. It doesn’t matter yet. Once you’ve graduated and feel comfortable running for 30 minutes, then you can look at your pace. Don’t try and rush things, it will come.

MontyMooDog profile image
MontyMooDogGraduate in reply toJools2020

Can't say it any better myself lol 😂👍😀

Jools2020 profile image
Jools2020Graduate in reply toMontyMooDog

I wrote it as a reminder to myself as well 😂

Nilsam profile image
NilsamGraduate

I am not a pro...at all. However I can confidently tell you...it is not too slow. You are running for a set period of time and that is what the 9 week programme is about. It is a bit of a shock at week 9 (30mins) run when you realise us slower runners are not going to get to 5k in 30 mins but then that is something else to work towards. Right now you need to work on general health and stamina. Lifting your feet up and down for 30 mins or so...whatever the speed. Have faith. Be kind to yourself. If you want to keep measuring your runs you can reward yourself with new running socks when you beat your personal best (PB). But it is just that...your PB. So try not to compare with others. You are doing great. 🏃🏻‍♀️🤸🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️

juliemacd1 profile image
juliemacd1Graduate

I’m a slower-than-slow runner (in my opinion) - but I’m focussing on the minutes running now and not the distance. Even tonight’s wk8r2, which felt good, and thought it was a wee bit faster turned out it wasn’t. Still - I got out of the house on a rainy day. Still a win.

Keep on going.

Plattszo profile image
PlattszoGraduate

Hi Claire. I have no more to add about pace that others have not already said.

What I would like to do is invite you to reflect on what you wanted to achieve when you first started... I bet it was to run continuously for 30 minutes?

Perhaps refocus on that for now? You could look at pace later, if you want to.... take the pressure off. :)

Roxdog profile image
RoxdogGraduate

As everyone has said, you're doing brilliantly. This is not extraordinarily slow, it is your comfortable pace. Comfortable pace means you are more able to relax, keep good posture and enjoy your runs. Keep doing what you're doing, it's perfect.

Swanseajen profile image
SwanseajenGraduate

I have had major issues with Map My Run- no idea why as it uses the same GPS as other apps but for me it was always between half and a WHOLE km out in measuring my distance and therefore told me I was going slower than my nana. I AM very slow but not that slow. Maybe you’re slow - which is totally cool. But maybe try another app and also try measuring the route you took to see if the app is out. I used a website called onthego map which I found more accurate and gave me a way of calculating my true pace. Ultimately, as all these lovely people will tell you, it doesn’t matter. Being able to run for 30 mins non stop is the goal and you are completely awesome. Happy running

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate in reply toSwanseajen

Sometimes it's not the app that's at fault, it's the gps on your phone. They're especially dodgy if you have battery saving or wi fi on.

Tinytears60 profile image
Tinytears60Graduate in reply toSpeedy60

Never knew this either! Learnt a couple of things today 👍 🙏🏻

KittyFrost profile image
KittyFrostGraduate

Claire you just ran 2.31km!!!!! Did you think you could do that 7 weeks ago when you started? I know I didn’t.

As for speed, you’re running much faster than if you were sitting on the couch....

Keep your chin up, you can do this!

Silverfox1943 profile image
Silverfox1943Graduate

Dont worry about speed or distance, just do the plan. As I say to everyone, stay injury free.

Get the plan done then you can think of what to do next.

Progression and slow go hand in hand.

Getting all your muscles, tendons, and ligaments in good working order is the main aim then you will feel the benefits. It will become a drug.😎

👨‍🦼👨‍🦽👨‍🦯🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️👍

Suesixty profile image
SuesixtyGraduate

I know how you feel. I run about the same pace as you. It’s a strange dilemma that we know it’s okay to run really slowly yet we still seem to beat ourselves up a bit about it anyway. I have realised my progress is also slow and any increase in speed, distance and stamina is also coming at a snails pace and in baby steps and I have to just keep going but that’s the point in the end. Good luck.

Blackberrypie profile image
BlackberrypieGraduate

Gps can be way off - the other day strava calculated that I was running a kilometre in 2m31! I'm pretty sure I wasn't setting a new world record...

It may be worth using a route creator to track your distance and check if that was really your pace. But at the end of the day what matters is that you're running!

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate in reply toBlackberrypie

Same point as to Swanseajen - it's more likely to be the gps on your phone that's at fault, rather than the app itself.

Tinytears60 profile image
Tinytears60Graduate in reply toBlackberrypie

Well I would definitely take that!🤣🤣

Maybe you need to change your name to speedy gonzalez x

Tinytears60 profile image
Tinytears60Graduate

Hi Claire

I think we are all feeling the self competitive bug...

I do the same.. checking pace but I have realised maybe not to as it can make me feel bad about a fab run 🏃🏽‍♀️

It’s more about completing them at the moment ... read my post yesterday.... Michael is always popping in my ear to tell me it’s not about pace it’s about sticking with programme...

Let’s celebrate your positives W7r2 completed

🏃🏽‍♀️👏👏👏👏👏

Well done!

Ps I think once we graduate we can then look at pace and other stuff x

Gettingfitslowly profile image
Gettingfitslowly

It's not about speed its learning to pace and complete the stages. I'm slower but a graduate now feeling so proud. Next can aim to slowly get faster! Be proud of what your doing!

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