I (amazingly) graduated the c25k about 3 weeks ago now and have since been doing solid 5k runs 3 times a week averaging a pace of about 9'40 and completing within 32 minutes.
My question is, do I now push on to training for a 10k run or do I stick with the 5k and concentrate on improving my time?
I feel like I'd like to try the 10k but don't know if it would be technically better for me to 1st improve my 5k time?
Written by
MartyH80
Graduate
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If you are comfortable with your 5k runs then why not move onto 10k. Moving up to 10k is again not about speed but about building duration.
In my opinion getting more miles on your legs will improve your 5k time and you build the miles more by doing longer runs than shorter ones.
The guide to post C25k running healthunlocked.com/couchto5... has links to the Bridge to 10k forum and other options for building your distance, but please don't try to beat your pb on every run.......slow runs build stamina and endurance.
For me, the two went hand in hand. I got comfortable at 5k but my speed remained pretty constant. It was only when I'd built and consolidated at 10k that I noticed a dramatic change in my speed over 5k.
A year on and I'm definitely faster now, and I can run much further too, but really I've just got to the "lace up my shoes, follow my nose and not actually care too much about how far or fast I run" stage. It's just about the enjoyment of doing something that feels good and has both physical and mental benefits.
Love that, its far to easy to get hooked up on speed or distance but the reality is however far or fast I go the benefits are all the same in terms of well-being.
To run fast, you need to run slow. Long slow running will build your strength and stamina. Either follow the 10k plan or gradually increase your distance by 10% each week (that's how I did it). Every 4th or 5th run, try your fastest 5k. You'll find your time improving!
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