Embarrassed by my pace.

[Graleystives]

I’m in my late 50s and overweight. I always hated sport so I have surprised myself by completing the C25K about 4 weeks ago.

Since then I have been running for 30 minutes 3 x a week by doing circuits around a field attached to my house. However, my pace has not increased at all and I only cover between 2.6 and 2.9 km in the 30 minutes so 5k would take me close to an hour.

I have tried the steppingstones app but find it difficult to match the pace for very long.

I would really like to start branching out to running outside my home and go to a local park or quiet lanes. However, I am too embarrassed by how slow I am and feel that I must look ridiculous.

Are there any tips to try and improve my pace as, if anything, I am getting slower and I really do want to be fitter and enjoy running.

Thank you.

[Archerygoddess Graduate]

Congratulations on completing couch to 5k. What an achievement🏅. It can be hard when you read other peoples posts not to compare, but try to resist the temptation and just be yourself. There are no prizes for going faster! Check out Ju-Ju's consolidation club on pinned posts, as she will have loads of useful advice for new runners. I found that my pace just increased gradually over time as I became fitter, so yours might, too. At the end of the day what does it matter? As to being embarrassed to go out in 'public', try not to forget that you have joined an elite club for people who can actually run for 30 minutes. Don't be afraid to show off your new ability. Who knows, you might inspire someone?

[Cass746 Graduate]

Branch out and don't be embarrassed, you're running, well done you. Are you on grass at the moment or is there a path in the field? Grass is better for your joints but you do run slower, you wil find you are faster in the pavement. I also found my pace increased when I stopped circuits and went from A to B as I wanted to get back home in time. Good luck

[chunkypie Graduate]

Your doing 3x30 each week. Give yourself a huge pat on the back you deserve it. That In itself is an achievement ! Just stick with and I'm sure your speed will developed over time. Maybe try different routes and mix it up a bit 🙂

[ju-ju- Graduate]

Congratulations on graduating, that’s a fantastic achievement. Rather than give you advice on speeding up, I am going to say you are doing just fine. We all run at a different pace, and busting a gut often ends in injury. I’ve been running for 8 years now, and most of my runs are at a very gentle pace because that feels right for me, my body and my enjoyment.

My advice is to get outside and enjoy nature. Focus on getting the most out of your run, get your body used to it, and stick to your schedule. Once your confidance starts to grow, you could add in an interval session once a week, but only when you are ready, and really want to do that.

Enjoy your running and please don’t worry about what anyone else thinks 🌈

[Dtay1978 Graduate]

No need to feel embarrassed, everyone’s body is different, so it helps if you just focus on what you’re doing and not what others are or think you should be doing. You’re doing great 🙂

[Graleystives Graduate]

Thank you to everyone who has replied - it really helps I will “keep on keeping on”.

[AmbiBamb]

You’ve done absolutely brilliantly. I started out feeling embarrassed at people seeing me run BUT now I tell myself “at least I’m out there doing it”. I’ve just done finished week 6 and I’m slow but so much slower on grass than on a hard surface.

Don’t beat yourself up over pace; you are doing it and you are doing it regularly. Enjoy it and feel proud x

[Larrythecat Graduate]

You’re doing amazing and have perseverance so don’t worry. I ran in the woods when I first started because I was so embarrassed as I was slow and looked a dreadful sight. I agree with others here who say get outside and be in nature: listen to the birds etc, I find it takes my mind off how slow I am. I find the paths in parks a happy medium from grass v pavement (i don’t as knees hurt after). Stick with it🏆

[Graleystives Graduate]

I am going to try a local park in the evening. Hopefully, it will be quiet and a good stepping stone. I think it will add more interest as running around the same field for 14 weeks has become a little uninspiring! Also, like this morning, if it’s dewy Or it’s raining my feet get rather wet.

You are all right, I do need to overcome my self consciousness and acknowledge that running, even at my pace, is better than not running at all.

I do worry about seeing somebody I know as only my immediate family know I’m doing this. I know it is a pointless thought but I can’t help thinking how people would mock me for trying to run when I am such a frump!

Thank you for all your positive comments- they really help.

The kindness and encouragement of everyone on this forum have enabled me to persevere.