How slow is too slow for a 5k?

[Sandtheplodder]

Although I know the answer to this question will be that if you complete the 5k it doesn't matter what the time is. Usually I'm very positive at having completed another 5k run and don't worry about the time its takes me. I know I'm a slow plodder and as a 63 year old overweight woman I'm so chuffed with myself at having got so far in this amazing challenge. However for some reason today I feel at bit deflated looking at the time it takes me to complete 5k which averages out to 52 minutes. Realistically for me a 30 minute 5k is not a possiblity so I'm not hung up on achieving that but would be over the moon if I could get my 5k time down to around 45 minutes so onwards and upwards to that. Tomorrow is another day so fingers crossed whatever is in my head today causing me to feel deflated will have 'jogged on'.

[Tendance]

I can honestly say I don’t know many people within my friends and family who could run for 52 minutes without stopping no matter what age they are. Be proud, we all know what it takes to get to the stage you are at. I think you have done and are doing fantastic! Keep up this amazing investment you are making in yourself 👍x

[Sandtheplodder Graduate in reply to Tendance]

Thank you for the very positive reply and support I'll certainly carry it with me on my next run.

[nowster Graduate]

I'd suggest 8 hours would be bit too slow. 🤪

[Sandtheplodder Graduate in reply to nowster]

What a brilliant reply, love it. Thank you.

[steviej99 Graduate]

Just keep going Sandplodder your doing great. There's always someone faster and there's always someone slower and then there's millions that can't run 5k or run for 52minutes. Your pace will get quicker naturally over time but simply running for at least 30 minutes 3 times a week will bring great health benefits. Good luck and enjoy your running

[Sandtheplodder Graduate in reply to steviej99]

Thanks for your reply steviej99 and the great encouragement you're given. My weekly plan at the moment consists of 2 x 5k jogs and 1 x 8.5 mile walk in the cheviots so getting out there and trying to get as fit as possible.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

5k is an arbitrary distance and 30 minutes is an arbitrary time..........they don't signify anything special.

Be proud of your achievement.

All runners have to come to terms with the fact that their pace is their pace and if they want to improve it follow a good structured training plan.

According to studies, slow runners live longer than non runners and fast runners..........so do you still want to be faster?

[Sandtheplodder Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you for your reply. I'm not usually bothered about my time(in fact usually on a huge high having completed my run) and don't usually compare myself with others but for some reason today I was a bit deflated - just one of those days I guess. For me going at my own pace has up until today been the way forward so I'll put these doubting thoughts behind me and get back on track.

[mandy167]

I the same as you I brought my time down a little bit but now have trouble with dive bombing seagulls on my run I would love to get my time down to 45 minutes but I just to slow I back in gym next week hope to remove some fat lol

[Sandtheplodder Graduate in reply to mandy167]

Those seagulls are frightening, they seem so large these days!! Hopefully when the seagulls give you a break your time will continue to improving , fingers crossed we'll both get to the magical 45 minute 5k.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Running for 52 minutes...blooming wonderful..I love long slow relaxed running...who cares about distance..?

My, see where I get to runs, can be as long as 2 hours..and so relaxed that I feel as fresh as a daisy.

And..it is the slow long runs which just steadily build everything up...strength, stamina, and yes, distance and speed.

It evolves. The more you run.. the more it evolves

Just enjoy what you are doing and you may be surprised at where it takes you.

My slow and steady got me to my first HM last year, aged 69.. 😉🏃‍♀️

You are doing amazingly.. just carry on doing it....xx

[Sandtheplodder Graduate]

Wow, what encouragement Oldfloss, I'll carry on now with a whole new mindset - thank you.

[Tinytears60 Graduate]

See lovely THIS is the beauty of this plan...

there is NO too slow!!!

5k!!! Look at you! 👏👏👏👏 thats brilliant!

I’m like you... whilst I’m improving I don’t think 30mins for a 5k is a reality but let’s both be super chuffed at the fact we are out there doing it for the girlies!!!

It makes me sad to think of you deflated on the back of such an achievement! 💕

Stand tall and treat yourself to a glass of your favourite drink OR a cake 🍰 🥂🍾 (either work for me!)

So glad you posted to let us know how you feel so we can all respond and shout at you (in the nicest possible way)

Repeat after me I (as in YOU) am amazing!!

Well done lovely! 💕

[Sandtheplodder Graduate]

Thank you Tinytears60, what a reply. I've taken your advice and am now sitting with a gin and tonic having given myself a good talking to. - what a great place this forum is when you get replies with encouragement and words of wisdom from people like yourself. Following your advice my new mantra is, 'I'm amazing and all the people on this forum are also amazing for all the support they give and for their acheivements too'.