2 Runs to go... Would it be ok to aim for 6k?

[simoz]

I've been loving couch to 5k. I find it hard to run slow (or fast). I just liek to find a nice pace that punishes me just a little. I know the aim is 5k, in 30 minutes, in 9 weeks. Would it be ok to try for 6k, if it doesn't feel too uncomfortable?

strava.com/activities/40288...

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done on your progress.

We are all capable of doing way more than our bodies are conditioned to do, but not without increasing our injury risk. Sticking to gently progressive training plans is the safest way to push our limits, whilst gently increasing our resistance to injury.

You have the rest of your life to reach 6k........why not just continue the slow and steady progress that C25K employs, to keep your injury risk minimal.

Overuse injuries don't necessarily give any warning, but strike out of the blue and could stop you from running for days, weeks or even months.

Why take the risk?

[nowster Graduate]

You don't even need to do 5km to graduate.

[Reggit Graduate]

I’d say stick to the plan and slowly build up distance once you graduate. You’ve the rest of your running life to hit the distance goals.

But at the end of the day, it’s your body......

[jadevictoria Graduate]

I think the general feeling in the community is slow and steady wins the race. You previously posted that you were injured within the programme and I’d have an educated guess that that likely came from too much too soon. It’s very exciting being able to complete a certain distance, but not even run is a race. Look into the 80/20 principle and see if that sounds like something you can get on board with. Otherwise, try not to push it too hard every run. It sounds like you’ve already had some very sound advice on this post and others.

Good luck with the rest of the programme

[simoz Graduate in reply to jadevictoria]

Yep, was too much too soon., coupled with me trying to run in the wrong shoes. I thought I needed a pair that would let me feel the surface. I was wrong. Rest and bouncier shoes seem to have done the trick. For me this is week 11. I'm learning to listen to my body.

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to simoz]

Looks as though you are primarily running on hard surfaces so extra care needed (or more forgiving surfaces!) The idea of the programme is simply to get people running continuously for 30 minutes *sustainably* and it's that last bit you are still learning about.

But well done (and I envy some of those views you must be getting)

[Ian5K Graduate]

If your last 30min run was 5.9km, I can see your temptation to exceed 6km.

It looks like you’re at the opposite end of the spectrum from most of us here but I would say running discipline is still important. If your goal is to graduate in C25k, simply do the 30 minutes and be happy with whatever distance comes from it.

[030961 Graduate in reply to Ian5K]

I agree with you Ian5K. The aim I think is to get to run 30 minutes non-stop whatever the distance.

I've just this afternoon ran my WK9R2 and I'm almost as slow today as I was when I started all those weeks ago. But I managed 30 minutes comfortably and travelled around 3.5k and I'm delighted with myself. I'm looking forward to Graduation Day on Saturday.....hopefully!

[simoz Graduate in reply to Ian5K]

Yep, understood. I probably come across as arrogant, don't mean to be. I wouldn't have believed 11 weeks ago that I was even capable of running for 30 minutes. I've been loving the lift that this course has given me and appreciate that we're all different.

Hoping to graduate at the weekend, irrespective of the distance, and looking forward to trying to continue with this passion I currently feel for running.

As long as you're running you're winning.

[simoz Graduate in reply to simoz]

As it happens I broke my collar bone falling of a bike the day before doing Wk9 run 3. bugger!