Does speed matter?

[Lauw]

I have just completed wk8 run1. I’ve never missed a run, I’m amazed I can run for 28 minutes as it’s something that seemed impossible 8 weeks ago. I feel I am losing weight and toning up which encourages me to continue. But I just feel my pace is so slow and I still have to mentally push myself to finish. I have a running app on in the background which times my run per km which may be a bad idea as it’s making me dissatisfied with my times. I just wondered how everyone else felt about their pace or managed with it?

[Hidden]

I think that speed is something to work on after we graduate. I'm happy running slowly, it's more my ambition to be able to run for 30 minutes than to run 5K. The plan increases running distance over the weeks and it works. My last run of week 9 will be tomorrow. Personally I would turn off the commentary and listen to music.

😉 x

[Hidden]

I Slow Jog, look it up and be amazed. I run about 3,14 km in 30 minutes. 2 weeks ago I ran 5 km in a faster pace and needed 43 minutes for these 5 km. But I still prefer to do Slow Jogging. It gets me further, less risk of injury and I am happy when I run.

Pace is something you can work on if you want to run races. And even then it's not obligated. There are slow runners in races too. If for you the most important thing is to be out there and run and enjoy yourself while working on your health, then slow is good. If you want to really compete in races and be fast, then you can start working on your pace after graduation and a after a bunch of consolidation runs.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done on your progress.

C25K is purely duration based and is designed to be undertaken at a pace at which you can speak aloud clear ungasping sentences as you run....... if you cannot, you may still be going too fast.

Only a small proportion of graduates from this forum who responded to a poll, managed 5k in 30 minutes by graduation healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

Graduation requirements are that you complete three thirty minute runs, regardless of distance.

It is only safe and sensible to work on speed when you have the strength and aerobic base that the programme will build, so forget pace and relax.

Slowing down to the recommended easy conversational pace makes it more achievable and for most, more enjoyable.

[Hidden]

The aim of the programme is for you to run for 30 minutes 3 times per week.. Don't worry about speed until after you have finished the programme.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Does speed matter? I dunno... how does this look?

youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2kh...(Not working as expected?)

[paul1960 Graduate]

Dont worry about speed idid the same and now am very happy running at a pace that suits me I tryed going faster but just not happening so now at my speed which I think is ok I can go alot further and with alot less injury and I enjoy it more I don 5miles in 1hour which like I said is not super fast but gets you there abit of jeffing inbetween get the best of both worlds while you are walking you are in the fat burning zone and when you run its cardio and peek so win win but do what is best for you and dont worry

[RainbowC Graduate]

On previous go-rounds I’ve tried to increase my pace once I’ve graduated. This time round I’m simply so happy to be able to run that I really don’t care how slow I am. The only thing that matters is that I’m running at all! 😀

This may change once I’ve reached week 9, but I really doubt it - my focus has changed somewhat in the past year and a half, so I’m now pleased with what I can do, and not stressed by what I can’t.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

'Related posts' are always good to show that you are not alone in your commonly asked question

[Lauw in reply to John_W]

Thank you

[Jools2020 Graduate]

It’s good to record your pace as it’s part of your running journey, but try not to let it be your main focus. I’m never going to be a fast runner. I’ve certainly got faster, but that has mainly just happened as my body has got used to running. I prefer running slower for longer 😊. After you graduate and you have completed a few weeks of consolidation runs, you may decide that you want to get faster, or run for longer, whatever you decide to do; but as others have said, it doesn’t matter at all right now 😊

[Lookslikejames Graduate]

Don’t bother with speed yet. I’m naturally quite fast but in the six months I’ve been running I’ve knackered myself twice. Train slow to run fast is the new method I’m trying, and so far it’s much more enjoyable. As Iannoda said above strength and aerobic base are more important.

As you’ve said, you never saw yourself running for so long 8 weeks ago, so don’t give yourself too hard a time. What you’re doing already is amazing, so enjoy it with no pressure 😃

[shabz302]

I have also completed week 8 Run 1 today. I am more focused on building stamina than pace. Being able to run for 28 minutes is a great achievement.