Trying to go too fast : Just a little experiment... - Couch to 5K

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Trying to go too fast

Sallytilly profile image
SallytillyGraduate
7 Replies

Just a little experiment. And advice to oneself !!! I tried today first run after graduation try to run faster !!! I did 20 mins as fast as I could go. Pace 11/12. But burnt myself out I could not go another step !!! Red faced and totally out of breath.

In future I will forget about speed and go back to 30 mins and will forget trying the distance. Doesn’t work !!!!

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Sallytilly profile image
Sallytilly
Graduate
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7 Replies
IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

There is nothing wrong with speed work but you might be better off with short, perhaps just 30 second bursts of speed, pushing as hard as you can, followed by a recovery period, either using defined intervals or fartlek, which personally I think is more appropriate for new runners.

It is recommended that 80% of your weekly running is at an easy conversational pace, with only the remainder used for speed work. Most recreational runners pootle along in the middle, neither slow enough nor pushing hard enough.

Sallytilly profile image
SallytillyGraduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

Oh ok thank you for the advice

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate

Do intervals 👍🏽

Sallytilly profile image
SallytillyGraduate in reply to Tasha99

Ok I’ll try. Thank you for your advice

Sallytilly profile image
SallytillyGraduate in reply to Tasha99

Ok thanks for your advice

John_W profile image
John_WGraduateAmbassador

Nothing wrong with trying to improve - whether that's speed or distance. For a beginner, increasing distance is generally safer . However, your chosen method to improve your pace is not one I'd chose or recommend! 🤣

However, if you are interested in improving your speed, have a look at the 3 excellent supplementary 'C25K+' podcasts: Stepping Stones, Stamina and Speed. The 'Speed' one has a similar structure to Week 1 - so fast bits (efforts) of 1 minute duration interspersed with 1 minute recovery jogs. An excellent and safe way to improve your speed. I highly recommend them.

Sallytilly profile image
SallytillyGraduate in reply to John_W

Thank you so much for your advice

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