Is my pace really slow?

[Karis28]

Sorry me again! I know this might be a stupid question but I feel I’m running really slow. I’m struggling to understand the pace part on my stats, does that mean I’m covering 9:18 km per hour (which to me seems quite fast so don’t think it’s that 😮) or something else? 🧐

Many thanks

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

That’s pace which is 9.18 minutes to run a kilometer 😀and no, slow is good, be relaxed and able to say a sentence without gasping, over time your pace will naturally get a bit faster but that’s a fine pace

[Karis28 Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you 😊 that’s really helpful

[Cmoi Graduate]

Hi Karis28 , a pace of 9:18/km it means that it takes you 9 minutes 18 seconds to cover 1 km. The lower the number, the faster you're running.

Speed is measured as km per hour, and conversely the higher the number, the faster you're running.

[Karis28 Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

Thank you Cmoi, that makes perfect sense now 😀 and really helpful!

[Ian5K Graduate]

Just to add that 9mins 18secs is your average pace over 4.42km. When you click on “Splits” on your screen below the average pace, you should see a different pace for each km of those 4.42km run. Some km will be run quicker than 9’18” and some slower.But we don’t worry about pace for C25k. There is no slow or quick, it’s simply the time you spend running.

[Karis28 Graduate in reply to Ian5K]

Thank you Ian that’s really helpful 😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Can you speak clear ungasping sentences as you run?

If so, your pace is just fine to develop your aerobic fitness and faster is not necessarily better.

[Karis28 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I can just about at this pace but if I try and go any faster I must admit I struggle. I’m asthmatic so slower is definitely better for me. Thanks for your advice I really appreciate it 🙂

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Karis28]

A sustainable pace is one at which you can still supply the oxygen demands of your body.

This post explains the basics healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Don't compare yourself to others, just to your former self.

[Whydothis Graduate]

No - your pace is not really slow - or if it is, mine is going backwards! I have been running a year, although not always as much as I would like to, and 11 min/km is still the best I can do - I can walk as fast if I really try!As others have said - it doesn't matter, if it feels right.

[Karis28 Graduate in reply to Whydothis]

Thank you that makes me feel so much better knowing I’m not alone 🙂

[nowster Graduate]

There's a guy here doing preparations for an ultramarathon who runs slower than that. Speed isn't as important as how long you're active for.

As others have said, pace is the inverse of speed. The lower the number, the faster you are.

Doing 5km in exactly 30 minutes would be a pace of 6min/km (or 0.1 hour/km), but it would be a speed of 10km/hour.

[Karis28 Graduate in reply to nowster]

Thank you 🙂

[RunBrianRun Graduate]

Until you have a solid aerobic base you should run s l o w. Until then, go at your own slow pace, whatever that may be.

The only time it should be hard to breathe is when you intentionally run faster, such as during interval training or in a race, neither of which I would recommend at your stage.

I hope you continue to enjoy your running. That’s the main thing and there’s no harm in having a target to aim for. Makes it even more fun 🤩

Good luck 👍

[Karis28 Graduate in reply to RunBrianRun]

Thanks Brian I definitely want to continue to run and aim to improve my pace in time however, I’m in no rush as my initial goal was to run for 30 mins. Which I’m so proud to say I have achieved after 20 years of trying!! 😊😀

[RunBrianRun Graduate in reply to Karis28]

And that is truly wonderful. Well done 👏👏👏👍