How much distance do you guys cover? - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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How much distance do you guys cover?

Rootofallevil profile image
14 Replies

Hi all.

Last week I completed Week 5 run 3. I started slow and had no issues completing the run. Infact, I repeated the run 3 after a days break. However, in 20 mins I barely just ran 2 KM. I cautiously jogged slow so that I could complete the run without stopping/walking.

Today I completed my week 6 run 1 which is 5 mins + 8 mins + 5 mins runs. The first 5 mins I went a bit faster thinking 5 mins should be easy but I was almost out of breath in 2 mins so I had to slow down a bit and pace myself to complete the run.

I know the plan is get me running for 30 mins non-stop and it is not distance bound. But just to check generally, did you guys managed to run 5km in 30 mins when you completed the program at the end of 9 weeks?

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Rootofallevil profile image
Rootofallevil
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14 Replies
Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate

Congratulations on completing week 6 run 1 👍

That run often catches people out !

This is often asked on the forum , but it really doesn't matter at all .

In a survey taken only around 10% of respondents covered 5k in the 30 minutes of week 9 run 3.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

It is not a requirement for graduation .

The requirements are that you run the 3x30 minutes non stop runs in week 9 .

That's it .

Distance is completely irrelevant it is purely a time based program .

So you are doing just fine ! 👍

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Happy running !

Frenc profile image
FrencGraduate

Well done on completing w5r3! It’s a run you never forget 😊. I don’t think I ever really thought about distance during C25K - I was happy enough gasping my through the seconds and minutes and just finishing 🤣. And a year on I’ve still not done a 5k in under half an hour but that’s ok 😊. You’re doing brilliantly, and getting those minutes under your belt is fantastic! Well done again ⭐️.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress. You are doing great.

Who are you asking? A twenty year old male, a female in her eighties, someone with asthma or clinically obese, or one of our one legged runners? They are all here on this forum... .. and none of them are you.

The only meaningful comparison is with yourself. Even tracking your distance is not encouraged at this stage as it may persuade you to run faster than the optimal easy conversational pace.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Be proud of your achievements, relax and enjoy your journey.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Lots of great answers to your query:) Run and enjoy... you are doing just fine...and slow and steady will get you to the most amazing places:)

Oldgirlruns profile image
OldgirlrunsGraduate

Hallo Root, No is the answer! Most of the people who complete C25K do not manage 5k in 30 minutes. In my case I have never done it and never will. I average between 9 and 10 minutes per km on all my runs - but I’m running and that’s fine with me! The further I want to run, the longer it will take me and if I need a short walk I take it. There’s no shame! So enjoy your running- at whatever pace you do!

Roxdog profile image
RoxdogGraduate

Definitely not, and even though I can run much further than 5k, I have never managed a 5k in 30 minutes and probably never will! So please don't concentrate on your distance , enjoy your journey. Maybe you will be one of those who becomes a fast paced runner, but that's for the future!

Madge50 profile image
Madge50Graduate

Hi there,Well, I did the programme 7-8 years ago (my goodness has it been that long! And I must say regular running is a great habit to have)

I have never completed 5k in 30 minutes and doubt I ever will.....however, I have gone on to 10k, half marathon and even (i’ll whisper it......a marathon...)

I’d suggest having a look at the results from your local parkrun.....there are people who can complete a 5k in under 15 minutes.....more likely these are national and international athletes - even some Olympians- and yes they turn up at parkrun along with the rest of us mortals....😄....and there are those that take up to and over an hour, all ages, shapes and sizes you can imagine.......and as IannodaTruffe says all have their own aims, reasons and goals

Ok, I do like to stick around the 35 minute mark - but that target is for me - and I might add, it’s taken me some time to get there......plus it depends on terrain, flat as a pancake road or lumpy cross country.......

Comparison is the thief of joy , be very proud of yourself, this is for you......oh and if you do fancy going along to your local parkrun at any point, do it, you will find one of the friendliest welcoming communities ever!

Mx

Headspace1st profile image
Headspace1st

W6R1 today, I covered 2.59 miles and I found it harder today

W5R3 I covered 2.28 miles, it went smoother than today

Rootofallevil profile image
Rootofallevil

Thanks everyone. You guys are awesome and so encouraging. This surely help newbies like me to continue pushing on. I have never run much before and I surprisingly find myself excited for the next run every time I finish a run.

I guess name of the game is to complete every run without stopping and not worrying much about the distance covered. I will follow that. Thanks everyone for taking the time out to reply. Appreciate it.

John_W profile image
John_WGraduateAmbassador in reply to Rootofallevil

And SLOW down! There is no need to push yourself - at all :-)

Rennur profile image
RennurGraduate

I have never gone beyond 42.3 minutes for 5K. I often do it slower about 45/46 minutes. If you carry on as you are then by the summer you will be doing 10K in 100 minutes but I expect you will get much quicker because you will find that pace will come naturally. ( You might be going even further!) If you overdo it you will get injured (I speak from recent experience!) Get to 30 minutes and eventually after Consolidation you will find that the miles under your belt will make you stronger and faster. Most graduates will say they love getting PBs but they enjoy the long slow runs even more. Keep on moving!

Rennur profile image
RennurGraduate

Sorry. I just realised you did W5R3. That's an important MILEstone (no pun intended...)

Reggit profile image
ReggitGraduate

I’m a bit late to the party, I did C25K in May/June 2020 and been running regularly since, progressed to 10k and now training for half marathon (just for the sake of it) - it’s addictive this running btw.I still can’t do a 30 minute 5k - don’t worry I the slightest about pace, no one cares (and I don’t mean that badly - it’s what I love about running)

One of my mates is really quick, sub 20min/5k and around 3hr marathon. He’s told me off (nicely) for trying to go too fast and burning out early.

MrBassmanjazz profile image
MrBassmanjazzGraduate

Congratulations. Definitely look at the survey. I was still doing 3.6Km, in 30 mins, after week nine. A change to arms and music and now I'm doing regular 4.1. I wasn't pushing to go faster or further, but I think the more miles you do the better you get. It isn't a race. Get to 30mins 3 times a week. It's a lovely place.

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