W9 and still very slow

[Fitter_not_fatter]

I’ve just finished w9 r1 (on the treadmill) and although I know that I should be running slowly I feel that I’m too slow. Including my 5 minute warm up I was at 1.7km when I’d finished the 30m run. I’ve tried to increase my speed slightly last time but I couldn’t finish the run.

[MarkyD Graduate]

Please ignore speed, distance, pace, everything like that. You are amazing and can run for 30 minutes. That is what will qualify you to graduate from this program, not how far you actually run.For what it's worth, I don't hold much belief in speed/distance displays on treadmills. I don't think that they are very accurate.

Only 2 more runs before you graduate. Once you can happily run for 30 minutes and not get a bit nervous beforehand (ie, after a period of consolidation) you can decide if you want to run faster or further. Please don't try to do both, and plan to spend a few weeks/months on the Consolidation plan.

Again... you are amazing.

[Fitter_not_fatter in reply to MarkyD]

Thank you 😊

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Are the distance units definitely being displayed in kilometers and not miles?

Can you clarify?

[Fitter_not_fatter in reply to John_W]

Yes definitely km

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Fitter_not_fatter]

OK, thx. So what speed in km/h are your walks and the run? I have suggestion.

Honestly, this is not to worry about. You are only at the very start of your running journey. You're doing brilliantly

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

The word "slow" is relative - unless you can run 5K faster than 12:35.36 minutes for men and 14:06.62 for women, you are always going to be "slow"

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Too slow for what?

To be in the next Olympic squad, perhaps.

To build your aerobic fitness, certainly not.

Forget the numbers. Counterintuitively, it is an easy conversational pace running that builds your stamina and endurance, not fast running.

Say this sentence out loud to yourself "Am I going slow enough to enable me to speak this sentence in one out breath?" If you cannot, you are going too fast.

At this stage you may benefit from browsing through the FAQ Posts here healthunlocked.com/couchto5... especially the one about getting faster.

Relax, you are doing great.

[DylanTheRabbit Graduate]

Don't worry about the stats. You are moving and that is what counts. When you have finished C25K, you will be at the very start of your running journey.

I hope you're feeling a little fitter than when you started (only 8 weeks ago)? In which case you're winning! Just think how you could be feeling in a year, if you stick with it 👍🏼

[Fitter_not_fatter]

Thanks everyone. 😁

I’ve been comparing myself to the other posts on here where even people that have said they’re slow seem to be much faster than me! I agree that my fitness level is much better than when I started so I’ll take all of your advice on board and keep going.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Fitter_not_fatter]

There is only one person to whom any meaningful comparison should be made.........and that is with your former, non running self.

For all but two of the world's runners, it is true that there are some who are faster and some who are slower.

It is not a competition, so don't even think about it.

[Rennur Graduate in reply to Fitter_not_fatter]

Comparison is the thief of joy.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Who cares if you are slow? It’s only you who knows what speed you are going, I realised that a long time ago, if I put my speed and distance up here i’m inviting people to know that i’m a slow old bird, so i generally make comment in my posts about being a slow easy runner and how that allows me to run for longer time, distance is only important if you are going somewhere You ran, be proud

[Nearlymotivated]

Congratulations on your new personal best. At the end of the day just compete with yourself and compare where you are now to where you were 9 weeks ago

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just run; as MarkyD says, what you are doing is just fine and as he will tell you, I am the BIGGEST advocate of slow and steady. It gets you to the most amazing places

As Confucius said,

" It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop ". He must have been a runner!

Huge well done you x

[Getfitordietrying Graduate]

Take heart from all the good advice you will get on this forum. Everyone will tell you there is no such thing as being too slow. I was just like you comparing myself to others. I had a lightbulb moment when I realised that if I wanted to run for 60 minutes I really, really had to go slowly, my slow pace not anyone else’s! You are only at the start of your running journey, well done and keep going, you will make progress and get loads of support from everyone here😎

[Purplefiona Graduate]

Slow is good ! Keep being “slow”

[Maisiecat1 Graduate]

It is a very normal thing for us to compare ourselves with other people but I agree with @iannodatruffe "it's only the former you that you should ever compare with.I continue to run at a slow comfortable pace for me and I love running. The improvement in time/speed etc eventually follows but it does not matter how long it takes.

Enjoy your success. 👍🎉😊

[Instructor57 Graduate]

An often used phrase on here .'Comparison is the thief of joy'

Just keep doing what you are doing 😁

[Rennur Graduate]

You could try outside, if you can. You can run at your own pace, which may be sometimes quicker than your treadmill pace and sometimes slower. It is more natural. Plus you get fresh air.