Maybe I’m too slow?

[Tishywillicks]

I’m back again for the second time and enjoying the C25K programme. I’m also kicking myself for letting all the hard work in early 2019 and 2021 go to waste! 🤦‍♀️

Outdoor running where I live isn’t really an option so I’m using a treadmill. My average speed whilst walking is 6km per hour and running at 7.8km per hour.

I’m 61 years old and in recent months life has been fairly sedentary due to other health challenges.

Is this an appropriate speed or am I too slow?

Many thanks in advance for any feedback or advice - always welcome!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

There’s no such thing as too slow! The actual numbers don’t matter. Not even a little bit. The only thing that’s important is that you’re going at a pace where you can hold a conversation out loud in full sentences without gasping. We’re all different. What might be far too fast for me is super easy for another person, and my conversational pace on the flat will be different to on a hill, or if I’m tired, or if I’ve already run for a while. Honestly, try and forget about the speed and judge by your effort. Couch to 5k is a timed programme-not speed or distance.

What you did before isn’t wasted. You’ll have skills and experience that you didn’t have when you started last time. That already gives you a head start! Really good luck to you.

It might be worth rereading the program guide for some useful hints and tips. Keep us updated and we can cheer you on! 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♀️

healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

No you are not too slow Tishywilliks and please don't kick yourself for not running since all that hard work in 2019 and 2021. If you wish to repeat the course on a treadmill that's fine, good luck.

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Welcome back !I notice you asked this question in your last post 2 years ago ?

An appropriate speed is one that is right for you , this may be quicker or slower for others .

The pace you run/jog should be at a pace where you could hold a conversation if someone was running along side you .

That will be different for everyone.

The important thing to take on board is that this is not about pace .

It's about time spent running/jogging.

Pace is irrelevant.

Your best development will come with running slowly, this is the best way to develop your aerobic base .

Forget about pace or speed , you are doing just fine .

Remember, this program is not about reaching 5k in 30 minutes as explained here .

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Just relax and enjoy

[ChannelRunner2 Graduate]

Eons ago, I went on a retreat with Thich Nhat Hanh. He led a walking meditation. And, oy boy, that was slow! A snail passed us 🤣

And still: We got to our destination! (Usually walking meditations don't have a destination and in that case it did - we were moving from one building to another).

So: You can never be too slow!

Keep running, keep smiling! 😊

[Cmoi Graduate]

Well done on returning to C25K  Tishywillicks !

I'm going to echo all the others and say please forget this idea of too slow. You should be running at a comfortable pace for you, regardless of what the numbers say.

I'm curious as to why you say outdoor running isn't really an option where you live? I'm the opposite, I've never run on a treadmill in my life, as what I love about running is able to explore the countryside. Of course it's your choice - enjoy your return to C25K! 👍😀

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Loads of great advice here... I'm 72, Graduated at 65... and just coming up to my seventh Runniversary... famous , ( infamous???) for my slow and steady mantra, BUT, it works. It really does.

Your run, your pace and running because you enjoy it. The best bit though, slow and steady takes you to the most amazing places, and you get there injury free and having FUN !