Setting the pace (For Couch to 5k)

[Instructor57]

Picture taken from one of Tim's (aka IannoddaTruffe) posts which this post is all about

There has been several recent posts regarding the ideal pace for completing Couch to 5k and usually asking am I too slow?

And

There are probably many reasons that prompt these posts .

One of course may be the actual title of the program 'Couch to 5k'

To help dispel this first myth don't forget that C25k is purely a time based programme with the aim of getting new runners off the couch and running 3x30 minute non stop runs in week 9 (if it takes longer than the 9 weeks that is absolutely fine !)

It is not necessary to try and reach 5k in week 9, or by the end of the programme.

Infact I would suggest that in the majority of cases it could actually be detrimental to your development as a runner to try.

This post may be a useful reminder .

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Perhaps another reason for some of these posts may be due to the fact people are in a rush to get or find their answer and maybe don't spend the time to search the forum for answers or even just reading previous posts from the same day .

We have quite a detailed FAQ section Which covers a wide range of topics and questions often asked by new members .

Mostly written by the much missed Tim.

aka IannodaTruffe

The many FAQ's are available in the 'pinned posts' section of the forum and are definitely worth a read.

Here is a link.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

The one I am particularly referring to here is the one explaining 'Pace'

Or more specifically 'Conversational pace'

And why this is the best pace to adopt for C25k

I would urge everyone embarking on the program to not only read this post by Tim but really take on board the reasoning .

It may also be a useful reminder to more seasoned runners as well .

Here is a link to the post !

Too slow........... Too fast .

Enjoy

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Happy running!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Fantastic read and reminder from Tim.

Thank you very much for this post Instructor57.

Will run slowly and smile today!

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🌷xxx

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

His posts are always worth a re visit 😊 x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Great post..so timely too...I am about to use one of out dear Tim's posts in a post of mine later today . His presence continues to impact our running.

Thank you for this. I for one needed it ...x

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Such a wise man, His presence will always be here with us 😊🙏

[Frenc Graduate]

It’s always great to be reminded of this, thank you Ian (and Tim too of course). Funnily during my 2nd stint of C25K I STILL found myself going too fast in the initial stages - I’d forgotten that faster doesn’t mean quicker because 30 minutes is 30 minutes is 30 minutes! You can’t alter time! Although maybe you can a little bit as the clocks are changing tonight 😁.

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to Frenc]

Oh flip I'd forgotten the clocks! Although I've spent all week saying at least I'm not sleeping in this year, then guess what? The person who was just didn't turn up! All of us had to rearrange weekend plans to cover her shifts and I got the sleep in and tomorrow morning (sighs)

[Frenc Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Oooh dear that sounds like a right old palaver! I’m going to try and get up at normal time tomorrow (she says 🤣).

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to Frenc]

I have to get up extra early now, we are somewhat cross but not for much longer

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to Frenc]

Haha, you mean to say your not doing your 30 minute runs in 27 minutes yet 🤣Thanks for the clock reminder , the one on my oven will now be right again 😁

[MrsLydiaWickham Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

😂 I'm hoping the clock in my car will fix itself, because I have no clue.

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to MrsLydiaWickham]

If not, it will be right again in another 6 months 🤣

[MrsLydiaWickham Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

😂

[Frenc Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Not quite yet! Still working on it though 🤣. Thanks for the oven reminder.

[WhaleSongC Graduate]

It has been a while since I was here, but I just started a 3rd time around (On week 3 now and I like it more and more every time!)

I logged on today to read some of IannoddaTruffe's amazing posts for encouragement. That 'easy conversational pace' really does make a difference for me.