On week 9

[Bagpuss34]

I am just completing week 9 but still haven't managed to do 5k yet has this happened to anyone else or is it that I am just super slow.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate]

Couch to 5k is badly named-it’s really couch to 30 minutes running. Most people don’t cover 5k during the programme but work up to it slowly afterwards as they extend their runs. You’re in very good company! A survey here a little while ago found something like 90% of people don’t cover 5k on graduation.

[Bagpuss34 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

That makes me feel a lot better now. I can run for 30 minutes without stopping so good to know that is what people achieve

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate in reply to Bagpuss34]

That’s something to be really proud of. Plenty of great runners never cover 5k in 30 minutes. One of my ultra running friends doesn’t and she sometimes covers 50 miles at a time!

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Sounds like your doing just fine !Don't even worry about 5k.

Distance is completely irrelevant, this is all about time running, not distance.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[HailSt0rm]

I'm close to 5k, but I agree couch to 5k maybe isn't the best name for it! I tried a sneaky extra minute jog onto the end of run 2 week 9 and still didn't quite make it and didn't feel like I wanted to continue just for getting to a bit of an arbitrary number.

Are you thinking of doing a parkrun or similar when you have finished? They are 5k and there's lots of support and cheering 📣 I'm thinking I will get past the 5k milestone in the right place with the right people 😊

Well done for keeping it going to week 9 though! You should take a great sense of achievement from that regardless of distance ♥️❤️

[Moosefacedgoose Graduate]

amazing - well done on getting to week 9!

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate]

As everyone says don’t worry about the distance that will come focus on running beautifully for 30 mins!

Good luck on your journey !

[GrumpyOldJogger]

There seems to be a myth that the goal is 5k in 30 minutes, but in the NHS version of the app that I'm following, she clearly states at the beginning that it's 5k OR 30 minutes.

[Carners1 Graduate]

I graduated the end of last year and have only managed a 5k in 30 minutes once..and it nearly killed me.Don't worry about the distance, just do your 30 minutes at a comfortable pace 😊

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

My first 5K took me 47 mins...that was some weeks after graduating.

[Jonwil Graduate]

Don't worry, I finished c25k 2 years ago & still can't get under 36 minutes for 5k

[bradders0807 Graduate]

my furthest distance covered was on my graduation run earlier this week, 4.4km in the 30 minutes. Long way short of 5km.

Take your time, you’ll get there. 5k’s not going anywhere 👍👍

[VS1975 Graduate]

I graduated a few weeks ago, have done 3 consolidation runs. Naughtily I’ve kept on past 30mins to 36/37mins to complete 5k. It’s not been easy & I’m nowhere near 30 mins. I’m not bothered I know I can run for 30 mins & I’m happy with that. Well done, keep going 🤗

[LottieMW Graduate]

I started running with C25k back in August 2020.

I will *never* run 5k in 30 minutes…currently it’s taking me around 50+ minutes. People can walk faster than I can run…

Am I bothered? No. I’m enjoying being out there running. I know I’m fitter than I was 3 years ago. I know I can run up to 10k without difficulty (it may take me nearly 2 hours though!)

Embrace your inner snail, and celebrate your graduation!!!

🌟👏🏼🏃🏻‍♀️🐌