Since 2020, running has become a summertime activity for me. Every spring I use the C25K to get myself up to speed and run all summer before losing momentum when the clocks and weather changes in October.
Anyway I’ve just got myself back up to 5k for this year’s summer season…. But I’m sure I’m slowing down! Today was 40mins, which is slower than my previous slowest 5k.
It gets faster, doesn’t it?
It will get faster Sundaypapers, the first winter for me after graduating from C25K was a non running winter but since that first winter I have ran one 5K a week and also a short 3K in a weekly routine, if you do that you will be able to run as fast in early summer as you do in October, it certainly will get faster but keep on running at least some short runs during the winter.
If you wish it to ... it may happen...mix up the runs, vary the routes, and take some lovely longer slower relaxed runs... they are the ones that build up stamina, strength and ultimately speed,
Running evolves. Just wondering... do you only run through the Summer months?
Would you like to run through the autumn and winter?
I had an interesting conversation with my physio about running over the winter. He recommended that while running might dial back (but not stop) over the months with the weather being rubbish, runners should consider using some of the time you’re not running for to hit the gym (or do some strength workouts at home). Then, when you start again, you’re much more resistant to injury because you’re so much stronger and also, you’re likely to be faster because you’ve done more strength work. I don’t know if that’s at all of interest to you but it really did make me think about dropping a wet run or two with the aim of reducing my chance of picking up an injury as I switch from winter ticking over mode to spring training mode. I also like the idea of being a bit quicker too!
If you're interested in getting faster, then I'd suggest that taking a 5 or 6 month break each Autumn and then starting again from 'couch' every Spring isn't the best way to do that. Improvement in *any* exercise comes from consistency. That's the bedrock.
As suggested above, there are other things you can do to keep you ticking over though the winter months which will make your restart easier, but as for getting faster ... without consistency, you're going to have to reset your expectations.
I managed 5k for the first time ever at nearly 50 years old a week or so ago and was chuffed to do it in just under 37 minutes. I would say if you’re running it and it’s comfortable and fun don’t worry about the speed. That will naturally return over the summer. Good luck pal 👍🏻
funny enough i love to run in the winter and the rain, i feel i get moving to warm up and don't sweat as much as i do in this warmer weather, i dread it getting to 30c in the South the humidity will get me for sure, and i worry that that will cut all my runs short!
Weekly virtual 5k
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5k complete 
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5K!
