I’m doing c25k for the first time, brand new runner and fairly unfit.
I just got back from my w3 r2 run…I didn’t exactly struggle (anymore than is normal anyway!) but I still don’t feel like I’m getting better. My stamina has absolutely increased because there is NO WAY I would have been able to run 3 minutes straight a month ago. But I’m still so slow 😭I know it’s not about going fast, which I definitely appreciate, but I thought that at some point speeding up would get easier!
Any firsthand experiences or tips would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
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Tattoodo
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Right now just running is all you need to think about. C25K is all about eventually being able to run for 30 minutes. Doesn't matter if you run 5 km in 30 minutes or just a couple of km, the important thing is that your body is making running movements.
The slower you go the easier it is. Going slow means you are far less likely to injure yourself, so more likely to finish the program in a reasonable time. Once you can run for 30 minutes, that's when you can think about speeding up if that's what you want to do.
I've been running for a little over 2 years now, and realised early on that 5km in 30 minutes would be beyond the level of commitment I'm prepared to give. I can manage that pace for around 30 seconds before my heart starts signalling it isn't happy. Does it bother me? Nope.
This year I've discovered the joy of running slowly. It's still running but there's a sort of happy speed where everything works and you just trundle along, your body doing body stuff and your mind free to do whatever it wants. Other days I feel like going fast (for me) and that's great too. Rather than aiming for an abstract number to prove how fast you are, just run at a pace that you enjoy. Work with your abilities, build your strength and then you can start pushing harder if you want to.
For many of us speed isn't what motivates us to keep running. Find what aspect of running you enjoy and concentrate on that, but never ever let anyone tell you you're too slow. That's something that simply doesn't exist.
Don't worry about speed, just run the time and go as slow as you need to keep going. I didn't really start enjoying my runs until after graduation and there's nothing I like more than a long slow run. Over time my legs have got stronger and I can put in bursts of speed every now and again, but then I have to slow right down to catch my breath. Overall my pace is quicker than when I first started and I'm sure yours will be too,
Well done, just getting out there will do the job. Focus on the positives. You already realise you are getting better by running longer than you could before, you will get better and it will become more enjoyable. Don't think too far ahead , look at the positives from each run. Keep it going👍👍
Just follow the programme, slow and steady. Let your running evolve at the pace is right for you... no pressure, no pushing... running evolves and you have a fair way to go,
Read this post, put up a while ago on Catch up Corner, it may help.
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