Runkeeper instead of Nike

[Pegix]

Had to laugh this morning. You may remember I said the other day that the Nike Run App was telling me I'd run 6k in half an hour, which I didn't believe. This morning I used Runkeeper. And guess what....I ran 3.2K. Oh dear, that's so so slow. But I just can't run faster, so it'll have to do. I'm telling myself that 30min three times a week will keep me reasonably fit - but is that actually true if I'm only running at this very slow speed?? Should I be aiming higher?

[Cmoi Graduate]

As you were posting I was replying to the W6 run 3 thread with this pace FAQ link, which you might find interesting: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[JeremiahObadiah Graduate]

🤩

Running slowly three times a week is far, far better than not running or running too fast, getting injured and being on the IC.

Logic says as you keep running your stamina will improve and you could up it gradually to include one longer run a week or trial some very short slightly faster pace to keep challenging yourself and keep it interesting.

It would no doubt be even more beneficial (and also ‘balance’ the running ) to add in a bit of overall body conditioning . It all depends how much time you can devote to it, how much you enjoy doing it, motivation levels etc etc .

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate]

The question for you is 'too slow for what?'Is it a personal goal or a feeling you'll be judged for not being the speediest kid on the block? If it's the former there may be steps you can take. If the latter rest assured nobody is judging, especially here.

Our biology and where we run decide how fast we can go. A short, fat older woman like me can never compete with a tall, athletic young man if speed is the criterion. When I run in mud I go slower than on the road. And so it goes on.

30 minutes 3 times a week will definitely do you good. If I recall correctly we're supposed to do 150 active minutes per week but a minute running counts the same as 2 minutes of gentle exercise like walking. Three 30 minute runs will give you 180 'points' (sorry, don't have a link to back this up but it's easy enough to Google).

As you were a good runner when you were a bit younger it's probably harder not to give yourself tough goals than for those of us who really were couch potatoes 😁

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🍏 Your run your way! Enjoying & managing it are vital to keeping going. Lots of fun ways as mentioned by others to challenge yourself if and when you are ready. 🤗😊🥰

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Slow rocks.... Your run, your pace, your enjoyment I only run fast if a bear is chasing me... or I am hungry

[Sammyyy Graduate]

Hi, I too was concerned that running slowly wasn’t beneficial for me.

But! Following excellent advice from here, I have overcome these thoughts & now run 30 minutes at a slower pace than I’d like, but love it so much more! And am not exhausted for the rest of the day! Win! win!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

do what feels right for you Pegix ..these are your runs…if you feel like you could run longer than do that…faster? Do that…slower? Do that…enough? Do that…just enjoy what your body is doing…X

[drl212 Graduate]

Do what you do!!

I'm a slow runner, as well, and have taken it in stride (forgive the pun). You'll find that with consistency your pace will increase a little.

Any activity is good for you - especially compared to the couch - and very good for your mental fitness!

[ChannelRunner2 Graduate]

I was super excited to complete a 10K in (slightly) under 90 minutes yesterday! Just for fun, I decided to look up to confirm my suspicion: Yup, the fastest female runners complete half marathons in less time than that 🤣

So, I laughed and decided that I was just not Olympic material! I had enjoyed the run a whole lot more than those runs where I was pushing myself to go too fast for my body (and fitness level). Sure, sometimes I am a bit frustrated getting past by almost all the other runners out there. Then I remind myself: I am still faster than all those people on the couch!

[Pegix Graduate in reply to ChannelRunner2]

Yep I'm always amazed when I watch the 5K and 10k races at the Olympics. Simply amazing. But also way way younger than me !!!