Running speed when first starting

[Smiffy]

Hi, just finished week two and wondered what pace people were at early into the programme? I am running on a treadmill and run at about 8.5 kmh and wondered how that compared? I do have short legs if that counts!

[Hidden]

I shouldn't worry, I didn't reach that speed until Wk8.....

Remember a treadmill is 'easier' than outdoors so you can't directly compare, it's a good idea to try some outdoor runs as you are going along, if you intend to run outdoors once you have graduated.

[gypsydepp Graduate]

I wouldn't worry about speed at the moment.

This program is all about getting you running for 30 minutes.

get that achievement under your belt, alond with the habit of a regular running

routine.

Sarahspangles is right about treadmillsv. outside running and speed.

I've just done w6r3. sometimes in the earlier weeks i felt i could walk faster than i was running! but i have found speed and stamina gradually build up as you go along.

Also running outside you can stick to the pace you feel like that day, without getting caught up staring at numbers on a screen!!!!

Oh and i have short legs, too!! Good luck!

[Hidden]

I've not worked out my "running" pace yet, but my overall average pace per session (so running and brisk walk combined) is 4mph (occasionally 4.5mph)

Think that's around 6.5kph.

I'm a slow outdoor plodder.

[Pricey Graduate]

I'm a combined 4-4.5 mph I am too a slow plodder and I have very short legs and a big bum if that helps

[sfb350 Graduate]

I did W5R3 today. 8.5 has been my usual "basic" running speed for the past couple of weeks but I always push myself to go a bit faster for the last bit of each run, a bit longer and a bit quicker each time. As today was a 20 min run, I did most of it at about 8.3 then sped up at the end - got up to 10.5 for the last 30 secs which was my quickest ever !

Having said that, I don't think you need to be comparing to other people - I use the speeds on the treadmill to judge how I'm doing compared with last time and just to push myself a little more each time. I try to increase the speed a bit at the point where Laura is telling me to slow down if I'm struggling - I'm just contrary, I suppose, but it does feel good when I've done it.

I do one outdoor run a week - I don't have any idea of my speed then - there are lots of hills so as long as I don't stop running before the coach says I should, I figure I'm doing well. I think my stamina and determination has improved since running outside as well - and I've only done two outdoor runs (looking forward to the next one tomorrow morning).

My brisk walks on the treadmill were at about 6.9 but I've dropped that off to nearer 6.5 now the runs are getting longer.

[Smiffy]

Hi, thanks for all the responses. I wasn't overly concerned with my speed, just wanted to do a bit of a comparison. I intend to start doing some outside runs soon, just wanted to get a few more sessions in before I started on the outside runs. My wife is a runner and I wanted to start joining her on some of the park-runs hence starting this program although I am enjoying it for my own enjoyment. Not sure I will be saying that after some of the more advanced weeks! I was 51 a few weeks ago and intend to do my first 5k before I'm 52!