Hi there, I'm a newbie on this forum but I'm now on week 8 run 2 and I now have the running bug.

[Dakster]

However, I can just about manage 4k in 27 mins so not sure that I can manage 5k in 30 mins,although I am determined to give it my best shot. has anyone managed to do the 5k in 30 mins?

[Greg_M Graduate]

Some do some don't. I would say more don't than do using the scientific polling technique of "trying to remember" XD

Speed will come, or not, don't sweat it. The important bit is the stamina to keep going for 30 minutes at this stage. I would guess its a sure thing for you seeing how close you are already though.

[juicydee Graduate]

Not me! 10 weeks post-grad and still around 40 mins for 5k... but it's reducing gradually! However now I'm increasing my distance ready for a 10k, I've had to slow down again to get through it. I bet I could do a REALLY quick 1k if I knew I was going to stop at just one!

[Anonymous36 Graduate]

I'm at 36.21 for my fastest 5k post graduate. I'm trying to increase my running time now as I build up to 10k so, like juicydee I'm probably going to get slower as I pace myself to go the extra distance.

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Hi Dakster

I only joined this forum last weekend but tomorrow I start week 8. I'm running about 4K in 26 minutes which if I could keep up the pace would give me 5K in about 33 minutes but thats wishful thinking cos my last 1K seems to get slower and slower. I think at this stage its more important to do the time and worry about increasing the distance later.

I did C25K at the end of last year and completed it and was running 5K x 3 times a week and getting better each time too, but had to stop running in January due to hips problems, I was much faster at this stage last year. I started thinking about why this was and came to the conclusion that I had shortened my stride probably trying to protect my hip. My last two runs I have been trying to lengthen my stride and this has helped to cover a bigger distance, not a lot but its worth giving it a try if you want to try and speed up at some time.

[PatButcher Graduate]

Hi! I think it's all about just doing it and getting through it at this point, no need to worry about getting 5k done in 30 minutes, You seem to be doing good anyway so don't fret

[Dakster Graduate]

Thanks everyone for your comments and advice. I think I will do as you suggest and just keep at it as I will get faster as I progress. It is lovely to get reassuring comments that I am on the right track I have quite a short stride when I run and didn't even think about lengthening it - you can tell I'm a newbie Ha! ha! will definately try that technique in future.

I went for another mini run today (I know bit naughty as I did 28 mins yesterday) as I had a pilates class I needed to get to so went on the treadmill for 20 mins before the class as had time to kill and I found it easier and I went faster - now I never in a million years thought I would be saying that

Ps. I not sure if replying to my own question will send a reply to you all or whether I have to answer each one of you in turn so please accept my apologies if you think I have not replied to you directly.