W6R3 - 3.2k 25 minutes. How will I do 5k in 30mins?

[jennypower1985]

I know the question is self explanatory, but I just don't see how I am meant to get that extra 2k into 5 minutes? Has everyone found they naturally speed up? Any tips?

[andystev Graduate]

I ran my first 10k in an hour and 12 minutes. The last one was 57 minutes. You'll be amazed how much quicker you get.

Don't get hung up on speed until you've completed the program. Once you get to week 9, then start thinking about it. Speed is not the goal yet, just time.

[ribena-berry Graduate]

You will speed up, but don't worry about trying to run 5km in 30mins by the end of week 9. As Andy said, it's the time that you should concentrate on.

I didn't even start tracking my distance til I could run continously for 30mins.

And some of us graduates still can't run 5km in 30mins months later! So you're in good company.

[Rose885 Graduate]

Not many people actually manage couch to 5k in 9 weeks, it's more couch to 30mins but that's not as catchy

My first 5k was around 34min and I've managed to get that down to 31mins but that took me 8 weeks. You really shouldn't worry about it and just concentrate on finishing the programme

[SallyT Graduate]

Just to echo what everyone else has been saying... don't let it put you off! When I was running for 25 minutes in week 7 I was averaging somewhere around 3.5k in the 25 minutes. This stage of the programme is a big leap, going up a level to having no walking breaks at all and I think it does generally slow the pace down a little. I'm now on week 9 and today ran 4.7k in the 30 minutes, and it will take me about 32 minutes to run a full 5k I think. The speed does come naturally but it varies from person to person. My O/H started off fast and has stayed at the same pace all the way through the programme. Don't get disheartened, you'll get there!

[Anonymous36 Graduate]

I considered getting a rabid dog to chase me so I'd run faster however, my husband insists that plan has its flaws ;D

[DuncanS Graduate in reply to Anonymous36]

Yeah, have you tried to get a rabid dog these days? It's close to impossible.

[Anonymous36 Graduate]

You've never experienced pets a home rabid animals r us haha

[sounfit Graduate]

I'm glad I saw you Q and the answers, beacuse this is me. I'M W8R1 and still slow and ploddy, managing 30 mins but only going about 2.5k. I'm hoping the speed will just kick in but i'm begining to wonder when!

[notlaura Graduate]

made me chuckle anonymous36! Tis a flawed plan indeed but one I might consider...