Woohoo! At last, I finally did it...5.05K (yes, I am counting that little 0.05K!!) in 30 mins.

[KateMac]

I was beginning to think I'd never make it. Gosh, it was hard work though, will it ever be easy or will my fantasy of running along the cycle track, gazelle like & sweat free, be a fantasy forever? I think I may still be a snail as I got overtaken twice but I am still really pleased.

[sonicsplodge Graduate]

Well done.... I too noticed a lot of snails DO NOT travel at the normal 'snails pace' some fare zoomed past me.

Will you be joining 5k+ ?

I am having a few days off before having a go myself.

Again WELL DONE!!

[KateMac Graduate]

Thank you!

I'm not quite sure about 5K+ or what to do next, do you know what it involves?

I don't want to put myself under too much pressure as running that "fast" was really hard work & I know if I was tired or too hot I probably wouldn't manage it. I think I'll just concentrate on completing the 5K for a bit, trying to keep to the 30 mins but not being upset if it takes a bit longer.

On the plus side I did overtake several actual grass hoppers on my route & I jumped over a slug!

[vengadriver Graduate]

How did you achieve it in the end? I have been trying for weeks to no avail

[KateMac Graduate in reply to vengadriver]

I don't really know! I was quite fed up when I first measured my distance as it was about 3.5k . I had a break of over a month + started again on week5, not measuring distance + just keeping to the times. A few weeks after re-graduating I turned the gps back on + managed the 5k in 35 mins, after that it seemed more achievable + I tried to go a tiny bit faster each time. I use run keeper app which gives 5 min updates on average speed + distance so I know if I'm going fast enough or not. It's good but is a bit discouraging if I get to the half way point and am under 2.5 k , especially as I can hardly ever speed up by that point! I'm going out tomorrow + I'm already thinking about whether I should.try to push myself to do it in 30 mins or slow down a bit + try to enjoy it more. It's still very hard going for me! Do you know how far off the 30mins you actually are?. Also, where are you running? At the moment I run on a cycle track which is fairly flat, I think if I was back on grass/mud with more hilly bits I'd be slower. I'm sure you will manage it if you keep going, just don't push yourself to do it too quickly. I wonder how many people are actually running the 5k by week 9?! Good luck

[vengadriver Graduate]

Hi,Thanks for your reply.I am still finding it hard work too after graduating in June.I am managing 5km in approx 34mins.Have been trying to reduce this time for weeks doing speed and interval work.I run in the local park on gravel paths with some slight inclines/hills which seem to then reduce my speed intervals.I have now decided to try increasing my distance for a while and will then try some speed work again.I can only run outside (hate treadmills) so not sure how I will manage in the winter months.I don't want to lose it as I have heard it is very easily done.To be honest I don't think many achieve 5km in 30 mins by week 9 but thought I would have smashed it by now.Keep me posted on your progress

[KateMac Graduate]

Hi, after the amazing progress I felt I was making through the weeks of the programme I'm still surprised at how difficult the 30 mins is, It feels as if I've reached my maximum ability & I'm not going to get any better without huge effort. Like you, I thought a month or so after graduating would see me racing along like Roadrunner! The plus side is I'm looking forward to winter as I hate running in the heat, I don't mind rain but not sure what will happen if it snows this year!

Moaning aside, 34 mins is still pretty good when you think about it isn't it? well done, especially with those uphill bits!

Somehow I've hurt my lower leg so am "resting" for a few days, hoping to go out again sunday or monday as any longer could be a disaster for my progress! Good luck with your distance increase