Speed question - Week 3 Run 1

[BKMom77]

I swear I am running (I use that term very loosely) probably slower than I can fast walk. Is this something that will get better with time? Did anyone else start off at a snails pace?

[boudicca Graduate]

Yes, me! I was surprised when I actually passed a pedestrian. I've stuck to the principle that it doesn't matter how fast/slow you go, just getting through it is enough. Graduation is the time to start thinking about speeding up in a serious way, though already I think I am running just a bit faster than when I started.

[rochiebro]

You need to be running at more than 70% of your maximum heart rate. Push yourself, you'll feel class afterwards!

[gdeann Graduate]

I'm pretty sure a few snails and turtles passed me my first weeks! Slow and steady is the way to go as you build stamina. Speed will eventually come as you build endurance. Its better to go slow and complete the program then to get so totally overwhelmed and feel like a failure. Good luck! Gayle

[Too_Lazy]

Yes me too! (I'm on week 2) Tonight there was a dog walker in front of me who kept turning round to see when I was going to over take her! It took me ages to pass her - I feel so slow. But my heart rate is racing and I'm sure I can't actually run any faster!

I love the phrase 'I may be running slowly, but I'm lapping everyone on their couch'!

[roundbutsound Graduate]

I asked more or less the same question, whether I should worry about being so slow, I'm on week 4 and running for 5 mins was a triumph BUT pedestrians can overtake me without really trying. So it's nice to know that speed is something to think about later

[Deryn61 Graduate]

Laura actually says " a light jog is enough " at some point in the first week or two and I took her at her word! The idea is to challenge yourself, get a bit hot/sweaty and out of breath and be very relieved at the end of each running/jogging interval but recover sufficiently to be ready for the next one! You can worry about running at x per cent of max after graduation, for now the idea is to build up stamina whilst avoiding injury and putting yourself off.

[gdeann Graduate in reply to Deryn61]

Deryn61, I so agree with you!!!! You always offer such great advice. I am still slow, but I know I am pushing my body to the point if I pushed much more I would get frustrated and quit. I may not be fast, but I'm a runner! Gayle