How hard should I be pushing myself? - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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How hard should I be pushing myself?

rayo87 profile image
3 Replies

So I started the C25K today, and I was actually surprised at how easy I found it. I always considered myself to be a terrible runner, but I've seen posts on various sites by people saying they really struggled/felt sick etc after the first days of C25K. I barely even felt out of breath at any point, which was a huge surprise to me. I'm just wondering if I should be pushing myself to the point where I'm out of breath at the end of each jogging interval or what? My average walking pace was 8:10 min per km and my average jogging pace was 5:45 min per km. No idea if these are fast or slow though.

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rayo87 profile image
rayo87
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3 Replies
Lifebeginsat40 profile image
Lifebeginsat40

You should be running just fast enough that you can still - just about hold a conversation. You want to get in to a pace that you can sustain for 30mins not one that leaves you breathless after 60 secs.

You may want to run the last run segment faster if you WA t that 'real' workout feeling?

RainbowC profile image
RainbowCGraduate

I'd guess that if you're not even out of breath at the end of the running sections, you might want to try going slightly faster - you're definitely not aiming to be feeling ill, but should be pushing yourself a little bit. The 'conversational pace' guideline seems to be a good one that I've seen in lots of places.

Fingalo profile image
FingaloGraduate

I agree with the above.

Alternatively, perhaps think about starting further up the programme?

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