Will I make it to 5k?

[Lynds]

I ran week 6 run 3 last night, and I only managed to cover 3.6kms... Will I get significantly faster in the next 9 runs to make it to 5k by week 9 run 3?

[PeaBea Graduate]

Don't worry about getting to 5k but focus on getting to run for 30 minutes. Many of us who have graduated take more than this to do that distance: it takes me around 40 minutes.

[WepreRunner Graduate]

I measured my distance on W7R1 and came in at 3.44km, so you're ahead of my pace. Like PeaBea says, although the course is called couch 2 5k, perhaps couch to 30 minutes would be more accurate. Once you have the time down, you should only have to add 5 minutes or so to make the 5k and, after that, you can concentrate on increasing your time (or move up to the 10k).

You should also find your time/distance improve as your body gets fitter from doing the course. I've made a decision to only measure my runs once a week, as it's better to listen to your body, than to push too hard now.

[Genome911 Graduate]

After you finish, you may want to give Couch to 5K+ a go if you are not at 5K. Laura works on pace (to music of increasing bpm) there & I am finding that the distance is increasing like magic!

[mumma]

your doing really well and the more you do the better/ easier it will come.

[rhosred]

Are you me? I did W6R3 and covered 3.62 km. I'm not expecting to complete 5k - by the end of the course - so many people I know didn't - but I am entering a 5k a month after I finish and would ideally like to be able to do it in 30 mins by then. As everyone says I think being sure to run for the time is the first step and then speeding up once you know you can do that.

[Lynds Graduate in reply to rhosred]

This made me chuckle... I dont think I am you... but could be!

[Fingalo Graduate]

Agree with the above, my next run is Week 8 and I'm not going to reach 5k by the end of this programme. In a way I'm quite pleased as I know I'll miss a challenge were I not to have that to aim for once this is done.

[Lynds Graduate in reply to Fingalo]

Yes, thats a good point - I'll still have a challenge to aim for once I have finished! I've decided to give up measuring for now as found it quite dispiriting! Going to aim for the 30 minutes as above and worry about the 5km after I have got to week 9. Maybe I'll clock my mileage on the first run after the plan is finished.

[Fingalo Graduate in reply to Lynds]

I've measured only one run since I started, one of the 25 minute ones and then only because i really didn't have a clue how much ground I was covering. It told me I had done just over 2 miles in that 25. I was slightly disappointed at first but quickly copped myself on by telling myself I'd struggled to run for a minute only a matter of weeks ago.

5k+ will be the next time I measure it, or I may measure one of my 30 minutes in Week 9, either way, I'm not gonna sweat it.