Frustrated with run time- would love some advice!

mandijo

I've been "running" or maybe wogging for the last two years with about a 6 month period where I had a shattered ankle and was obviously doing nothing. I started out with the C25K and before my accident, I had accomplished a 5K in about 35 minutes time. Not a great time, but not bad for a starter. Since I've been running again, Marchish I would say, I've gone from a 40 minute 5K down to about a 36. I'm on a 10K program in hopes that I can increase my time, but it seems like I'm getting nowhere and often getting SLOWER. I don't have a gps running watch, and I can't afford one right now, but I feel like I should be progressively getting better. I'm running 3 times a week right now anywhere from 2-5 miles and the mileage is starting to get higher the more we are in this program. It also includes some HIIT workouts as well. I lift 2 days a week and I do cross training 2 days a week. I could probably afford time in my schedule to get at least one more in a week, but I'm a busy mom of 3 and a full time teacher so time is sometimes scarce. Any suggestions or tips for me? Maybe I'm doing exactly what I should be doing, but it's frustrating when my first mile is run at 11:19 and the 2nd is 13:39. That's a heck of a lot slower. Thanks for your input!

michellekicks

If you want to improve your running, you should focus on running. Lifting is good, but why do HIIT workouts when you could spend that time improving your running? Use the days you'd do HIIT to do 2-3 mile runs, and then the 3 days you're currently doing to go a little longer. More miles is always going to improve your time.

That said, you also have to eat enough carbs. Carbs give you energy. Looks like you're eating your exercise calories back, so that is good. I'd say more miles is what will help you right now.

Michelle_dirtracer

I have this same problem. I am hoping you get some advice I can use as well.