.9 miles short

ZombieEarhart

I finished the C25K program this week, and I'm running my first 5k on November 3rd (Hot Chocolate Chicago!). Last night I ran 2.3 miles in 32 minutes, and my current plan is to just add 2 minutes to each run until I'm actually running 3.1 miles. I was wondering how other people bridged this gap if they had one after finishing the program. Should I focus on time or speed? Or am I overthinking this?

Help me, C25K-ers, you're my only hope

CherylP67

I've read it's best to focus on distance. Take your time, just finish the race!

ZombieEarhart

I've read it's best to focus on distance. Take your time, just finish the race!

Yeah, I would hate to push too hard in the first mile and end up walking if I don't have to. Thanks for the advice!

PaytraB

I agree. Focus on finishing the distance. Don't worry about speed or time.
You're doing great. I graduated C25K in the spring and am currently running 5k in the 40-43 minute range, which is "speedy" for me. I think you're doing really well.

grubb1019

I agree, focus on the distance. After I graduated I always went 5K even if I had to walk the last ten minutes or so. Each time I got a little closer to running the whole thing. After you get the distance down speed will come, I have went from 50 minutes to 45 minutes since graduating. Rundouble has a 5K improvement selection that I am using right now, you run 300 meters and walk 100 meters, I have seen a big improvement in my speed since using it.

zorbaru

im going to say the opposite.

focus on the time. if you keep running for the same amount of time, the distance you can run in that time will increase until you can hit the 5k in the time you want.

likitisplit

Right now, you will be able to run 5k during a race (it's known as race day magic). I like your idea of adding a few minutes until you get there. You will notice that the program added the standard "rule of thumb" 10% a week. You could also start a 10k program.