Couch to 5k speed?

JackieLivingHealthy

I started the couch to 5k program today. I walked @ 3.5-3.8 mph and did the running at 5.1-5.3 mph. Is this too slow? I worked up a sweat but I just want to know if I should be going faster or if this speed is about right.

kaji13

Not too slow at all! That's a great pace. Don't worry about speed, that will come later on, naturally. Just focus on proper form, and if you're sweating, you're doing just fine

steph1278

I wouldn't worry about the speed at this point. It's more about endurance at first. A lot of people actually go at it to fast and then aren't able to complete the program. I'd say you are doing fine and there is nothing wrong with slowing down either.

AmyRhubarb

Never too slow - go as slow as you need to to finish that day's goal. No shame in slow jogging - it's still jogging! As the others said, speed will come later. I finished c25k in late March and am still working on improving my speed, and slowly building distance. I'd rather go slow and steady than push too hard and wind up with an injury, then have to stop running while it heals!

larkiedeek

I started last week and managed 3 runs before injury.

Try and make sure you stretch before and after you run to avoid injury!

That was the pace I was going at but thought I would spin it up to a faster pace for a bit and pulled a muscle.

Good luck.

ambuney83

Go at whatever speed works for you. I am in week five, but I skipped week 4 as I was just too busy. Running my first 5k in three weeks so I have to skip ahead anyway. I walk at a 4.0 and "run" at a 5.6. I see other people cruising but I like others said, it is more about endurance than speed at this point. Take your time and get your body (and lungs!) used to it. Right now my speed is about 10:42 per mile and it is hard to imagine going any faster as I already get winded! But, I am not worried about speed for my 5k...I just want to finish it!

Best of luck! Keep it up!