How long was it before you could run a 5k

lovetiffany

I'm training to run a 5k in October. Its a long ways away but i'm hoping to finish in under 21 minutes so I need to train early...

I started off as a 'couch potato' that never exercised. That was exactly 4 weeks ago. I went from not being able to run for more than 2 minutes to being able to run 1.5 miles nonstop (today's new accomplishment) .

That's an accomplishment in its own and im happy/proud. But im curious about how long it took for everyone else to train before they could run a 5k/3.1 miles. If it takes me another 4 weeks to run the last 1.6...am I progressing tooslow to make my goal happen ?

jaz050465

Do the couch 2 5k programme. You can get the written programme online or get a podcast or app. Do a search for it and you will see all the rave reviews.

giantruss

about 3 months for me, i was slower than 21minutes though.

it took about 6 months for 21 minutes , good luck



i love running

chubbygirl253

A little under 4 mos. I started jogging at 300 lbs and I just took it really slow. I'm still slow but now I'm working up to doing 10k.

micls

I did couch to 5k, so 9 weeks to run it but that was 33mins, so nowhere near the speed you're looking for.

Synapze

Ive got this app sitting, waiting on my iPhone.

Still feel too heavy to give it a go yet, but im walking 5km most days. Its a start.

Elleinnz

I did couch to 5k, so 9 weeks to run it but that was 33mins, so nowhere near the speed you're looking for.

Yep - same for me - c2k - 9 weeks - but it still took me about 40 mins - was working up to 30mins when I busted my knee.... So no more running for me :-(

makaiya

Seems impossible to me right now. I'm mostly fast wlking right now. But we'll see where I am next month.

JanisAtki

I started from the couch and I did my first 5k after week 6 of the C25K program. I did one paced one to convince myself it wouldn't kill me and pushed myself a few days later for a 37min result on a bush trail. I didn't manage to pick much more speed for the rest of the C25K weeks but I went straight on to C210K and I'm now working on a sensible 10k at the end of Feb which will be 2 weeks after finishing the program. I know my technique leaves a lot to be desired and I'd probably get a trainer involved to help with speed goals like yours. Keep in mind that at speed shoes play a bigger role and an assessment from podiatrist, chiropractor or at least a knowledgable sporting store would be money well spent.

dillydally123

Less than three weeks and I was starting from zero but I wouldn't recommend doing it so fast I picked up a lot of niggly injuries. And I'm not that fast. About 30 mins for 5k.

timeasterday

I started running in December but was already in good shape. Within 4 weeks I was up to running 5K in 26-27 minutes. Paid the price for that though, got tendonitis. Just ran my first 5K race only 7 weeks after starting running. Finished in 26:42. I would definitely recommend following the C25K program to the letter and don't push it.

missferoux

It took me around 3 months using c25k with a couple of repeated weeks near the end. I run 3-5 times a week since mid August and current time is around 33 mins. I think unless you've run before, a more realistic time should be set. the fast guys at the parkrun 5k near me only do it in 18 - 20 mins, and they have been running for ages.

I aim to be down to 30 mins within two months, 28 within 4.

Hope this helps x Add me if you want motivation x

umer76

I have a different experience. I was a couch potato for sure but after losing some weight when I started c25k. First two days I just did as the day 1 and day 2 were supposed. But then at the end of the first week I pushed myself and suddenly I was able to jog for 9 minutes non stop and did 1km. Next week I did more and now I am doing 2 km i.e. 18 minutes jogging. I have jumped to Week 6 actually just in 2 weeks. Not sure how it happened but I think after a couple of weeks if you push yourself you can do much more than you think you can do. I started by C25k on 10th Jan