Am i running slowly?

C25k is all about finishing the time interval regardless of pace. You are to run as slow as you need to finish the run interval even if you are running slower than you could walk that interval. Speed comes later.
I haven't checked out the C210k program before but I imagine it would be based on the same principle particularly since you are just starting to run.

gillie80 wrote: »

Hi everyone. i started c210k and am on week 7. i have worked out that i'm running at about 5mph just now. is that slow? i start the inerval section in a few weeks so i hope my speed will increase a bit then, but i'm curious just now to know what others think. are there any new to running members who can chip in?

i've never run before, and before i started i couldn't run the length of my 15 foot drive and have jsut hit the 15 minute running milestone

You've improved. That's all that really matters. While your speed may be slower than others', it would seem to be faster than where you were. Keep plugging on.

that's what i do and i've been running for over a year. actually my comfy pace is closer to 4.7

Honestly don't take this the wrong way, but who cares! As long as you are running at a pace you are comfortable with, then there is no fast or slow, just keep at it, and your pace will change. Great job, and keep it up!

Don't get caught up in comparing yourself to others, be proud of the fact that you can now run several miles continuously (something the majority of adults can't do) and are working towards 10km / 6.2 miles.

Like you, when I started out I could barely get around the block without feeling like I was going to die. Now (a slow) 10km is a relaxing mid-week training run. Be patient with yourself and be consistent in your training..... you'll be amazed with what you can accomplish.

I agree with the others! You are running, so be proud! There are days I run fast, there are days I run slow. There are days I do a walk/run combo. Point is, your moving. Great job! Keep it up!

As as been stated earlier speed comes with endurance just keep adding distance to your runs, I go thru this every year last few years have not run in the winter then come spring I get myself all bummed because my pace is not where it was 3 months ago so not that I have to start over I just need to start slower. Once you get to the point where you can go let say 8 or 10 miles you will really start to notice your pacing increase on the shorter runs 3-5 miles. As what was stated earlier something is better than nothing and you are pacing everyone sitting on the couch or in their computer chair.

The best piece of advice I was given when I started running was to run slowly - so slowly that it's not even that much faster than walking pace. You see hundreds of posts on here by people saying how much they are struggling with C25k etc and how hard the run sections are and it's likely that in most cases they're trying to sprint the run intervals (at whatever pace is sprinting effort for them) because they're thinking 'running: that means fast'. If you're going slowly you're doing it right! You'll be building the aerobic fitness you'll need for when you're a superfast racing whippet.

litsy3 wrote: »

The best piece of advice I was given when I started running was to run slowly - so slowly that it's not even that much faster than walking pace. You see hundreds of posts on here by people saying how much they are struggling with C25k etc and how hard the run sections are and it's likely that in most cases they're trying to sprint the run intervals (at whatever pace is sprinting effort for them) because they're thinking 'running: that means fast'. If you're going slowly you're doing it right! You'll be building the aerobic fitness you'll need for when you're a superfast racing whippet.

I could not agree more. I've seen so many new runners either get injured or burned out from trying to run too fast, too far, too soon. It's a journey. Your runs should be at a pace where you can carry on a conversation with a partner. If you can't - you're running too fast. A base of fitness takes time. Be patient and take satisfaction that every time you lace up your shoes for a run, you're doing more than 90% of your friends and neighbors. Enjoy and embrace the run! Happy running!