Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

couch to 5k -speed or distance?

  • 07-03-2014 10:30pm
    #1
    araic88
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 313 ✭✭


    Sorry if this has been asked before.

    I'm doing the last few weeks of the couch to 5k programme and had been happy with how it was going until I saw a metric version. It gives the time you should run for (ie 20 mins) and also the distance you should cover in that time. I can run for 20mins but not fast enough to cover the distance they give.
    I'm wondering which I should focus on - speed/distance or building up length of time I can run for first.
    I've entered a 5k race for a few weeks time and would love to finish in under 30 mins (not a lofty goal for most but a personal one! )


Comments

  • #2
    huskerdu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,932 ✭✭✭huskerdu


    Definitely concentrate on time for the moment. Ignore speed until you have built up the stamina to be able to run for 30 minutes without stopping.

    Even then, most of your running should be done at easy pace - the pace that you can still talk when running.
    As you get stronger, this will naturally get easier and faster but for the moment, dont try running faster.


  • #3
    Ososlo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,420 ✭✭✭Ososlo


    IMO definitely concentrate on time on your feet for the moment. If you're able to comfortably run for 20 mins this week, maybe add on a few mins (2,3) a week for the next few weeks to your time but don't be killing yourself cover a certain distance. You could end up getting injured. You're obviously very new to running if you're doing the C25k and are only running 7, 8 weeks? You're ripe for injury if you push it too much at this stage. Your body need time to adapt to the new stresses it's being put under.
    I did my first 5k race when on week 7 and did it in 37 mins I think. I had never run that far before but was just happy to cover the distance for the first time in my life. Don't worry too much about getting in at a certain time for your first one. Just make sure you're able to run the whole thing without stopping and start off slowly and pick it up near the end if still feeling good.
    Best of luck!


  • #4
    bambergbike
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 342 ✭✭bambergbike


    Definitely run longer (or more often) before ramping up the effort level with extra speed or hills.

    You'll probably be a bit faster than you're expecting in your first race, anway. A pace that would feel really hard in training can feel easier in a race situation, so you might surprise yourself.

    Best of luck and have fun!


Advertisement