5k now what?

[ScaredandUnderconfident]

I've managed to run 5k for a couple of weeks now. I'm amazed. I'm not very fast - 7.4mins per km.

I feel more energetic, stronger, positive and there's a wee bit of weight loss too.

So what now?

Do I try to go faster and stick to 5k or do I run for longer at the same slow pace?

Should I look to push myself?

It’s up to you really, isn’t it? No one can tell you what you want to do next. Do you want to keep running 5k in that time or you want to run faster or do you want to run further?

Well done!
www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/couch-to-5k-what-next/

Here's the link to the NHS advice after completing the Couch to 5K training plan.

Would you be interested in increasing the distance? How about booking an organised 10k in the next six months to aim towards?

I would stick with the 5k for now and get the speed up a little bit (not that I could do 5k right now) and then push the distance a bit more each time.

I’d work on getting the speed up a bit to improve your cardio fitness. Maybe ultimately try for 5k in 30 mins as an end goal?

Would also suggest before increasing distance think about regular exercises to strengthen leg muscles and core, to help prevent injuries.
Eg squats, lunges etc. PIlates is also a really good exercise to do alongside running.

Thank you very much for all the advice.