C25K + ? Need to speed up!

[Landoni112]

I am in the middle of wk7 C25K and amazingly can run for 25 mins non-stop!

However, I really doubt I will be running 5km in 30 mins at the end of wk 9, more like 4km I would think, because I run really slow so I can actually finish the run. (I am a couple of stone overweight)
My question is, what do people do to improve their speed? Does the next step of C25K+ work well for that?
My long-term aim is to run 3 times a week aprox 30 mins, but to cover more distance in that time.

I've not done C25K so don't know about that. But when I've tried to improve my speed I've found that alternating run/jog/walk patterns help. So, if you can jog slowly for 25 mins then you might start introducing short bursts of speed in there. Say running/sprinting for 30 seconds then jogging at normal speed for 3-4 mins, and repeating that for the 25 mins. Then gradually build up the time you run/sprint for.

Should add, I haven't run for ages and have never been much of a distance runner - 5k is my usual aim. I'm planning on starting running again this week as I have had a baby and am really keen to get some time out in the fresh air to decompress and think! I think I'll be taking it slowly though!

Thanks louschmoo that sounds a good idea to intro quick bursts of speed (or speedish in my case) anyone done the C25K+?

Make being able to run 5k your aim, with speed as a bonus. Then intervals, as louschmoo suggests. Change your route sometimes, and try and find some contours! Be wary about trying to change your stride as this can lead to injury, as can trying to do too much too soon. Better to take it more slowly and avoid injury.