Thread for very slow runners 🥰

[GorgeousLadyofWrestling]

Just completed C25k a month or so ago and now aim to run 5k 3 times a week. I am suuuuuuuuuuper slow and getting down about it. All my friends seem to be around the 30-32 minute park whereas I am easily ten minutes more.

I find it so hard just completely a run and noticed I am starting to put pressure on myself to try to run faster. I have to really battle with myself not to just start walking, and sometimes I would swear I am actually just jogging on the spot 🤣 I’m trying to focus on the length of time/ the distance of run - not the speed. Two months ago, I never thought I’d be aiming for regular 5ks, even if they are a massive struggle.

Anyone else?

Absolutely! A mile is a mile whether you do it in 10 minutes or 20!

I've done both OP, and it doesn't matter to me, although I am always pleased with myself when I've done a faster than usual run!

Incidentally, I started trail-running, and basically walked whenever I wanted / needed, but upped my distances as I was enjoying myself more, and just enjoyed being outside. I found when I now do the odd 5k road run, I'm much faster.

Don't worry about it at all! I went from zero running May last year to finally finishing the C25K programme in July. Was so proud of myself.

I now run at least one 5k a week but my times are anywhere between 41-45 minutes. I'm just glad I don't stop and have been able to stick at it.

Sometimes 'proper runners' smile at me when they run toward me at top speed. I think to myself that they're encouraging me or saying 'good for you' (as I'm overweight). It means a lot.

The other day, I was 'running' (jogging/waddling it feels like) and a Police Officer responding to a call WALKED faster than me past me. I was mortified! Haha

Every step is one in the right direction. You're lapping everyone on the couch.

I was doing 45 mins at first then last March, 2 years later I did 34, was so pleased then the following week the world stopped, including parkrun and I caught covid. I need to relearn!

Don't worry about the times. Do it because you enjoy it, I do. Everyone says to me below 35 mins is good, I'm probably at about 39 mins (treadmill) and I honestly don't want to go faster. I'm doing it for fitness and to clear my head. I run 5k every other day and I feel fab, I don't care if everyone is faster. Do it at your own pace xx

This is a thread for me. I started C25 in LD1 and loved the progression. My route isn’t even 5k, it’s more like 4.5 and I religiously run it 4 times a week.
But I’m no faster than I was in June, my rate is exactly the same. I don’t mind being slow!

I'm not very tall so there's only so fast I can go!

I did C25K last summer and have been plodding my way as a runner at least twice a week ever since.

My fastest so far is 41 minutes, but I'm genuinely just concentrating on covering either 30 minutes (on my time limited run days) or just seeing how far my little legs will take me. So far I've managed a whopping 7k

My moment of running pride was taking over the postman the other day...only just mind you but I was delighted. He must have thought I was mad as a box of frogs grinning as I passed him!

The best thing I've done is to join a women's running club in my city. It's all virtual at the moment but the support and encouragement you get is incredible. We have ultra marathon women and women just starting out but every achievement is celebrated, every set back supported and seeing all of these women get out there whatever the weather for a 3k plod or a 20k run is really motivating too.

Well done for sticking with C25K. I've never felt so physically good. I'm still obese although the numbers are slowly getting better but I know I'm doing good by my body and you are too.

You're faster than me, I'm more like a 50 min 5k runner and I really don't care that speed walkers overtake me 😂

@Kidssendingmenuts though I totally agree with your sentiment, I don’t think I’d use the word enjoy to describe running

It’s such a funny thing. My whole life I would say “I hate running. I don’t run.” I started cycling in lockdown and it’s pure joy. Running, however, is more gratifying because I find it so bloody hard. Really, just getting round the route is the achievement.

I went out today and started out feeling pretty good. Quite nifty (for me!). Then at 4.30k I saw a squirrel get hit by a car so I stopped to see if I could help it at all. And then when I realized it died, I just walked home. But later on, I looked at my times and I was overall a minute quicker per K.

@VerityWibbleWobble 🙌🏼🙌🏼💪🏼💪🏼

5k x 3 a week is fab, whatever the time, and as a PP said, beats those still on the couch!

Me me!

I've signed up for half a marathon eek!

I was week 6 of the training plan but the race has been put back. So I'm doing couch 2 5k then joining the training plan at week 4.

My fastest 5k is 39 mins but that was downhill.

I'm finding it really hard not to go too fast at the beginning so my first aim is to run 5k and not walk any of it.

I'm at that stage where I'm addicted though. The air is fresh, flowers are coming up and I'm feeling fitter and leaner.

[quote GorgeousLadyofWrestling]@Kidssendingmenuts though I totally agree with your sentiment, I don’t think I’d use the word enjoy to describe running

It’s such a funny thing. My whole life I would say “I hate running. I don’t run.” I started cycling in lockdown and it’s pure joy. Running, however, is more gratifying because I find it so bloody hard. Really, just getting round the route is the achievement.

I went out today and started out feeling pretty good. Quite nifty (for me!). Then at 4.30k I saw a squirrel get hit by a car so I stopped to see if I could help it at all. And then when I realized it died, I just walked home. But later on, I looked at my times and I was overall a minute quicker per K.[/quote]
That's why I like it too. It's so hard, I can't think of anything else other than putting one foot in front of the other. Quiets my mind chatter. Great for my mental health.

There's a Facebook group called run mummy run and you will all be very welcome there, just saying.
I have been running for years and I have different varieties of slow, but it's all relative. Last week I did a 1h20 10k and today a 28m 5k but it's more about the getting out and doing the miles.
I can't wait until parkrun starts again. I love that there are more interesting and important statistics than speeds to consider. If you get into parkrun tourism, it gets really fun, as you can 'collect' parkruns beginning with different letters (yes that's really a thing). The last one I was focusing on before lockdown (A-Z being too difficult for me) was pirates challenge, where you collect 7xparkruns beginning with C and one with R, or 'seven seas and an ar'.
I ❤️running.

I’ve been running on and off for about 11 years and I’m slower now than ever. I was at my fastest in 2015 but was constantly picking up injuries. I was running 10k in about 52 mins, to give an idea and at that point I joined my local running club. But I was constantly in pain - my IT band on my left leg hated me and my feet and calves were often sore, too. So on physio advice, I rested. Every time I was given the all clear to run again, I pushed myself too hard trying to be as fast as I was and ended up injured again. I started again a few months back and have been much more sensible, building up stamina rather than speed. I’m pain free and I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed my running as much, even though I’m slower than I’ve ever been.

I guess that was a long-winded way of saying it doesn’t matter if you feel slow, just try and enjoy, and don’t push yourself too hard or you’ll end up injured or hating it.

Good luck OP!

Can I join? Still doing c25k (starting W8 today) but I am very slow - currently averaging around 3k in 25mins, so I reckon it would take me at least 45 mins to do 5k, if I could even keep going for that long!

Really want to work up to doing a park run when they open in June, but don't want to embarrass myself by coming in ages later than everyone else!

I’m a run leader and about 40-45min 5k , so please don’t get disheartened. When we run our club c25k programmes about 70-80% of people finish in 35 - 45 minutes - thats the only criticism of C25k in that it sets unrealistic expectations.

If you want to get faster then why not try adding in a speed or interval session. After warming up set off running at a faster pace and see how long you can hold it for (each week you’ll probably go further) ..or sprint one between 2 lamposts, walk or jog the next 2 and so on. It feels ‘wrong’ but works on the same principle as c25k in that it teaches your body to recognise it can do more. The important bit is the effort, not whether you walk or jog between - the goal is to get your heart rate down. You could also try a hill session , warm up then run up a hill, recover down - its hard but will improve your overall fitness and stamina - good luck !

@AlexaShutUp if you want to do park run you won’t embarrass yourself whatever speed you are - it really is all about taking part. People may walk the whole way taking up to an hour. If you’re worried you can check the previous parkrun results for your course but no-one ever regrets it !

I only started running 2 years ago and it was park run that made me see beyond sport being competitive. Running is about getting out there and completing a run, whatever the time. Never compare yourself to others - some will be faster and some will be slow but after park run we all meet for a coffee celebrating the fact we’ve completed it. I have a fairly set pace no matter if I’m running 1 mile or a half marathon it’s the pace my legs settle into. If you go too fast for you you will end up running sprints then needing to walk. Slow and steady is much better.

Thank you @Fluffandbubbles, that's encouraging. I currently only run in the dark as I'm so embarrassed, so doing it in such a public setting would be quite a step outside my comfort zone!

@AlexaShutUp

Can I join? Still doing c25k (starting W8 today) but I am very slow - currently averaging around 3k in 25mins, so I reckon it would take me at least 45 mins to do 5k, if I could even keep going for that long!

Really want to work up to doing a park run when they open in June, but don't want to embarrass myself by coming in ages later than everyone else!

Well done for getting so far! When I was 'finished', I made my next run a 5k. I was covering a similar distance to you by W8 but I set 5k on my Fitbit and just kept going until it buzzed. I tried my best not to look down. I cried ugly tears on FaceTime to my husband once I'd finally managed it.

You can do it!

@Fluffandbubbles

I’m a run leader and about 40-45min 5k , so please don’t get disheartened. When we run our club c25k programmes about 70-80% of people finish in 35 - 45 minutes - thats the only criticism of C25k in that it sets unrealistic expectations.

If you want to get faster then why not try adding in a speed or interval session. After warming up set off running at a faster pace and see how long you can hold it for (each week you’ll probably go further) ..or sprint one between 2 lamposts, walk or jog the next 2 and so on. It feels ‘wrong’ but works on the same principle as c25k in that it teaches your body to recognise it can do more. The important bit is the effort, not whether you walk or jog between - the goal is to get your heart rate down. You could also try a hill session , warm up then run up a hill, recover down - its hard but will improve your overall fitness and stamina - good luck !

I'm definitely going to try mixing it up like this, thank you!

I've been running 5k in 34-35 minutes for about 4 years. I think that's just my pace. I have spells of working hard to get faster but it never sticks. Once in a blue moon I get 33.58 or something and I'm overjoyed.

Snail team and love it here!

Started off run-walking, then slow all jogging, and gradually built up to 9/10k most runs. I pay no attention to pace as am doing it mainly for mental health and I think trying to speed up could stress me out and make it feel like a literal treadmill. I go by heartrate zone, how i feel, and adjust where I go based on how much time I have.

Think have sped up a BIT.

Never, ever thought would start and enjoy running.

www.healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/average-5k-time#by-age-and-sex

If you look here you will see there’s not a single female age category with an average time under 30mins. How good these stats are I don’t know but I’m not surprised!!!

I’ve been running about 2 years about 5k 3 times a week - I still don’t get under 30 mins (did it once!!!). And all my runs are planned run/walk - I find it psychologically better!

But it doesn’t matter how far or how fast you go - it’s the going that’s important!