Couch to 5K - week 9 help!!

[user1465146157]

Hello
I'm not a runner at all but started the Couch to 5K in the new year and have stuck with it. I've reached Week 9 and am really proud that I've carried on, but I'm aware that I'm 2 runs away from the end and not close to 5k in terms of the distance?!

I must be going slower than 'normal'? Or is this usual?

I did the 30 minute run today (week 9 run 1) and while I met the time without stopping, I'm on 3.67km - so I'm not sure I can get to the end of the programme this week and make it to 5k?

Has anyone else done this and felt the same? Or am I going to magically gain 1.5k by the end of the week?!

I was thinking maybe it's me being tired - I do run quite slowly for fear of needing to stop if I go too fast, and I have a young baby so not sleeping through the night. Could diet be a factor - so should I eat a particular thing before I run?

Any tips on how I can get faster / have more energy during the run I'd be really grateful!

thank you :-)

@Sammysquiz - thanks again - would you mind sharing the name of the watch you use to track your speed? x

@user1465146157 I have a Garmin Vivoactive 4 (which I love!) but I think most of the makes will have a similar function. I set up a workout of the distance I want to run, and then set a minimum pace. If I drop below this it vibrates. I have found it hugely helpful and have knocked 2 minutes off my 5km time. I think before I used to slow down so gradually that I didn’t really notice I was doing it, but now I like to obey my watch

@Sammysquiz thank you again I'll have a look!!

I did 5km in 30:26 once, once a long time ago. I've been running for just over a year and tend to run 5km in 33mins. For quite a while last year I was running 2miles as that is one of the loops near my house a d found after doing that for a while my speed in the 5km improved

I finished the C25K programme two weeks ago, I was managing 3.5k in the 30 minutes...I’m super slow! For the last run I decided to try a 5K and it took 42.50 but I did it. I’ve just done my 2nd 5K today. My plan is to try and increase my distance on a Monday run and a shorter run Weds and Friday but working on my speed. Hoping to eventually get my time down.

@Dancingalong - I've just done the same thing! I finished the C2K and decided to just run at my own pace, I did it the 5k in around 42 mins which I still cant believe even happened.
really interesting how without the app telling me to stop I was able to carry on - at this point I dont mind how long it took as long as it happened!

Well done to you I hope you feel great about it x

Week 8 run 1 done

I pushed myself a litter faster on this one and really felt it

Next run Wednesday and going to take it a little easier

It was also noticeably hot out there this evening!

21 degrees today tomorrow and Wednesday and then it’s forecast for snow next Tuesday!!