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Original poster

5km run speed

16 replies

MistyTrains2 · 11/09/2023 23:03

I'm doing a group event at the weekend i.e. where there are different levels of running. I've entered the 5km. I've just been out for a 30m run and it's hard to tell how much distance I covered on my Fitbit but I think it was 3km. By that calculation it would take me 49 minutes. I'm kind of gutted I'm so slow (I have a condition).

This was the time I got just before I found out about my condition and I hoped I'd be faster now having done some actual (although to be fair not that consistent) training. I guess it is a kick to be more consistent.

I may be a little faster on the day as my condition fluctuates. Not sure why I am posting really, is it possible I might speed up five minutes with two more practise runs by Sunday?

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ronswansonstache · 11/09/2023 23:19

I always run faster around other people. I don't think the pace you've posted is abnormally slow.

You definitely won't be last if that's what you're worried about. Most park runs have people finishing close to the hour mark.

And even if you are last, it doesn't matter you're still getting up off the sofa! Hope you enjoy your run.

HerNameIsIncontinentiaButtocks · 11/09/2023 23:20

If it helps, my first 5k was 1h10. If you've never run a 5k before don't assume it'll scale linearly from a "maybe 3k" run. Does your pace actually matter for this?

xsquared · 11/09/2023 23:20

Nobody here can say for certain. I will however say that race conditions and having crowd support will spur you on and make you run faster.

Under normal circumstances, being consistent in your training, should help you improve gradually. However, you have a condition, that most of us are probably not qualified to advise you whether you are able to run faster.

Not sure whether that was any help or not, but could you see your GP and see what they say?

Original poster
MistyTrains2 · 11/09/2023 23:29

Ah thank you @ronswansonstache .

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Original poster
MistyTrains2 · 11/09/2023 23:30

@HerNameIsIncontinentiaButtocks Actually, no my pace doesn't matter at all.

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SausageAndEggSandwich · 11/09/2023 23:42

How often do you normally run? If you're fairly new to training for an event I wouldn't do extra runs in the few days before. You'll just tire yourself out. I'd maybe do one more Wednesday or Thursday and no longer than the one you did today.

TeenLifeMum · 11/09/2023 23:46

Pace varies. I was doing 6 minutes kilometres and once managed a 5k in 28 minutes 4 years ago but now I’m doing 7minutes and I’m 2 stone heavier. I would like to be under 6:30 per km but also really like food and Netflix.

Original poster
MistyTrains2 · 12/09/2023 04:28

@SausageAndEggSandwich Yes was wondering this.. the longest Couch to 5k run is 30mins but I clearly have not run 5k yet so was wondering how that works. I've been running twice a week for a few months.

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BogRollBOGOF · 12/09/2023 09:26

Most people will be short on distance on a 30min C25k. It's a great plan, but not always brilliantly named, and leaves most in sniffing distance of 5k.

I've been running for years and am fairly middling, but if I put the week 9 podcast on the 30 min run is about 2 mins short for me to cover 5k at that pace of music (heavy metal/ dance music can get me 28 min 5k)

As for the race, you can complete it and there will be others in similar time. Don't change anything, and go into it fresh and rested. There were 1hr 15 finishers at the parkrun I went to the other day, and people taking an hour to do a local 5k race I did recently.

Original poster
MistyTrains2 · 12/09/2023 13:33

Hi @BogRollBOGOF and all thank you so much for the encouragement. I feel a lot better about it. I know it sounds ridiculous, because who cares anyway, but I just didn't want to stand out because of my condition, it's such a psychological thing of thinking people might think who does she think she is trying to run 5k, in reality I would never think that about anyone else.

Doing it has a lot of emotional meaning for me as I didn't know I had the condition last time, now I do and it has been quite a journey. I'm looking forward to it.

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Original poster
MistyTrains2 · 15/09/2023 21:56

Done my last run. It was good. I just need to not look at my watch at the 25m mark as I felt knackered when I did that. I'm sure I can just plod on. Bring it on.

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Original poster
MistyTrains2 · 17/09/2023 10:55

I did it! In a respectable 43 mins. It was hot. And hilly.

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Original poster
MistyTrains2 · 17/09/2023 10:56

Does anyone know if the timing tag still works if you took your tshirt off?

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Original poster
MistyTrains2 · 18/09/2023 07:48

Chip results - I got 41 mins! Needn't have worried.

My goal now is to increase my pace from 4.5mph to 5.2mph and see if I can get 36 mins.

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NevermindNelson · 18/09/2023 07:55

That’s a really good time in hot weather, running up and down hills, you should feel proud of yourself 🏅

Original poster
MistyTrains2 · 18/09/2023 07:57

Thank you! The hills were unexpected, it was basically a lot of undulating to steep climbs and a couple of quick downs! I almost wanted my money back 🤣

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