realistically how long before i can do 5k

[choufleur]

I started running last months. haven't done it for ages. I'm now doing between 2 1/4 and 2 1/2 (depends on route i run) twice a week. That is still fairly hard work but getting easier. How long do you reckon it will take before i can run 5k? just want to know what i should be aiming for.

you could do it tomorrow if you put your mind to it! honestly have a go

I think i would collapse and have to be carried home. I want to be able to run the whole way - not walk and run. I really don't think i could run twice as far as i'm doing now.

Increase your distance by half a mile every 5 or 6 runs - this is the best way to avoid injury.

That is what the coach at my running club says.

yes you can! if you know you are only going to run 2/3k mentally you prepare fro that and feel exhausted at the end.

do you run quite fast?

Couch potato to 5k takes about 10 weeks I think, so you should be able to do 5k in about 4 - 5 weeks max. If you're finding it really hard, you need to slow down. I remember only being able to run for 8 minutes and wondering what was wrong with me. When I slowed it down a bit, I could run for 24 mins!!

ok ignore me!

I don't think i run particularly fast. I went out this morning and did 2.25K - took 15 mins.

Sorry?

wasn't being sarky, i meant ignore me as other obviously know more than me.

Thought I'd offended you (phew) You're probably right though, when I first did 5k I think I'd only run for about 2-3k previously, but I managed it. I think it depends on the situation though, if you're on your own you're more likely to stop. But if you are in a race, the embarrasment factor will keep you going

Am i running fast/slow/about right do you think? I think you're right if i was running with someone i would keep going.

I don't know cos I think I'm quite a slow runner and the last time I did 5k in a race for life I did it in 34 mins, so it sounds like you're training at about my "race pace" Just really slow down and see how far you can go.

your pace sounds find chouf. at that pace i do think 5k is within your reach.

thanks all - think i will try to add on 0.5km every few runs. will soon be up to 5k at that rate.

Don't worry about your speed at the moment. Just run at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Why don't you try and add an extra 5 mins to your running time every couple of runs and see how you go?

I started the Couch to 5k and ran my first 5k 3 weeks later but I really pushed myself and had a decent level of fitness to begin with as was swimming 3 times a week.

I've just come back from my run. Did 6.5k in 40 mins. I found upping my distance from 5k quite tough and it was because I was running too fast. Once I slowed my pace I found running that extra bit longer easier and funnily enough it didn't really seem to affect my end time.

Good luck and Happy Running!