Natcatvet Posted November 21, 2015 Report Share Posted November 21, 2015 Ok probably stupid question but I don't know how to tackle my issue. I'm a new runner, 47 overweight, and have progressed to week 8. I get the point about build endurance first - which I am - started could hardly run 30 secs, now doing 28 mins. As I keep running, even at 30 mins at my current pace in going around 4 - 4.2km only. So ...... Should I just build up my time (30 mins, then 33 mins, 35 mins, 40 mins). Or should I just use my GPS and clock the 5km distance and train to this ? I'd like to register for my first 5km next feb or March but at my current level it's going to take me 45-50 mins. Not sure how to build to running the distance rather than just time on the road! Interval speed training has been recommended and I'm prepared to do this if people think it will get me doing an actual 5km distance so I'm prepared to an actual race (fun run!). All comments appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruthie Posted November 21, 2015 Report Share Posted November 21, 2015 I don't think running a 45 minute 5K is bad for someone who has just started running. I was reading up on good times for 5k and I don't think I myself will ever get there - under twenty minutes? I don't think that is going to happen to me. If I was to run a 5K today (if I had the endurance, which I don't yet) It would probably be around 40 or 45 minutes. So what? I will probably reach the end of the program in the same boat you are in - with the endurance to run thirty minutes but not doing 5 k in that time. I will either set myself a longer time to run until I actually run 5k and then try knock a minute or two off each time I run. Or maybe do interval speed training at the end of the run. Don't worry about it. I don't consider myself old (I am a year older than you) but I have been around the block and I don't expect my body to perform like a twenty year old.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne Lang Posted November 21, 2015 Report Share Posted November 21, 2015 I think you need to copy Azatol he seems to have the right program going Ruthie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azatol Posted November 21, 2015 Report Share Posted November 21, 2015 Your question can only be answered with a question. Do you want to run a faster 5k or do you want to run a 10k? If 5K is the longest distance you wan to run (and there is nothing wrong with that), then you want to start speed work. If your desire is to run longer distances than you need to slowly nudgle up your long run and weekley mileage The good news is you will naturally get faster at 5K races if you increase your distance because 5K becomes an easier distance to run and when we don't need to tax ourselves cardiovascularly,. it's easier to run quicker. I went the direction of distance but kept doing 5K races anyway. I am by no means fast but I've gone from a 35 minute 5k to a 26 minute 5K just naturally over time as I built distance. I'm still as tired and sore after a 5K race as I used to because now that I am able to run 4 times the distance, I'm able to put forth more effort for the 5K distance thus running faster. You can still do distance running and speed work. The only time you need to clearly focus on speed work is if you have dreams of medalling in 5K races. I don't care if I win. I just care if I beat my previous best time. PR's(Personal records) are where it's at for me. Anne Lang 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne Lang Posted November 21, 2015 Report Share Posted November 21, 2015 type his name and bam he shows up lol luv your answere Azatol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Natcatvet Posted November 21, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2015 Thanks guys - yes azatol my dream is just to complete a 5km run first - then improve my times. But I'm starting to enjoy running and as I get fitter I might extend to 10km although that is way down the track. It was beyond my wildest dreams 8 weeks ago I would get capable of doing a 5km run but now I'm running 28 mins I think realistically I can get to 5km. Medals definitely not a consideration - just personal development . Thanks again Ruthie, Anne Lang and Azatol 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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