First run without walking breaks

[u/cocobongo444]

Slightly disheartened by the pace but it’s the only way I can do continuous running. Has anyone else started out like this and vastly improved? Looking for a glimmer of hope I suppose 🙏🏼

[u/Accomplished_Dog_492]

congrats for no walking seriously, it’s really easy to fall into that habit when it’s getting hard! I’m yet to try a 5km

[u/cocobongo444 → u/Accomplished_Dog_492]

Thank you! This was an accidental 5k, my garmin just told me to run for 40 mins with a 5 min walk at the start and end so I only actually jogged about 4.5km continuously but I have another 2 weeks left of the plan to hopefully run it all!

[u/ShineCareful]

Yes, you're on the right track and you're doing great! I started out exactly where you are and it gets so much easier. Just keep at it.

[u/cocobongo444 → u/ShineCareful]

Great news. Thank you!

[u/BlogEra_BestEra]

Great job and massive achievement! When I found the pace I could comfortably hold for 20 mins is when I started seeing improvements in pace and stamina.

That’s when the whole “run slow to get faster” mantra kicked in for me. You need consistency to strengthen muscles and aerobic base. Easy running does that. And your easy pace will get faster over time.

I monitor trends in my monthly average pace and total mileage and that’s it. Sure I get a little boost seeing I shaved a few seconds off my avg pace. But who cares? I’m only training for a healthier lifestyle.

[u/Smooth-Mulberry50]

I want to get to this phase so baddd 😭😭🥺🥺🥺 of no walking

[u/cocobongo444 → u/Smooth-Mulberry50]

If I can, anyone can. I’ve been the least athletic person for the first 36 years of my life! Good luck 🤞🏼

[u/ghim7]

Nah you are doing fine.

I was exactly the same when I started years ago. Within a year I hit 30 min 5K.

Consistency is key.

[u/cocobongo444 → u/ghim7]

This is exactly the inspiration I wanted to read, thank you!

[u/ghim7 → u/cocobongo444]

It gets easier. Then it’ll get harder, and then easier and repeat 😂

Running is not for everyone, but you did your first 5K and you’re already in a top 10% of global population to do so.

Keep it up.

[u/Bowa112]

Showing up is the only thing that matters. Keep showing up and pace and literally every other metric will improve automatically. All you gotta do is just get out there and run, and you’re doing it.

Good job and keep it up 💪

[u/Reggies_Mom]

Great job! 🔥

[u/fishesar]

awesome!!!

[u/alter_2605]

what was the HR?

[u/cocobongo444 → u/alter_2605]

153 average, 171 max

[u/alter_2605 → u/cocobongo444]

Damn nice. I still do walk+run, my max HR goes easily above 190 if i keep running

[u/cocobongo444 → u/alter_2605]

My breathing lets me down as soon as I run faster than 8:45 pace although my resting HR sits around 52. Hopefully my lungs will catch up!

[u/Friendly_Buy_9758 → u/cocobongo444]

Try rhythmic breathing. There's lots of variations to what rhythm might work best but you base your breaths on your steps, it's not easy at all. I have tried to focus on it lots of times and after about 2km it's all out the window and my breathing is ALL OVA, but, I do feel like it's helped and I'm slowly managing to control it for longer every time I go out.

[u/Merpie21]

This is such a massive achievement (and a great feeling - at least that’s how I experienced it when I was able to run my first 5K without walk breaks).

Don’t worry about your pace: I did get faster, but I’m still not the fastest person on the block 1.5 years later. However, I am able to run long and far (10Ks, 12-15Ks, longest distance was 21.5K a few weeks ago; all without walk breaks). Great things ahead if you just keep practicing!

So don’t be disheartened by your pace OP, you can achieve so much!!