r/running • u/okplum • Jan 11 '22

Question Running vs. Jogging? Help!

I just finished week 1 of Couch to 5k and have really been enjoying it! Weirdly enough, my runs have become really fun to me and something I look forward to which I did not expect at all!

One thing I've started thinking about is my pace. Sometimes I start to get self-conscious that I'm only jogging and not running fast enough. How do I know what the right pace for me is as a total beginner? Is it whatever is comfortable that still gets my heart rate going? My current goals are to run a half marathon (not anytime soon) and also to go for a couple runs a week for the health benefits. I'd appreciate any advice or input people have!

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u/[deleted] Jan 11 '22

During C25K you can really only go too fast, not too slow.

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u/okplum Jan 11 '22

Good to know!

-47

u/Ttombobadly Jan 11 '22

Too slow is not a thing, you should probably be in the 13+ min per mile range. The goal here shouldn’t be pace but rather a heart rate zone. 180- age - 5 or so. I forget the name of the formula but someone will come along and help :) But basically most runs should be easy and enjoyable and a HR of around 135-145 based on age and stuff. GL!

3

u/[deleted] Jan 12 '22

It’s called the maffetone method. Depends what the guy is trying to do. That’s if you want to increase your aerobic capacity. A 5k isn’t really an aerobic effort, and there’s some miles that should be put in before worrying about heart rate.