Slow Runners Unite!

BootsDBA

Someone please tell me you also run SUPER slowly? I'm at 3.5mph/17 minutes a mile. I'm embarrassed to say it and it keeps me on the treadmill instead of outside because if there's no scenery to pass then I can't tell, lol.

I can go for 25 minutes now, 1.5 miles, which I'm also a little embarrassed about, but mostly proud, since I couldn't do that before. I know speed will come later, but right now I'm just looking for other slow runners so I know I'm not alone.

apullum

Try to focus on being proud rather than embarrassed. Running 1.5 miles is nothing to be embarrassed about. I ran even slower than your pace when I first started. I averaged about a 17:30 mile back then. I finished my first 5k with an average pace of 15:30/mile and I was SO EXCITED. After getting injured and taking some time off, I started running again in January 2015 and I was even slower than before. I was just reviewing my Runkeeper logs and I'm seeing 18 and 19 minute miles from that time. That's barely better than my walking pace was. But I haven't stopped running since then, and now I usually run about 11:30/mile on a normal day, or about 10 minutes/mile if I'm racing. And while I used to struggle to run even the distance you're at now, my usual run is now 5 miles and I race half marathons. So it does get better and you're not alone! Just focus on what you're able to do and stick to a training plan.

RedneckSister

Please BootsDBA do not be embarrassed. You should absolutely be proud as you are much more inspiring as you embark on this journey and that you commit to yourself. Not everyone is meant to be a gazelle. If you have a local running store I would recommend you reach out to them; most have running groups that encourage runners of all paces. In Canada, all of the Running Room stores have groups that make sure that no runner is left behind to run alone.

Side note: I follow Mirna Valerio at http://fatgirlrunning-fatrunner.blogspot.ca/. She started out slow and now runs ultra marathons. Okay, maybe an ultra marathon is not in your future but I think her philosophy may resonate with you.

Keep up the fantastic work!

capaul42

A slow mile is still a mile. You should be super proud. As they say, you're lapping every one on the couch no matter how fast/slow you're going.
Everyone starts somewhere. I have a friend who will never be fast as she has a fake knee. Her bionic knee we say lol. She's lucky to walk a 20-25 min mile. But still she walks every day. Outside at that. Usually picking up garbage along the way which slows her even more.

SCoil123

There is nothing to be embarrassed about. You’re running and that’s great! I bet you are running further now than when you started too.

sarahthes

Even running slowly you are lapping everyone on the couch!

AprilRN10

I am also a slow runner. It doesn't matter to me. My pace is between 15 and 16 minutes per mile, but I can now run for 45 minutes straight. It's the first time in my life I've ever been able to do so, and I'm 36. Even as a child, I couldn't run. Be proud of your accomplishment!

lorrpb

Your speed doesn't matter. What matters is that you're doing something to better yourself!

GrandmaJackie

BootsDBA wrote: »

Someone please tell me you also run SUPER slowly? I'm at 3.5mph/17 minutes a mile. I'm embarrassed to say it and it keeps me on the treadmill instead of outside because if there's no scenery to pass then I can't tell, lol.

I can go for 25 minutes now, 1.5 miles, which I'm also a little embarrassed about, but mostly proud, since I couldn't do that before. I know speed will come later, but right now I'm just looking for other slow runners so I know I'm not alone.

Please don’t be embarrassed, you should feel proud your running. Your running is far MORE important than how fast you are! I’m a slow runner too but ran a lot of races even a couple half marathons.

yoliyoda

capaul42 wrote: »

A slow mile is still a mile. You should be super proud. As they say, you're lapping every one on the couch no matter how fast/slow you're going.
Everyone starts somewhere.

I love this!

UltraVegAthlete

I see those people outside walking super fast and I envy them! I can run marathons but I wish I could just speed walk with all the other ladies.

OldAssDude

I am also a slow runner. I have increased my pace slowly over the past 6 month by doing run/power walk intervals. I run for 1 minute at a fast pace (fast for me anyway) and power walk for 3 or 4 minutes. I do this over a 3 to 4 mile distance. My mile pace used to be between 13 and 14 minutes, and I just ran a mile the other week and did it in 11:28. Pretty sure it was the intervals that helped a lot. During the run intervals I try to come close to my max heart rate.

But like others have said, speed is not really as important as the fact that you can run. Your biggest competition is yourself. If you keep beating yourself, you will keep improving.

girlwithcurls2

RedneckSister wrote: »

Please BootsDBA do not be embarrassed. You should absolutely be proud as you are much more inspiring as you embark on this journey and that you commit to yourself. Not everyone is meant to be a gazelle. If you have a local running store I would recommend you reach out to them; most have running groups that encourage runners of all paces. In Canada, all of the Running Room stores have groups that make sure that no runner is left behind to run alone.

Side note: I follow Mirna Valerio at http://fatgirlrunning-fatrunner.blogspot.ca/. She started out slow and now runs ultra marathons. Okay, maybe an ultra marathon is not in your future but I think her philosophy may resonate with you.

Keep up the fantastic work!

Mirna Valerio is awesome!!! Check out that blog. She's amazing.
So what if you're slow. I trail run, so I'm even slower (hills, tree roots, narrow paths with blind corners, etc). But you know what? I'm outside in the fresh air, breathing in such goodness! And it beats coming home from work and snacking. You're doing great (as you can tell by all of the other fabulous slow runners here!). Keep it up! You'll get faster with time, but really, who cares? You're in it for YOU

Momepro

BootsDBA wrote: »

Someone please tell me you also run SUPER slowly? I'm at 3.5mph/17 minutes a mile. I'm embarrassed to say it and it keeps me on the treadmill instead of outside because if there's no scenery to pass then I can't tell, lol.

I can go for 25 minutes now, 1.5 miles, which I'm also a little embarrassed about, but mostly proud, since I couldn't do that before. I know speed will come later, but right now I'm just looking for other slow runners so I know I'm not alone.

I've got you beat, I run about a mile every year or so. Maybe.

robinmarkz

I don't run on hard surfaces. I have bone and joint problems so I run on a rebounder. I keep track of it through my phone and watch apps and also use a vertical jump measuring device that also gives wattage. I also use an indoor recumbent bike with all my sensors going. My intervals measure resistance rather than speed. Builds bone.

Slow running is becoming a popular trend! Check this out!

https://youtu.be/9L2b2khySLE

All the best,
Robin

TavistockToad

It doesn't matter what your pace is, you're still running!

mabearof6

You are running!!!!.....pace is personal and it's different for all of us. Don't compare your pace to someone else's, comparison is the thief of joy!

collectingblues

Running is running. I run as slow as dirt, but I've got endurance, and frankly, as long as I'm not last, I don't necessarily care. (I mean, I do care, but not enough that I stop running.)

justlog

I'm not a fast runner either. Most days is about 11 min/mile.. A good number of people whiz right by me and we just give a friendly wave and do our thing. I run for the love of running, not for any competitiveness. This is why I don't run in a group. I often tell people they walk faster than I run.

amgreenwell

Way to go!! Running is running and it sounds like you are doing great! Congratulations! Keep it up!

ThinGoldLineNS

I started a few weeks ago and the treadmill shows I "run" at 3.7 miles per hour. I can jog at that pace for 5 min, walk for 2 min up to 4 times now. I'm incredibly proud of myself and excited as I have never been the athletic type.