RUNNERS: come here!

TheChosenOne_

I ran a 5:40 mile a month ago. I think I've gotten faster than that.
My 5k time is 17:48
I've been running for 5 years.

ambeer2

My average mile is about 10 or 10:30, though I've been going faster than that, usually. I've been running off and on for a couple years, but only seriously since February. I did Shape's 5 Weeks to a 5K program, which I'd highly suggest, in training for an 8K. It was challenging, but really upped my endurance and speed. I think I started around an 11:30 pace, and now I can do 9:45 in race training mode. I sometimes do tempo runs at 9:30. Tempo and speed runs will be your best friends. Also, hill work I've heard works wonders, but there aren't a ton of hills in the city of Chicago. I do speed up around bridges when going up, but slow way down on the way down so as not to hurt my legs. I've been running with an IT Band injury.

I think the feelings of giving up are really dependent on the person. When you feel like giving up, but you never do, I think that's just your mind helping to psych you up for the overall feeling of accomplishment you get at the end of a run. Maybe it's a habit for your brain to do that. It happens to me often, too, but I don't really mind it. Once I put my running shoes on and head out the door, I'm not turning back.

deadstarsunburn

I've been running for about 6 years. My mile times range anywhere from 8:30-10:30.
I still have "I want to quit" thoughts the first 5-10 minutes just depends on the day lol.

Heather68462

I have been running since January, usually 2 miles 3-4 times a week. My longest distance was 5 miles. All on a treadmill. I tried running outside, but I can only go 1.5 miles before I die.

My fastest is 12 minutes per mile, that is the 5.0 setting on the treadmill for speed.

I dont care. Im lappin everyone on the couch!

mami2threeboys

started running last year for about 7 months but had to stop due to some pregnancy complications, but i was up to a 10n a half min mile would run at least 4 times a week around 3 miles each time ... slowwwly getting back to that

LorinaLynn

I've been running about a year and a half, and now my average comfortable pace is about a 9 minute mile, and a little faster when racing.

The first mile is *still* the hardest for me. So I make a pact with myself, "Just one run mile. If you still want to quit, go home." Because then I'll get a 2 mile workout no matter what. But usually, after the first mile, I'm in my groove and want to keep going.

Shenzi03

I have been running since February and average between 10.5 & 11 minute miles, 2-3 miles at a time. When I first started, it was closer to 13-14 minutes which is still considerably faster than the 15+ minutes miles I was running in high school 12 short years ago!

My body loves the feel of running but my lungs HATE it since I’m an occasional smoker. It’s gotten easier since I’ve built up some endurance but my husband keeps me motivated. Plus, the way running has changed the shape of my body keeps me coming back for more! Although, we have been on a little hiatus at the moment because we’re in the process of closing on and moving into our first house but as soon as we move in I can't WAIT to start exploring the new areas in my community. I like to switch up my routes so I don't get bored with the same ol' scenery!

I do think the feelings of wanting to quit go away over time. The fact that you’ve taken the time to get out there and run shows that you care enough about yourself to continue. Great job on your stats everyone and keep treating your bodies the way they deserve to be treated. :flowerforyou:

gogojodee

I just started one day in mid/late March because I was out for my usual 1 hour walk and thought, "Hey, why don't I run? I've been walking for a while..." That awhile was only 1/2 a month LOL and I just thought of doing it. With that said I only ran 30-40 seconds at a time then full on mins. I've never done C25K but I've participated with groups - I just mastered 5k about a month ago and even then I took weeks off at a time with illlness/taking care of someone who was ill. You just get back where you started. I rarely have the feeling of stopping. Usually because I'm not breathing correctly. And lately because I've broken into over 1 hour runs this wk averaging 8k. And I run 5-8x a week, somedays double am/pm. You can do it! Even if don't finish what I wanted to like last nights run, there is always tomorrow. I always feel accomplished after my runs and really good physically. My time has gone from running almost 15 min to 13:30-13:40, but has gone as low as 11:00. If you get an app like Endomondo or GPSpeedOMeter, you can get stats and figure out goals, etc. Happy running! And sorry this was a long post, LOL.

JBApplebee

I've been running since about March & I ran my first ever race on Saturday (a 10K) & finished in 55:45. When I run on the treadmill, I run at 6.5 - 7.0 mph with an incline of at least 2.5.

ambeer2

I've been running since last summer (minus a 14 week stint when I broke my ankle and had surgery, Nov.-Feb.,, started back again March 1st)
I run 4-5 times a week, 5-8 miles at a time (for now- I increase my "long" runs by .5-1 mile a week). Average pace is 8:00-8:40 a mile. the first mile is the hardest for me- my body is stiff, I run at 5am, and I always think "short run day" but 95% of the time it ends up being a longer run (i thought "short run day" every day this week and ran 8 miles EVERY day this week). It just takes my body some time to get in the groove.
I love running- its my escape, my time, nobody but me and the rhythm of running. I am a much better Mommy and teacher (I teach 6th grade) when I run.

I feel like a much better boss at work and girlfriend/friend when I run, too! It's a great stress reliever. I'm a big believer in short runs, though. I think they help prevent injury. After taking off a few weeks after my last race, I started training for my next one too hard, too fast, and I developed IT Band Syndrome. Be careful! Running eight miles every single day might work for you, but giving my own body rest has really helped in preventing further injury for me, personally. Also, cross training.

mecmic

I started running 1 month before my 30th birthday. My first run was a 3 mile run. I wanted to quit after the first three blocks , let alone make the 3 miles. My runs that are 6 miles and over are usually around 8.30 per mile. Just turned thirty one and proud to say 37 lbs down and my fastest mile has been 7:36 per mile .

LoosingMyLast15

i started running in August of 2010; competed in my first race an 8k finished in 1:14 pace of 13:30/mile. stopped running (knee injuries and well being lazy). started back in December 2011; competed in first 5k mud run in May 2012 finished in 1:24 - damn obstacles - LOL!

Pace a week and a half ago was 11:30/mile. WAS running 4 times a week on a treadmill (3 miles) and trail running once a week (4 miles). strained a ligament so now i'm stuck waiting 2 weeks before i can get back out. can't wait - never thought i'd say that again. been cross training for almost 2 weeks.

scottb81

I started running again in Feb 2011. I have a variety of paces. Average pace for everyday running is 8:00 to 8:20/mi. When I'm tired I do recovery pace around 9:00/mi. When I run with my running group it's 9:30 to 10:00/mi. When I do tempo runs its around 6:45 to 7:00/mi. Speedwork at the track is usually 5:30 to 6:00/mi. Then there are race paces which are different for each distance.

Jesstruhan

12 min / mile - I haven't run in about 6 years (not consistenly, anyway), and i just re-estarted. I previously had to stop the long distance stuff due to an injury and found other exercise outlets.

When I ran before I ran a marathon from very low physical fitness. I can glady say that YES, the daily feelings of quitting eventually do go away, but they come back once in a while.

Sometimes it just feels so good to be outside and moving, you never have the notion to stop. Other days, nothing feels right, running seems especially hard, and damnit it just doesn't seem fun that day. But those are the days to push through it and get better (as long as you don't have a physical pain stopping you).

Proud of you for doing Couch to 5k!!!

suerun11

bump

JSheehy1965

I just read a great running blog, and the author admitted that not every day is a great running day. Which strangely, was an encouragement to me as a new runner! :bigsmile:

Pisc2749

How fast is your average mile? How long have you been running?

Also-- I've found that I really DO like to run... I'm finishing couch to 5k right now, and I find that in the first 8-10 min of running, I constantly think about quitting and starting again tomorrow... lol (I haven't quit.)--- do these feelings ever go away? Does it get easier?

For me, the first 20 minutes of any run sucks. All runs for me have a kind of break-in period where it's awful to start then gets better.

I don't think running ever is consistent one way or another. For me personally - I cannot predict a good or bad run. Some of my best runs were on days where I was tired and absolutely didn't want to do it. I've had horrible runs on days where I felt great.

I'm pretty slow 11 min mile. If I push it, 10 minutes. I don't really care too much about getting faster - I find whenever I concentrate too much on speed and time I end up being frustrated and get hurt or stop enjoying it. Now I just do what my body feels like doing that day and call it good.

sarabeth40

Love running-the more in shape you get, the easier it becomes so don't give up.
I've been running on and off for 8 years, but have really fallen in love with it the past 2 years. I run a little over an 8 minute mile when running long distances (10 miles or more) but a little faster for shorter distances. I just set my PR in the hospital hill half marathon of 1:46:53. was pretty pumped about that!

yokurio

I started spring of last year. It is an amazing thing, running that is. I have had a couple overuse injuries so far, I'm training too hard too fast. I've also learned a lot about myself and my body. Running used to be something I hated to do until I had my first 10k run with a party at the end. Now I'm addicted. I love completing a run, getting a shirt, a medal, a slice of pizza, and a beer. That's probably the coolest thing ever. lol...

johnstegeman

It's slow going for me. One week I can run, the next week I can't. I try not to push it, but when the going is good, it feels great to be doing something I never could have done a year ago.