Is a 12 minute mile too slow?

tinydancer4

Although I would also like to lose a few pounds, my main reason for joining MFP was to get fit. I began by doing workout DVDs and about 8 weeks ago I started running. I've been doing the Couch to 5k programme and it's going quite well - I'm actually enjoying running, which I never ever thought would happen!

My problem is that my pace is SO SLOW. I actually didn't realise how slow until I spoke to three coworkers today. They have been running for much longer than me, but were saying that they run between an 8-9 minute mile. I was too embarrassed to admit that I run a 12 minute mile on average!

I just wanted to get some advice from some more experienced runners. Is a 12 minute mile too slow for a beginner? At what point should I start trying to speed up? Is there anyone out there who started off like me and is now running at a 'fast' speed?

I'm 27 and have a normal BMI, so I have no real excuses (other than the fact I genuinely was a bit of a couch potato before I started). Thanks in advance!

505_runnergirl

Don't give up. I started at 12 min mile and today I ran a 8.33.

FlannelMothman

GOSH NO.

I've been running since Dec using that program and I used to be a sprinter - 7mph - now I run at 5.2-5.5 mph. Right now J'm working on my speed. Don't worry. You'll speed up, worry about getting through those intervals! Haha!

ThickMcRunFast

Absolutely not. There is no such thing as 'too slow". Speed comes with endurance, so just work your way up in miles If you really want, you can do interval or Fartlek training, maybe run hill repeats. But in the beginning, building up your cardiovascular system is the most helpful.

juliec33

12 minute mile is fine for a beginner. Heck, my normal race pace is between 11 and 12 minutes per mile and I've been running for almost 2 years. The fastest mile I have ever run was 9:48 and I couldn't have gone much further at that pace.

Just don't compare yourself to others. Run because you enjoy it. The speed will come with time.

montana_girl

Nope, not slow to me. I've been running for three years and started at a 13 minute mile, now I average between 11 & 11:30 minute mile (faster during races).

Would I like to be faster? Sure, who wouldn't want to run fast... but I'm just happy that I can run at all!

SteveTries

Certainly not. The speed will come as your body adapts and becomes more efficient. Finish up your couch to 5k (which is excellent) then look for a next stage plan. A good mix of easy runs and interval work later on will bring it along nicely.

Your 12min mile is a lot faster than the people sat on the couch are achieving......

linusr

As you get fitter you will find you can go faster. You are a whole lot faster now than when you were sitting on your couch. We all run our own runs; don't get down on yourself, just work steadily and you will improve.

prdavies1949

I have been "running" since last October, and have only just reached 12 min mile pace. I don't think it's slow. Just enjoy your running.

KatyCrum6969

I ran a 15 minute mile in 6th grade.
I remember because I had the slowest time in class, slower than the fat kids.
Of course, I was a rebel and walked 3/4 of it.

LorinaLynn

I started at a 12 minute mile, and now I can run a mile in just over 7 minutes, and a 5k at an 8 minute mile pace. And even if you stay at a 12 minute mile, so what?

ldrosophila

Better to have a slow pace then a too fast of pace and injure yourself.

Cinnamonhuskies

I ran a 15 minute mile in 6th grade.
I remember because I had the slowest time in class, slower than the fat kids.
Of course, I was a rebel and walked 3/4 of it.

When i walk the dog, i walk 4 miles in one hour...or a 15 minute mile.

Sherbog

I believe any speed at which you get off the couch is a good speed. When I first started doing 5 and 10K's I was running about 12 minute milles. One time I came in last but got a first place ribbon for being first in my age group. The main goal for me was to finish!

12 minute mile...:)

Shirley in Oregon with a 15 minute mile walk.

djfriedman81

a 12 min mile is to slow if you are a hs track star if you are just running for exercise it is not too slow.

Did you know you burn more calories running a 12 min mile than I do running a 8 min mile over the same distance?

LondonEliza

Eh? No.

Sitting on the sofa instead of going for a run - THAT is what's too slow

quiksylver296

Gosh, I hope not. That's where I am. Sometimes 13.

TeachTheGirl

To slow...for whom?

You stay accountable to YOU. You are the one who sets your goals and boundaries.

You can only improve from hereon out.

luvmynook

12 min mile.......................I can only wish..............I think that's pretty good!

MorganLeighRN

Not at all. Keep it up and you will be running faster. I used to be at 12 minute miles and now I am between 8-9 for shorter distances and 9-10 on ling distances. You will build up endurance and speed over time. Just remember, you a running faster than the people who are sitting on their couches doing nothing!

Feel free to add me as a friend if you'd like!

GiddyupTim

12-minute mile? No problem.
Everyone starts somewhere around there.
My wife runs five times a week. She runs somewhere between a 9- and 10-minute mile.
I had knee surgery a year ago in January, and, until recently, I was slogging along at an 11-minute mile pace. But it is getting better for me now.

EricMurano

I think I'm slower than you hehe. It does suck when every other jogger whizzes right past me. Then again, *most* of the other joggers are not doing non-stop endurance runs.

I do have another 20kg (44lbs) to lose and I think running with less weight will help be get faster.

metaphoria

It's only too slow if you're being chased by someone doing 11.

brendanstallard

Tiny Dancer,

LOL...If I could get to 12 minutes a mile I'd be smiling wide as the great big muddy:)

I'm 63, fings change, matelot. Take your time, don't injure things and you'll get there.

YOU have plenty of time.



brendan

tinydancer4

Thanks everyone for the replies!! That's really reassuring. I guess I will just keep at it then and try some of your tips to see if I can get faster in future. And avoid comparing myself to the girls at work :-)

dsckrc

1st off, congrats for even running at all. you are already a step ahead of soooo many people. as far as speed, i've read that some people are distance runners and some people are speed runners. i consider myself a distance runner. i'm not fast by any means, but i can run/walk forever. just enjoy it. if you get faster with practice, SUPER, if not, just keep running...

cwolfman13

When I first started the process of regaining my fitness, I couldn't even run an entire mile...I'd walk at least half of it and it pretty much took me the better part of 18-20 minutes just to go a mile.

I can now do a full 3 miles non-stop and my pace is around 12.5 minutes for those three miles. Personally, I'm feeling pretty good about it, though, when I was in the Marines I ran a sub 8 minute mile...so that's what I'm ultimately shooting for, it'll just take awhile to re-gain my fitness.

Just enjoy and let the endurance and speed come to you, it'll just happen on it's own if you keep at it and keep pushing yourself.

ryry_

Everyone starts somewhere...Don't let it get ya down and work on improving.

I actually used to keep trying to push myself more and more, now I am more keen on some going at a relaxing pace. It's helping me to enjoy running again.

If you have a time goal in mind this obviously wouldn't work for you.

mmddwechanged

No it's not too slow. You could run that slow for ever and that would be just fine:)

sixpackdream

If you were delivering my pizza on foot and were a mile away, I wouldn't be complaining.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a 12 minute mile.

danielleburwell97060

Personally I'd rather run 5 12 minute miles than run 1 or 2 7-9 min miles. But for my case it's the elliptical. I can VERY nearly do a 15 minute mile (0.98) but I'm going at a pace I can't really sustain over my 45 minute work out. So I take the 3.8 to 3.9 mph pace but do it for 45 minutes.