Is a 12 minute mile too slow?

tinydancer4
tinydancer4 Posts: 114 Member
edited October 27 in Fitness and Exercise
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!
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Replies

  • FlannelMothman
    FlannelMothman Posts: 193 Member
    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!
  • juliec33
    juliec33 Posts: 238 Member
    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
    montana_girl Posts: 1,403 Member
    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! :tongue:
  • SteveTries
    SteveTries Posts: 723 Member
    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
    linusr Posts: 38 Member
    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
    prdavies1949 Posts: 326 Member
    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
    KatyCrum6969 Posts: 124 Member
    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
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    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
    ldrosophila Posts: 7,512 Member
    Better to have a slow pace then a too fast of pace and injure yourself.
  • Cinnamonhuskies
    Cinnamonhuskies Posts: 78 Member
    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
    Sherbog Posts: 1,072 Member
    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
    djfriedman81 Posts: 125
    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
    LondonEliza Posts: 456 Member
    Eh? No.

    Sitting on the sofa instead of going for a run - THAT is what's too slow :)
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    Gosh, I hope not. That's where I am. Sometimes 13.
  • TeachTheGirl
    TeachTheGirl Posts: 2,091 Member
    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
    luvmynook Posts: 61 Member
    12 min mile.......................I can only wish..............I think that's pretty good!
  • MorganLeighRN
    MorganLeighRN Posts: 411 Member
    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
    GiddyupTim Posts: 2,819 Member
    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
    EricMurano Posts: 825 Member
    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.
  • brendanstallard
    brendanstallard Posts: 59 Member
    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
    tinydancer4 Posts: 114 Member
    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
    dsckrc Posts: 194 Member
    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
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    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_
    ryry_ Posts: 4,966 Member
    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
    mmddwechanged Posts: 1,687 Member
    No it's not too slow. You could run that slow for ever and that would be just fine:)
  • sixpackdream
    sixpackdream Posts: 55 Member
    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
    danielleburwell97060 Posts: 257 Member
    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.
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