Does it matter that I'm a slow runner?
lgreenback
Posts: 2
I've been running/jogging about 5 miles a day, 6x a week, and I feel proud of myself. But I'm averaging about an 11 minute mile. I don't want to run with a buddy because I know I will be out of my league. My runner friends are all giving me tips on how to get faster. But part of me is just ok with running at this pace. Do you think it really makes a difference if I'm running slowly, or should I push myself to be faster?
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Replies
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That depends. Are you running for fitness or for fun? If you're running for fun, whatever pace you're comfortable is totally fine and healthy. If you're running for fitness, cut down the miles and increase the intensity. You would get a much better workout doubling your speed and running 2 miles instead of 5 for just four days a week.0
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It makes no difference whether or not you run fast or slow. I have a friend who is a runner and has been for yeas (she used to run marathons but now likes the 5k's) and her pace is around what yours is. Would she love it if she ran faster? Sure but she is content with the pace that she has.
If you're ok with your pace then don't worry about it. Not everyone is a fast runner or wants to run fast for that matter.0 -
I have been running for about 20 years, and no, it DOES NOT matter what speed you run. I am a slow runner, and I don't care. Do what you enjoy, and you'll still be happily running when you're 80 (if your hips and knees hold up). P.S. when people ask about how fast you are, just say you're a "distance runner." That's the secret handshake for slow
and there are plenty of us out there. 0 -
If it makes you feel better, you can come run circles around me while I go on my daily walk
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Run for your goals!! If you want to run faster make a goal and get going, if you are happy and enjoy running at that pace, keep it up!!Do whatever makes you happy and you can stick with.0
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I run the same speed and I seem to think it's been the key to me losing weight! I like to change things up and do random sprints for 30-45 seconds and do inclines. However, the bulk of my cadio is from a "slow run" like you're doing. I've seen drastic differences in myself from it. Keep it up! If you start going faster and you hate it, you might start to want to work out less. Stick to what keeps you going!0
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If it makes you feel better, you can come run circles around me while I go on my daily walk
This, and I set my treadmill to 6 (12 minute miles) and am pretty proud that I can do that for 36 minutes, of course not starting to run until I was 54 years old probably has something to do with it.0 -
nope0
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I am a slow runner and I just keep at it-It is my alone time-as most exercise is for me-I go at my own pace and feel quietly proud when I get it done. Get out there and kick butt at any speed!0
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your pace only matters if you are trying to win a race. If you are racing/running to enjoy racing/running then run the pace that feels right.0
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I just started running regularly about 6 weeks ago, and have been consistently at a pace that is not much faster, mostly around 10 minute miles. I recently tried to increase speed, setting my sights on a half marathon under 2 hrs (perhaps ambitious).
What I found is that 3 9-minute miles kicks my butt much more than 5 10-minute miles. I actually like mixing those in, especially if I am pressed for time.
My novice suggestion would be to mix in a few shorter, faster runs and see if you like it. If you don't, running 5 11-minute miles six days a week is much better exercise than 98% of the population gets, so no worries either way.0 -
Not at all!!! The fact that you're are trying and giving your best at the pace your at is what's going to have you rockin in the future. Don't focus on how fast or slow you go focus on where you are now and give it your best. You will eventually get faster. The key is to not give up) 0
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I don't think it matters. I will be happy to get that fast at 5 miles!
If you want to through in some sprint intervals one day a week it could be good for you and potentially increase your speed, but if it doesn't bother you and you enjoy it I see little reason to change.0 -
A mile is a mile. Speed doesn't matter, as long as you are getting out there. I average about 10:15 per mile, and I'm fine with that. I'm getting faster, but it's a slow process. Every few months, I shave a few seconds off my time. My goal is to get to 9:30, but that will still be considered slow by a lot of standards.
You could throw in a faster, shorter run each week if you wanted. You could also do a longer, slower run. There are tons of training programs out there to increase your speed or ability, if you chose. But don't feel like you have to.0 -
That depends. Are you running for fitness or for fun? If you're running for fun, whatever pace you're comfortable is totally fine and healthy. If you're running for fitness, cut down the miles and increase the intensity. You would get a much better workout doubling your speed and running 2 miles instead of 5 for just four days a week.
100% absolutely wrong......
To the OP, I would suggest mixing up distances and intensities, if you're looking to build endurance one of your weekly runs should be long(er) and slow(er) and during the week mix the runs up a bit ;but don't try to run 2 miles at 5:30 miles - it's an injury waiting to happen until you've got a lot of miles under your belt and even then if you want to build speed you'd be doing fast 400s or hill repeats.
In addition to your running (6 x a week may be overdoing it a bit too) you should be strength training to build injury resistance, paying particular attention to core, glutes & hips) and cross-training (swim, bike, row etc).
Have fun!0 -
your pace only matters if you are trying to win a race. If you are racing/running to enjoy racing/running then run the pace that feels right.
I agree 100%.0 -
It doesn't matter.
You're lapping everyone on the couch 0 -
That depends. Are you running for fitness or for fun? If you're running for fun, whatever pace you're comfortable is totally fine and healthy. If you're running for fitness, cut down the miles and increase the intensity. You would get a much better workout doubling your speed and running 2 miles instead of 5 for just four days a week.
100% absolutely wrong......
To the OP, I would suggest mixing up distances and intensities, if you're looking to build endurance one of your weekly runs should be long(er) and slow(er) and during the week mix the runs up a bit ;but don't try to run 2 miles at 5:30 miles - it's an injury waiting to happen until you've got a lot of miles under your belt and even then if you want to build speed you'd be doing fast 400s or hill repeats.
In addition to your running (6 x a week may be overdoing it a bit too) you should be strength training to build injury resistance, paying particular attention to core, glutes & hips) and cross-training (swim, bike, row etc).
Have fun!
This is also my understanding. I am not absolutely sure this true for all people, but supposedly "jogging" (kinda hate that term in some respects) was popularized as exercise because it is the least efficient way to amble along. In other words walkers and faster runners actually burn less calories per mile. I run a pace of about 11:00. I was faster, down below 10, when I finished C25K but as I started running longer routes I settled back to 11 or so. I am happy with it.0 -
It doesn't matter.
It takes a certain amount of calories to move your body 1 mile. If you run that mile in 11 minutes you've burned pretty much the same amount of calories as you would if you'd done that same mile in 8 minutes. The only difference being that it took a slightly longer chunk out of your day.
Either way you're still burning calories, still giving your CV system a workout and getting oxygen flowing around the body.0 -
Wow, this is all so helpful and interesting! And thanks for the support! I think I'm going to stick with my slow pace for the most part, but mix in a few sprints and the occasional faster run into my routine. Right now this is my only form of exercise, and I think mixing it up occasionally is just a good idea in general.
Thank you so much for the advice and encouragement! Also I love the "distance runner" thing, definitely going to use that.0 -
No, you should do what you're comfortable with, and do what keeps you going.0
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When I run on an every day basis (versus during a race) I maintain about a 12 min pace per mile. When I race, I average about 10:34 pace per mile.
I don't think it makes much of a difference for weight loss - but it is a good idea to incorporate HIIT into your runs along with steady state cardio. They help you build speed and endurance. (1 minutes almost as fast as you can, 2 minutes (or more) of recovery, then repeat 4 more times - 15 minutes). If you add that at the end of your runs you will be impressed with how your pace increases without even really trying that hard.0 -
This will sound nutty, I know. But I'm going to say it anyway.
If you're happy running 11 minute miles, then for pete's sake, keep running 11 minute miles.
If other people make you feel bad about being happy running 11 minute miles, then for pete's sake, tell them to **** off. Then go run more 11 minute miles.
If you're NOT happy running 11 minute miles and want to be faster, then there are lots of ways to improve your speed, fitness, athleticism, etc etc. Joining a local runner's club is a great way to figure that out.
I personally see nothing wrong with being happy with 11 minute miles. I guess, in my mind, happiness is everything. (I have a motto - "If it's not fun, I'm not doing it.") Find your happiness and soak it up like a sponge soaks up water. And if that's 11 minute miles, then boom. You're there.0 -
Though I wasn't entirely clear, I didn't mean literally running 2 miles nonstop at a 5 minute mile pace. I meant do intervals at that pace for a total of 2 miles with some walking and slow jogging in between. Also, I stand by my statement that six days is probably overdoing it.0
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It sounded like you were suggesting that a different pace could make 8 miles (4 days x 2 miles) burn as many calories as 30 (6 days x 5 miles), but then I am assuming that by "better workout" you meant more calories burned.Though I wasn't entirely clear, I didn't mean literally running 2 miles nonstop at a 5 minute mile pace. I meant do intervals at that pace for a total of 2 miles with some walking and slow jogging in between. Also, I stand by my statement that six days is probably overdoing it.0 -
"Slow" is relative. If you're like me and just started running 6 months ago starting from nothing, then 11 minute miles sound pretty damn fast.
It sounds like you want to run with a buddy and I think you should, especially if they're faster than you. It's one of the best ways to challenge and improve yourself.
Always play up, its how you get better.0 -
It doesn't matter so long as you are happy doing it.
However if you are running to lose weight, you will probably want to mix in some intervals or hill work, speed work...not necessarily to get faster (however you probably will) but to help you lose weight. Your body gets pretty efficient at running, and once it does you lose calories slower and slower. You need to change up your routine, just like lifting weights, if you want to continue to lose weight you have to up your reps or your weight.
But running 11 minute miles is a good thing, and you should be happy and proud of that!0 -
If it makes you feel better, you can come run circles around me while I go on my daily walk
This, and I set my treadmill to 6 (12 minute miles) and am pretty proud that I can do that for 36 minutes, of course not starting to run until I was 54 years old probably has something to do with it.
Just thought I'd mention that if you are setting your treadmill to 6 mph, you may be faster than you think. That is a 10 min mile 0 -
I'm a runner and I'm not super fast.... my fastest mileage averages around 9:22 per mile. I much prefer to run longer distances and enjoy my surroundings and the feeling that I get by running. Typically I tend to stick around 9:45 and 10:00 per mile.
As for if you should increase your pace, I tend to think of it like this:
If 11:00 is your comfort pace and you're not changing your distance or speed you won't see much change once your body has been doing it for a while. If your goal is to maintain then that's fine. But if you're looking to improve your cardiovascular fitness or calorie burn then you'll need to switch it up.
If 11:00 is your pace where you're pushing yourself then don't worry about trying to go faster until that becomes something that's easier for you.
Speed isn't the only thing that you can change to change the intensity and see results. You can add incline or distance to switch it up and not have to worry about changing your speed.
Also, thanks for clarifying lporter229! I was going to say... perhaps my treadmill is broken?? haha0 -
I've been running/jogging about 5 miles a day, 6x a week, and I feel proud of myself. But I'm averaging about an 11 minute mile. I don't want to run with a buddy because I know I will be out of my league. My runner friends are all giving me tips on how to get faster. But part of me is just ok with running at this pace. Do you think it really makes a difference if I'm running slowly, or should I push myself to be faster?
Yes, the your pace makes a significant difference in the results.
This link will shed some light on how a training plan can be created and it also discusses the impact on your body (pardon the pun) of running at different, specific paces:
http://www.mcmillanrunning.com/tips
If you take the time to read through the pages at that link, it will help you understand how a training plan can be created for a runner.
(No connection to McMillan other than my being a "happy (running camp) camper". :-)
OTOH, if you're running for the sheer pleasure of it and if you're not experiencing injury, then why not just keep doing what you're doing?0
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