Am I running really slowly?

2»

Replies

  • sopranomama
    sopranomama Posts: 27 Member
    First of all, congrats on getting back into running! :)

    Second, run at your own pace, honey, and don't listen to that guy for one second! I started running last August, and back then I was struggling to run in thirty-second intervals at a 15:00/mile pace. I was really self-conscious about my speed, but I figured I had to start somewhere, and if I kept working at it I'd eventually be able to run faster and farther. Sure enough, as I trained for longer intervals and distances, the speed sort of naturally started to come along. Fast forward 14 months - last week, I ran five miles and averaged about 10:48/mile. Are other people faster than me? For sure! But I'm not running for them, I'm running for me, and I'm thrilled to death with the progress I've made. Keep at it, and you'll make progress too.
  • nathalier71
    nathalier71 Posts: 570 Member
    If you are a beginning runner, it's normal that your pace is a little slower - nothing wrong with that. Keep it up and you will eventually see improvements... takes time - it won't happen overnight =) You will eventually find the pace that works for you - which is what's important. I keep trying to beat my PB - but seems like 6min/km is "my" pace. I'd love to run like a gazelle, it's just not in my cards =)
    -
  • ddmom0811
    ddmom0811 Posts: 1,881 Member
    When I was biking this weekend along a trail where there is a lot of art work, there was a mural with a person jogging that said "No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everyone on the couch".

    It made me think of your question. And everyone here is right, who cares what anyone thinks. Stick with it, you will improve! I've just been running 3 months and I'm not fast either. :wink:
  • SpockAdventures
    SpockAdventures Posts: 103 Member
    Not only is that a perfectly respectable speed for a beginner, even pro runners suggest that you run slower than you are able most runs, because it builds your endurance, which actually can improve your speed in the long run. Keep on truckin'!
  • FrenchMob
    FrenchMob Posts: 1,167 Member
    Just ignore that idiot. A 12 m/m pace is perfect pace for for beginner endurance runs. Your pace will naturally increase as your fitness improves. Just run the speed you're comfortable with.

    Keep in mind, to gain endurance benefits from your runs, you should be able to carry a conversation at that pace. If not, then you're going too fast.
  • abern921
    abern921 Posts: 5 Member
    Some people need to mind their own business. I run between an 11:30-12 mm. I'm not fast but I get out there and run and that's all that matters. You just do what you've been doing! :smile:
  • medlaura
    medlaura Posts: 282 Member
    catpea33 wrote: »
    Hey,

    I'm fairly new to running (or rather, I've only just got back into it) and I run about 12 minutes/mile for my speed. I can run faster but can't maintain a faster speed for any great distance because my endurance isn't there. In the past when I was running fairly regularly but was still relatively new (<6 months), I was running at about 10 minutes/mile but, again, it wasn't something I could maintain for very long. A guy today told me that I am 'super slow' and so now I'm starting to feel really discouraged. I mean, I love running and will continue regardless but it's definitely dented my self-confidence a little. Does anyone else run this slowly? Did you get faster?

    I guess I should mention as well that I used to be a competitive swimmer and middle distances were more of my thing. I wasn't much of a sprinter. Do you think that would translate into running too, i.e. I'd be better at the longer distances where you get to plod a little more?

    Cat

    You run faster then me.. I'm currently doing 14-15 min/miles. You are doing awesome!
  • Twinkie2530
    Twinkie2530 Posts: 47 Member
    I ran my first mile tonight in 10:11 seconds. It may be slow to other people but it was fast to me! I felt super fit after I did it too! Don't let some jerk ruin your stride! You are doing amazing. :)

Categories