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MyFitnessPal Community

Setting 5 mile time goal?

MNLittleFinn

Hello all,

I just recently got into running. For the last few years, I've run intervals on and off, but never could get into all out running. Now, with getting shape and myfitnesspal, I've begun to run 3 days a week, 2-3 miles on M/W and 3-5 on Sat, for now. Anyway, I am signed up for a 5 mile in July, and am trying to figure out where to set an initial goal for my run time.

Recent runs and times:

2.76 miles-29:20
2.03 miles- 18:31
2.46 miles- 23:14
5.00 miles- 47:23

While I enjoy running in and of itself, I find myself slacking if I don't have something to work toward. Any thoughts on a reasonable goal for the run.

Thanks

Replies

rybo

Unfortunately in my experience it can be very difficult to set a goal like this. You're relatively new to the distance running world so as you consistently run, you're time is going to drop. Its very difficult to predict how much. I would just look to track improvement and then a couple weeks before the race, have a goal in mind. Be aware that weather, especially heat can affect your time.

MNLittleFinn

rybo wrote: »

Unfortunately in my experience it can be very difficult to set a goal like this. You're relatively new to the distance running world so as you consistently run, you're time is going to drop. Its very difficult to predict how much. I would just look to track improvement and then a couple weeks before the race, have a goal in mind. Be aware that weather, especially heat can affect your time.

Thanks. I figured I'm a long way out from knowing how I'll do. I'll just keep running and track my run times, and make a general goal of just getting faster at as time goes on.

RUN_LIFT_EAT

To add to what Rybo said, I'd focus first on slowly stretching out my Long runs, adding hill work, and maybe a Tempo run into your program, and then let the cards fall where they may. I have no idea how long you've recently been running, so it's not easy to make a lot of reccomendations.

The only control you have over your time goal will be by putting in the training. What the clock finally says at the finish line is just going to be a product of your training.

MNLittleFinn

RUN_LIFT_EAT wrote: »

To add to what Rybo said, I'd focus first on slowly stretching out my Long runs, adding hill work,
I live in a pretty hilly area, so all my runs over 2 miles are up and down long inclines

and maybe a Tempo run into your program, and then let the cards fall where they may.
Running seriously, for about a month, but have done a few 5Ks over years, do intervals a lot, have been for over a year
The only control you have over your time goal will be by putting in the training. What the clock finally says at the finish line is just going to be a product of your training.

Rodger that

engodwin

Maybe set a time goal at the low end of your range? (Which seems to be between 9-10 minute miles.) Or perhaps set a goal to knock off 10 sec every X number of runs?

Chieflrg

Good idea to work on distance or speed just not both at same time/day. Hill work will also help, more miles on the road the more you'll improve.

engodwin

Chieflrg wrote: »

Good idea to work on distance or speed just not both at same time/day. Hill work will also help, more miles on the road the more you'll improve.

Ahhh yes I should have clarified!

RoxieDawn

Second this. You need training, focus, discipline, and determination and moreover goals, rather it be an overall goal or setting mini goals each time your hit the pavement, setting personal bests or setting elite times. Better running also comes with better running techniques.

Set goals by your stop watch. Rather that is using tempo training where you can focus on increasing speed or endurance training will help you with pace and longer distance.

The better running techniques in general come into play when you figure out that your running stride can use improvement as well which can increase speed and endurance. Pick your poison and integrate the right training to create your goal and meet that goal.

MNLittleFinn

Thanks for the advice ya'all. Just a note, the distances I put are mainly because I don't want to be running in the dark, since I wait for my little guy to go to bed to run. When daylight saving starts, I'll be able to go longer. I'm working up a schedule that will vary my running routine. Right now, in addition to my running, I am doing kettlebell circuit training on T/Th to keep building cardio, but give my legs a day off of running.

robertw486

MNLittleFinn wrote: »

Hello all,

I just recently got into running. For the last few years, I've run intervals on and off, but never could get into all out running. Now, with getting shape and myfitnesspal, I've begun to run 3 days a week, 2-3 miles on M/W and 3-5 on Sat, for now. Anyway, I am signed up for a 5 mile in July, and am trying to figure out where to set an initial goal for my run time.

Recent runs and times:

2.76 miles-29:20
2.03 miles- 18:31
2.46 miles- 23:14
5.00 miles- 47:23

While I enjoy running in and of itself, I find myself slacking if I don't have something to work toward. Any thoughts on a reasonable goal for the run.

Thanks

It almost looks like you have a similar issue to me. That being consistent pace. Even when I was young and quick I didn't run enough to have a good pace, and that hurt me in the long run. And it does again now that I'm starting to run just a little bit.

I haven't found a good solution yet. I have the cardio ability to keep a decent pace, I'm just terrible at keeping a consistent pace.

MNLittleFinn

robertw486 wrote: »

It almost looks like you have a similar issue to me. That being consistent pace. Even when I was young and quick I didn't run enough to have a good pace, and that hurt me in the long run. And it does again now that I'm starting to run just a little bit.

I haven't found a good solution yet. I have the cardio ability to keep a decent pace, I'm just terrible at keeping a consistent pace.

consistent pace is definitely hard for me, I have my phone to give me my pace every 1/4 mile, but I always find myself going faster than I intend to.

robertw486

MNLittleFinn wrote: »

robertw486 wrote: »

It almost looks like you have a similar issue to me. That being consistent pace. Even when I was young and quick I didn't run enough to have a good pace, and that hurt me in the long run. And it does again now that I'm starting to run just a little bit.

I haven't found a good solution yet. I have the cardio ability to keep a decent pace, I'm just terrible at keeping a consistent pace.

consistent pace is definitely hard for me, I have my phone to give me my pace every 1/4 mile, but I always find myself going faster than I intend to.

Which app are you using? The one I'm using now only gives pace notes at 1/2 mile. I can look at the phone and see splits, but I don't want to carry the phone the whole run!

Back in my military days I could max or close to max my run times for the 3 mile test, but only if I could find someone with consistent pace and pace from them. On my own, that 3 miles could vary all over the place from too slow to winded at 2 miles from going way too fast.

MNLittleFinn

robertw486 wrote: »

Which app are you using? The one I'm using now only gives pace notes at 1/2 mile. I can look at the phone and see splits, but I don't want to carry the phone the whole run!

Back in my military days I could max or close to max my run times for the 3 mile test, but only if I could find someone with consistent pace and pace from them. On my own, that 3 miles could vary all over the place from too slow to winded at 2 miles from going way too fast.

I'm using runkeeper right now, I have my headphones in when I run, and I have audio prompts set for every quarter mile