Is a 12 minute mile too slow?
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Not a thing wrong that. In fact you'll find that your speed will improve the more you run without having to put much thought into it. As I dropped weight and my fitness improved my time improved without me even thinking about it. I'm down to averaging about 11 minutes per mile on my long runs (usually anywhere from 5-10 miles). I figure I'll be close to 10 minutes in a few months.
Take your time and enjoy running. Trying to do too much too quickly is a sure fire way to get injured.0 -
You're building your aerobic base now.....slow is good.
This may sound unbelievable at this point but (assuming you keep up the running) there will be a time in the future when you want to intentionally slow down to an 11.5 or 12 min mile for your long slow run days and it will take a conscious effort.
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Just keep putting miles behind you and pushing. You will get faster.
My first 25K race took me 3:13. I committed to running and this year ran the same race in 2:28. I cried at the end. I never thought I would reach that goal. It takes time, effort, and a lot of sweat but it is SO worth it!0 -
Started hitting the gym again mid September, for the first time since I graduated high school (2005) that I tried to run a mile. It was all I could manage to do 1 10 minute mile. Last time I ran I was doing 3 miles in 20 minutes before soccer practice every day. This was 30lbs and 11 years ago however... I talked to my friend whom I use to run with, the first thing he said "At least you ran a mile" and that's pretty much the mentality you gotta have. The time doesn't matter, you got out and did it.
So far in one month of going to the gym 4 times a month, I've gone from struggling to do 1 mile at 6mph to struggling to do 2 miles at 7mph... so I'm happy with the progress so far.0 -
When I started learning to run I focused on the idea that Scott Jurek happily ran 7-8 minute miles. Hope depressed was i barely getting 12 minute miles!!! Especially as MFP records anything slower than 12 minute miles as ' jogging on the spot'
The more I run, the more I realise that I'm getting faster. I shock myself by seeing 9.30 pace on my watch, but it's usually note between 10-11. You will naturally speed up the more you run.
Of course, when I run trails, the whole pace thing gets thrown out the window. 12 minute miles? Not even close.0 -
Zombie thread!3
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TavistockToad wrote: »Zombie thread!
Bwhaha I even looked at the dates of the posts on this page... didn't go back a page and see a 2014 stamp... oops.0 -
I wanna say that's average for a beginner. You get faster over time as your body adapts. Don't be hard on yourself, plus, I've been reading a book (80/20 Running) on the method of slower running to improve endurance and speed over time.
I'm around the sub-7 min/mile, but had to force myself to slow down the last three weeks due to an injure and I find that having had to run slower has helped me now that I can get back to regular marathon training.
Anyway, back to your question - I'd say you're normal for a beginner. Don't push too hard, too fast too soon because that'll only lead to injuries and burning out quickly. Everyone has their own pace, you move at a pace that's comfortable for you and slowly push yourself a little more if you're wanting to improve on speed.0 -
You said they've been running much longer than you. That explains it. Running takes consistency and persistence as far as I'm concerned. I run about a 10:30 mile, but some days my miles are 11:00, some days 12:00. Everyday is never the same. And you're running, so that's what counts. If you feel like it's too easy, you may be able to push yourself a little more. Add in a few sprint intervals if you can. You will get better!1
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Also, if you're tracking your c25k runs with another running program, and you include the warm up and cool down, remember that is affecting your pace. I didn't really care about my pace until I got to like week 6 and was running those 22 minute runs. Then I would only track the run itself, not the WU and CD..
I finished the c25k program on October 8 and I now run 3-4 miles a few times a week(the further I want to run, the slower I run so I don't burn out before I'm done). Don't quit! It gets so much better0 -
OP, too slow for what? Is it too slow for your own personal goals? Perhaps, depending on what you want to achieve. Is it too slow in general? Absolutely not--there's no such thing. When I first started running, it was a huge accomplishment to just run for 5 minutes straight. Then I was thrilled when I ran my first 15 minute mile. Now I'm thrilled when I run a mile in under 11 minutes. I just finished my second half marathon; there were a lot of people who finished before than me, and plenty of people who finished after me.
Keep in mind, also, that it's a great idea to start slow. As a beginner, you don't want to do too much, too soon and risk injury. You are building endurance, and even experienced ultramarathoners intentionally do "long slow distance" runs that help the body prepare to run long races. Once you're comfortable with the distances you want to run and would like to work on getting faster, you can incorporate intervals or other speedwork into your training.0 -
A 12 min mile is a mile further than sitting on the couch doing no mile at all!0
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Is anyone posting here even aware that the OP isn't even member here any longer?????
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trudiebamford wrote: »
I've completed my first Half Marathon at 2:17:10 and my long mileage training pace is set between 11:14 and 12:38, so, no, a 12 minute mile isn't slow. It's a nice easy run pace.0 -
A 12 minute mile is infinitely better than sitting on the couch.0
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I used to run faster than I do now. I did an 11 minute mile the other night on the treadmill and actually felt like I was going to need to walk for a sec. I used to be able to do 4 miles during my lunch break, including shower and dressed. All in about an hour. So...one step at a time. You're fine.0
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how can any kind of running be too slow? everyone runs at different paces0
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It might be too slow if you are driving it.
Sorry for the necromancy...1 -
Nope. I run 12.5 minute miles. Some people power walk faster than I run. Good for them.0
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If you like running, definitely do not give up. Everyone has their own pace. Also, who knows what pace they are giving you...was it their Personal Best 5K pace or an average training pace?
I'm pretty sure when I started running, I was probably around a 12 minute mile. I remember getting so excited when I was able to run a 10 minute mile for 3 miles. Eventually, my best 5K Pace got down to 7:05, but that was in a race going for the female overall win with another female coming up on my heels. I definitely don't run that fast in training though. Even a few months ago, my long training runs were usually somewhere between a 10 to 12 minute mile pace.
Everyone is different. My husband started running a month or so after me, and was stuck at the 10 minute mile pace for a long time. Within the last few weeks, he's gotten his pace down to the low 9's. He weighs about 75 lbs more than me, so his legs have more to carry.
I have a friend on MFP who has been running longer than I have and she often runs 12 minute miles. That's just the pace she enjoys.
As you get more comfortable with running, you'll naturally build your endurance. With building your endurance, you'll be able to pick up the pace.
My point is that as long as you enjoy it and you're staying fit/active, keep running and don't worry about pace. That's the thing about running: for most, it's not about being the fastest person out there. It's about challenging yourself and setting your own personal goals and doing your own personal best.
Hope you keep at it!!
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Im considered overweight and I run a 12 min mile. Im not winning a race, so I enjoy that pace. Everyone is different. I started out with a 18min mile. So dont be embarrassed. Be proud of running any miles. lol0
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12 minutes miles are great when you start running - if anything they're better than a faster pace as there is more likelyhood you'll be able to keep running for longer (which in the early days is far more important than going fast). When I did C25K I was running about 11 minute miles by the end of it, and was quite happy with that.0
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I started off at a 13-14 minute mile when I was training for basic training. Now I run a between a 7 and 9, depending on how far I'm going! It's absolutely a great place to start! You can shave a tiny bit off each time, and I'm talking, like, four or five seconds. It adds up.0
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I've been running for 25 years and I often do a 12 minute mile on my long-distance runs. And if I slow it down even more and run a 13 minute mile, I can run forever without burning out. It really depends on the weather. If it's hot, I'm going slow. If it's cooler and overcast, I'll run at a 10. But who cares how fast you're going as long as you're getting it done. I enjoy myself and that's what matters. I may not be a super-competitor, but I could care less if someone else is passing me. I could run faster, and have, but most of the time I'm just chillin' down the trail...no worries!
ETA: A 12 minute mile isn't fast, but it's NOT slow, either. You're faster than the vast majority of the population.
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