Slow Runners Unite!

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  • Sunshine_And_Sand
    Sunshine_And_Sand Posts: 1,320 Member
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    Never be embarrassed about getting more active and trying to improve your health. I once walked a 5k in an ACL brace before I was cleared to run. (My goal was to not finish last.) The route is through a residential area where a lot of the people sit outside on their front porch and wave as the runners and walkers go by. I just smiled and waved at them just like I always do when I am actually running the race. Even now that the knee isn't a factor, still usually do 10-12min/mile pace, which I know isn't going to win any of the races, but who cares. Be proud of yourself for being able to run the 1.5 miles without stopping. Great job!
  • bread_winner
    bread_winner Posts: 16 Member
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    This thread totally resonates with me lol. I am soooo self-conscious of my slowness. Switching from roads to trails has helped a ton but I'd be lying if I claimed my pace didn't bother me.
    The only thing to do though, is measure improvement against yourself. If you're improving - not much else you can ask for.
    But yeah - I still feel you lol
  • goatg
    goatg Posts: 1,399 Member
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    ThinGoldLineNS wrote: »
    I started a few weeks ago and the treadmill shows I "run" at 3.7 miles per hour. I can jog at that pace for 5 min, walk for 2 min up to 4 times now. I'm incredibly proud of myself and excited as I have never been the athletic type.

    That is awesome! Keep it up! As you run more you'll find that your rest period decreases : )
  • Andrea4456
    Andrea4456 Posts: 39 Member
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    Speed doesn't matter - you're doing it! And beating everyone who's sitting on the couch! I always say I jog at a leisurely pace ;) - but it's still a jog!
  • lcyama
    lcyama Posts: 209 Member
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    a mile and a half is awesome, at any pace! when i first started running, i thought i would die after running one minute, even at a slow pace. don't worry about how fast you're going... just keep running and one day you'll realize your speed has increased without you even trying.
  • MsArriabella
    MsArriabella Posts: 469 Member
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    I started c25k last spring at about 3.6 mph on the treadmill, eventually moved it up to 4 mph and got stuck there. Started running outside this winter and realized I could run a 13 min/mi pretty easily.

    I just ran my first half marathon on Sunday and averaged a 12 min/mile pace (2:38 total), finishing before 2000 other people.

    I still can't get over 4mph (15 min/mile) on the treadmill though :neutral:

    Keep at it, have fun. At the end of the day as long as you do what you can consistently you'll get faster and be able to run longer than before :D
  • bread_winner
    bread_winner Posts: 16 Member
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    alc649 wrote: »
    ..and doing something i never thought i'd ever be able to do is just an awesome feeling.

    So i wouldn't worry about how slow you're going, because speed will come, and even if i never place first or anything that's ok..because running is awesome.

    OK i'm done writing my novel now :)

    There's a lot of value in this - I love how you look at things. *Takes notes for reference*.
  • alc649
    alc649 Posts: 467 Member
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    I've just learned that my mind and my self defeating talk has kept me from doing so many things..It's amazing what we can do when we get our mind out of the way!
  • MostlyWater
    MostlyWater Posts: 4,294 Member
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    I recommend you read "Running with a Police Escort".
  • alc649
    alc649 Posts: 467 Member
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    bread_winner wrote: »
    The struggle is real though when you go to log exercise in MFP and there isn't a pace slow enough to choose from lol

    I know what you mean, do you have a fitbit or an app on your phone? I use runkeeper and manually enter my calories based on what that says i burn. Is it 100% accurate? probably not but oh well
  • SteveinChicago
    SteveinChicago Posts: 23 Member
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    Interesting aside: I bet if you decide to run outside you'll find yourself going faster without even meaning to. I jog at 4.0 mph (15 min/mile) on the treadmill and when I run outside I aim for the same pace but end up doing between 12-13 min/mile but it doesn't feel like I'm working any harder or going any faster.
  • yoliyoda
    yoliyoda Posts: 58 Member
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    Reading this thread had been so encouraging. My running pace is basically everyone's walking pace.
  • soukyfitness
    soukyfitness Posts: 16 Member
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    I am slow too!!! I always go to the gym with a friend and she runs a 6 minute mile and mine is... considerably slower but I make myself stop looking at her numbers and focusing on mine. Feel proud that you can run for longer and longer! I'm slowly getting at a faster time, and I'm proud of that- it's progress for me!!! What's important is that you're getting out there and doing it.
  • goatg
    goatg Posts: 1,399 Member
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    TavistockToad wrote: »
    goatg wrote: »
    Think of it this way! If calorie burn is your goal, you burn more calories running 1 mile for 17 minutes than running 1 mile for 8 minutes! :)

    Running is calculated using bodyweight x 0.63 x distance, so the calories are the same for an 8 minute mile as a 17 minute mile....

    Heart rate based exertion often gives different results, though, doesn't it?

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