Slow Runner, Getting back at it Again.
fatty2begone
Posts: 249 Member
I am a slow runner. I have always been a slow runner. And I finally can accept I am and can be a slow runner.
About 10 years ago, I was a consistent new runner. I ran for 2 years straight. I ran 6 to 7 miles comfortably. I started at 13.5 minute mile got down to on a good day around 11.5 minute mile. I typically averaged around 12 minute mile.
I started training for a half marathon, which I completed, and with the longer runs was back in the high 12 MM to 13+MM.
I think it was 2 weeks before my marathon, my sis-inlaw and bro-inlaw asked if I would do a charity walk with them. The walk was 10 miles. I thought this would be a good cut back for run before the half and I joined them. My bro-inlaw is a fast walker. I kept up with him, but when I got home and charted my walk time, I walked for 10 miles with the range of 12 to 12.5 mm.
I was so defeated. I couldn't wrap my head around how can I walk faster then I run.
I completed the half marathon with a lot of walking, I think I finished in the 14+ mile minute range. I was so defeated. My training half run before the above mentioned charity walk, was challenging but doable. I sabotaged my half with my head. After the half I quit running totally.
In the time since my half marathon, I have maybe tried running a total of 10 times in the past 10 yrs. Just could not get out of my head... Slow runner. Side not I gained 60 to 70 pounds in the 10 year period.
Skip ahead to the present. I recently joined MFP. I am counting calories and getting fit again. I recently started the C25K program, as I want to run! Slow as I may be, I want to run. I enjoy running. I do not need to run faster then I am able. I maybe a slow runner, having walkers faster then I. My head is not going to derail me from the achievement of running.
Today I will finish week 2 of C25K. I can not wait to start week 3. I am a Slow runner and I am finally happy that I am and will be a slow runner.
About 10 years ago, I was a consistent new runner. I ran for 2 years straight. I ran 6 to 7 miles comfortably. I started at 13.5 minute mile got down to on a good day around 11.5 minute mile. I typically averaged around 12 minute mile.
I started training for a half marathon, which I completed, and with the longer runs was back in the high 12 MM to 13+MM.
I think it was 2 weeks before my marathon, my sis-inlaw and bro-inlaw asked if I would do a charity walk with them. The walk was 10 miles. I thought this would be a good cut back for run before the half and I joined them. My bro-inlaw is a fast walker. I kept up with him, but when I got home and charted my walk time, I walked for 10 miles with the range of 12 to 12.5 mm.
I was so defeated. I couldn't wrap my head around how can I walk faster then I run.
I completed the half marathon with a lot of walking, I think I finished in the 14+ mile minute range. I was so defeated. My training half run before the above mentioned charity walk, was challenging but doable. I sabotaged my half with my head. After the half I quit running totally.
In the time since my half marathon, I have maybe tried running a total of 10 times in the past 10 yrs. Just could not get out of my head... Slow runner. Side not I gained 60 to 70 pounds in the 10 year period.
Skip ahead to the present. I recently joined MFP. I am counting calories and getting fit again. I recently started the C25K program, as I want to run! Slow as I may be, I want to run. I enjoy running. I do not need to run faster then I am able. I maybe a slow runner, having walkers faster then I. My head is not going to derail me from the achievement of running.
Today I will finish week 2 of C25K. I can not wait to start week 3. I am a Slow runner and I am finally happy that I am and will be a slow runner.
16
Replies
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I started out doing 15.5 minute miles, over two years ago, at a BMI of 30 something. Now that's slow, lol.
12 minute miles while walking seems extremely fast, by the way, I'm not sure I am capable of that (but perhaps you have longer legs, I'm only 5ft5)
I'm currently doing 11:20 miles on my longer runs, but you can see how far I've come. I feel proud of that, even if seeing the runs of some of my speedy friends on Strava sometimes stings a little, lol. Running is simply harder than walking 🙂
An eye opening moment for me was listening to another runner taking about how slow he feels and how he wanted to improve his speed. I was curious, so I asked him for some numbers. He was doing sub-7 minute miles, which was quite literally twice as fast as me at the time 🤪 comparison really is the thief of joy!
Enjoy your runs and do what feels good to you, all the rest doesn't matter 🙂
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@Lietchi I am 5'5" also.
Everyone has a "slow" speed in their head. It amazes me that someone that runs at a 10 MM thinks there slow, cant fathom a sub-7.
Thanks for the inspiration. Keep doing what you like and you are awesome.
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I am a slow runner also. And I used to care a lot. After over 40 halfs and 6 full marathons I don’t care anymore. People are faster and there are some slower but I run my run for me. It really comes down to “you do you”. And yea distance running is 90% mental no matter how fast or slow you are.7
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@cyndit1
Wow now those accomplishments are amazing!
I am hoping to get my endurance up to be able to do a half within a year. Shooting for the stars and moon.
I have alot of extra weight to lose, so my old norm slow might be my new dream fast 2 -
I am a slow runner too! I run on and off, and am just getting back into it after about a year and a half hiatus. I have about a 15 minute mile, 13 is pushing it and probably the fastest I can go right now. My fastest mile ever was 9:04, 25 pounds ago when I was running very regularly for races.
I used to get frustrated with myself too; that 9:04 stuck in my head like a taunt. I used to try everything to get back there - lose weight, lengthen strides, better shoes, and on and on. After some time, though, my fitness goals and path has changed and I give myself much more grace. Sub-10 will come, if I do the work for it to.
It has definitely helped to stop focusing on numbers and focus on how you feel! Like I said, I tried lengthening my stride, but that was uncomfortable and riding the rails to Injury City, USA. So now I listen much more closer to my body, do strides/form/distance that feels right, and that's what's important to me now! I hope faster time will come for me too 4 -
@mrschwarten
I had a 9 minute mile too. (1 and only 1). I was doing a 5k with my neice, 23 yrs younger than me, who never trained for it. We were running together and I was not gonna let her out do me, so I kept up. She lasted about 3/4 mile before she had to walk. I ran ahead and finished my 1st 5k in 38.36 minutes. She came in about 10 minutes later
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I just finished week 2 of c25K. Using a treadmill currently due to icy roads, and my run part is set at 4.8 speed on the treadmill (I think 12.5 MM?). That is for 90 second runs. Next week I think I am upto 3 minute runs. We Shall see...
I am just looking forward to the day I am running outside again and do 3 miles comfortably at my SLOW pace.
Happy Running!3 -
fatty2begone wrote: »@mrschwarten
We were running together and I was not gonna let her out do me, so I kept up. She lasted about 3/4 mile before she had to walk. I ran ahead and finished my 1st 5k in 38.36 minutes. She came in about 10 minutes later .
Lol a spite-fueled personal best! We got this!
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Last night I completed the Week 4 day 1 c25k. I finished 2 miles in 29minutes 20 seconds. 3 minute and 5 minute runs with walking in between. Amazingly fast
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So looking forward to completing the c25k program and running 3 to 4 miles outside with my awesome slowness!2 -
I am a slow runner as well. I run the Galloway method (run, walk). Please google Jeff Galloway and he has a website which will explain his run/walk method. you can even find his half marathon training program on it. This is how I run. I actually run faster with the run/walk method then just running and the run/walk method is so much better on your joints. Read up on it and he has several books. I have a bumper sticker on my car that says "you don't have to go fast you just have to go." Right now I am sidelined with a injury and cannot run. It's been 3 months and I miss running soooooo much!1
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I used to think I was destined to be a slow runner, then I got fit and dropped weight and tons of time. Still wasn't fast to fast folks, but I was blazing for me. Now 70 pounds heavier and trying to get the nerve up to start over. Would love to be MFP's!
Right now I just walk about a 17 minute mile. I can run/walk a 13 minute mile, but it's very difficult at this weight.3 -
I found my people! I've started running after a 2 year absence and I'm currently running 13-14 minute miles. Even when I was running on a regular basis, I was a 11:30 miler with a PR of just under 10 minutes. I have a hip that occasionally gives me trouble and pushing the pace irritates the joint. I'm running a 5k soon and for now, the goal is simply to finish it.5
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@sarah7591 When I was training for my half way back, I looked at his program. I didnt do it then. I will take another look when I get my endurance up again. I would really like to complete another half marathon. Shooting for 1 year.
@pridesabtch I hear you with the extra weight. I am carrying 40lbs extra weight at my heaviest when running. I was 60lbs lighter when I was actively running. Hoping to achieve this in a year or so. I am trying for slow weight loss in not restricting myself too much to actually keep it off this time. DIETING is not fun, being overweight and unfit is the pits.
@Ghostofachance I am dreaming of completing a 5k run with my own race. Slow and steady! Once I get my running legs again, I will enroll in a fun run 5k. Most likely May or June.
Happy Running to everyone!
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Re-reading the OP and the replies, I am reminded of a previous attempt at running and a repressed memory.
I don't remember when precisely, between 5 and 10 years ago, I was on Sparkpeople trying to lose weight and also trying to run (member of the Slow Fat Runners group). I must have weighed 180lbs at that time (currently 135). I was doing C25K and I thought it would be a good idea to plan participating in a 5k race.
It was an unmitigated disaster. What you need to know is that I'm from Belgium, because I think it's different in the US: this wasn't a 'fun run', no people of all ages and sizes, no people doing walking intervals... This was all 'real' runners, all slim and fit and there I was, barely capable of 14.5 minute miles and only recently able to run 30 minutes without walking.
At the start, I went too fast and ended up with side stitches after only a few minutes and I was already the very last runner then, the others already far ahead. It was so mortifying seeing all those bystanders along the course looking at me while I was struggling and also having a race official following me since I was the last one on the course. Even worse was the first water station where there was a band playing and I forced myself from walking into a slow jog again, for appearances' sake.
Shortly after, I told the race official I was dropping out and then looked for a less populated stretch to 'sneak off' the course.
Probably the most embarrassing situation I've ever experienced, and I stopped running immediately after and my weight loss attempt petered out shortly after too.
Now why am I dredging all that up again? Because a thought has been nagging at me for months, that I should replace that memory with a better one. So do I dare enter another 5k race? On top of a weight loss journey the past few years from obese to normal BMI, I've been running for 2 years now and I've made great progress since starting and in the past few months especially (I discovered the app Runalyze). My workout yesterday was a 5k run on the treadmill and I did it in under 33 minutes, a new record, which is mindboggling to me, knowing where I started. So I'm thinking it might be time to be brave and (hopefully) create a proud new memory to replace the old one....8 -
@Lietchi Oh Yes Yes Yes! Enter for your awesome self. You already are wearing a medal around your neck for your accomplishments. Might as well finish that 5k race and have another to wear proudly.
You have accomplished so much and inspire me.
Happy Running you speed demon rockstar!
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@Lietchi Most of the races I have run place the "real runners" up front so they can get off to a fast start, then stagger the rest of the field by their average mile/km time to try to make it a good experience for all involved. It works well as long as people are honest about their pace. Even as a slow runner, it is no fun to be stuck behind people who are even slower than you!0
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@Ghostofachance
Most of the 5k fun runs I have been in (I've never entered a true competition) always have the walkers at the back. The fastest at the front and mixed in between. I have been in a 5k with maybe 5000 participants and there has always been enough room to navigate around runners. Might be different with walkers pushing a stroller (IDK).
The half m I did, was much more structured with time/pace. It was much larger participation too. I think 30,000. I was defiantly at the back of the pack. This was a half and full m with same course the 1st part then full separated. I didn't come in last as the full marathoners were still coming in when I finished 0 -
I'm a slow runner. Due to a muscle condition every super slow run is close to a threshold run for me when it comes to intensity. That means if I put in more effort and run faster I end up running anaerobically and my run is over in about 5 minutes. Normal runs, due to effort are over after about 50-70 minutes, depending as I simply bonk. But hey, I run, and I enjoy it even though I never really feel like it's easy. So what.7
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I’m a slow runner but it doesn’t bother me. I have been running consistently for over a year, it took me 6 months to be able to jog one mile without stopping and that was I think a 14-15 minute mile. I’ve lost almost 70 pounds in the meantime and it is easier for me to run but I’m still a 10-12 minute mile, when I’m a 10 minute mile I can’t sustain it for more then a mile. I can run 6 miles now at a 11-12 minute mile, I never thought I would be able to jog for more than an hour without stopping regardless of it being “slow”.3
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@yirara Way to get out and move! You have medical conditions and don't let it stop you from running! That is inspiration! I am not letting the extra pounds deter me.
@kaydensmom2009 Congratulations on your weight loss and on your massive running improvement. 10 & 11mm to me are not slow .
Everyone's comments are so inspiring. Thank you to everyone for stopping by.
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I just finished c25k week 4. The 5 minute runs were not easy and I had to decrease my speed . A little thought was starting to creep in and I had to remind myself, I GOT THIS. (The 3 minute runs were not as bad so yes... progress)
Slowness does not determine the outcome of my goal. Running outside and being happy.
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I'm a slow runner too.
Recently I developed an injury to my hip and worked with a physiotherapist to help with recovery. He has helped my gait immensely and as a result has gotten me going at a faster pace. The ONLY change has been my carriage and gait.
It may be an idea to work with a coach or physio or trainer to help evaluate whether you are running efficiently. I wasn't...a lot of wasted energy in some of the ways I was moving.
Running efficiently doesn't come as naturally as we think. 3 -
I enjoyed reading this thread quite a bit. I’m also a slow runner. And a slow walker, if I’m honest.
Currently, I am working on getting back into running shape. I am using plans by Jenny Hadfield. C25k always felt like it progressed to quickly for my abilities.
About 7-8 years and 40 fewer pounds ago, I was a regular runner. Fastest mile I ever ran was 11:11 in a five mile race. With my current program, I’m not running non-stop yet, but my treadmill speed is set for 15 minute miles during my run portions. Walking outdoors, I usually average 17-18 minutes.
I’m only 5’3” and I have short legs and a short stride. I’m not really concerned about my lack of speed at this point. I just want to be a regular runner again. I have made attempts off and on over the years, but I have not been able to get there due to a variety of reasons.4 -
@cbihatt I am using the free Zen c25k program. I will have to see what the difference is if any. Tonight I will start week 5 which is 5 minute runs with walk in between. I am doing the 5 minute runs at 4.6 speed on TM so 13.04 mm I think. It is really pushing it for me so now that they are all 5 minute runs I will adjust as needed. I just want to be able to run 1 mile straight, then 2... then 7 .
@jme99nl I am not naturally athletic, so I have no doubt my technique is not the best form. I take short strides that are comfortable for me. Hmmm I wonder if my form could be taught to be improved? Old dog learning new tricks?
Happy running to everyone!2 -
fatty2begone wrote: »@jme99nl I am not naturally athletic, so I have no doubt my technique is not the best form. I take short strides that are comfortable for me. Hmmm I wonder if my form could be taught to be improved? Old dog learning new tricks?
Happy running to everyone!
I only started running in my 40's. I had run in my teens but between 15 and 40 I was allergic to physical activity. Now I'm 52 and I've run several half marathons and I have developed a habit. I discovered at some point that if I ran a lot, I could eat more. It's an easy and quick way to burn calories...and I don't have to go to a gym and deal with the weight lifting gorillas.
Last year I reached my healthy goal weight and much of it has been with the help of running to keep me active.
All that long drawn out story just to say, I'm not really a natural runner, I'm always in the lower half of the standings but I don't really care. My recent injury did however make me realize where I can make improvements that will hopefully keep me injury free for longer. I'm having to rebuilt my distance because of my the change to my form but I know in the end it'll be worth it.
If I can do it so can you!
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Here are my peeps Another slow runner here. I started 10 years ago, and then dealt with plantar fasciitis so long that I took up swimming and did that for 6 years (until the pandemic ended that). By then, I was only running 1/week with my sister. I started walking more which aggravated my arthritic knee, but over time and paying attention to what hurts and taking care of it, I am now working in a second run per week. Yup. 2x/week. That's it. I've got nothing but time. And I'm 15 lbs heavier than I was at my running or swimming peak.
Running slowly gives me time to see trip hazards on the trail, muddy/slippery spots, and all of the seasonal changes that occur during the year in the forest. Today is my second run day of the week and I'll be thinking about this thread when I am out there this afternoon. You guys are reminding me that even though I am never fast, I really enjoy it
Thanks for that!! 3 -
fatty2begone wrote: »@cbihatt I am using the free Zen c25k program. I will have to see what the difference is if any. Tonight I will start week 5 which is 5 minute runs with walk in between. I am doing the 5 minute runs at 4.6 speed on TM so 13.04 mm I think. It is really pushing it for me so now that they are all 5 minute runs I will adjust as needed. I just want to be able to run 1 mile straight, then 2... then 7 .
I totally understand what you mean! Sounds like you are making good progress.0 -
Slow runner victory lap. I ran my first 5k in two years (and my first outdoor run of the year) on Sunday. Not only did I run the entire distance, I exceeded my expectations by running at a "blistering" 11:38 pace. I only had two goals going into the race 1) finish it without walking for extended periods and 2) break 40 minutes. I crossed the finish line at 36:07 and feel ready to tackle another one within the next few weeks.6
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@Ghostofachance Awesome Job! Speedy in my eyes . 2
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Just completed my 1st run outside. 20 minutes (run no walk breaks) for 1.4 miles (14.28mm). Longest run prior was 8 minutes so this was a huge jump. Started out much faster but had to slow way down to be able to finish. It feels awesome to run outside again.
This was week 6 day 1 C25k . Next couple days of week 6 is back to the shorter runs with more walks.6 -
fatty2begone wrote: »Just completed my 1st run outside. 20 minutes (run no walk breaks) for 1.4 miles (14.28mm). Longest run prior was 8 minutes so this was a huge jump. Started out much faster but had to slow way down to be able to finish. It feels awesome to run outside again.
This was week 6 day 1 C25k . Next couple days of week 6 is back to the shorter runs with more walks.
Great job!1
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