RUNNERS: come here!

My average mile is about 10 or 10:30, though I've been going faster than that, usually. I've been running off and on for a couple years, but only seriously since February. I did Shape's 5 Weeks to a 5K program, which I'd highly suggest, in training for an 8K. It was challenging, but really upped my endurance and speed. I think I started around an 11:30 pace, and now I can do 9:45 in race training mode. I sometimes do tempo runs at 9:30. Tempo and speed runs will be your best friends. Also, hill work I've heard works wonders, but there aren't a ton of hills in the city of Chicago. I do speed up around bridges when going up, but slow way down on the way down so as not to hurt my legs. I've been running with an IT Band injury.

I think the feelings of giving up are really dependent on the person. When you feel like giving up, but you never do, I think that's just your mind helping to psych you up for the overall feeling of accomplishment you get at the end of a run. Maybe it's a habit for your brain to do that. It happens to me often, too, but I don't really mind it. Once I put my running shoes on and head out the door, I'm not turning back.

I have been running since January, usually 2 miles 3-4 times a week. My longest distance was 5 miles. All on a treadmill. I tried running outside, but I can only go 1.5 miles before I die.

My fastest is 12 minutes per mile, that is the 5.0 setting on the treadmill for speed.

I dont care. Im lappin everyone on the couch!

I've been running about a year and a half, and now my average comfortable pace is about a 9 minute mile, and a little faster when racing.

The first mile is *still* the hardest for me. So I make a pact with myself, "Just one run mile. If you still want to quit, go home." Because then I'll get a 2 mile workout no matter what. But usually, after the first mile, I'm in my groove and want to keep going.

I just started one day in mid/late March because I was out for my usual 1 hour walk and thought, "Hey, why don't I run? I've been walking for a while..." That awhile was only 1/2 a month LOL and I just thought of doing it. With that said I only ran 30-40 seconds at a time then full on mins. I've never done C25K but I've participated with groups - I just mastered 5k about a month ago and even then I took weeks off at a time with illlness/taking care of someone who was ill. You just get back where you started. I rarely have the feeling of stopping. Usually because I'm not breathing correctly. And lately because I've broken into over 1 hour runs this wk averaging 8k. And I run 5-8x a week, somedays double am/pm. You can do it! Even if don't finish what I wanted to like last nights run, there is always tomorrow. I always feel accomplished after my runs and really good physically. My time has gone from running almost 15 min to 13:30-13:40, but has gone as low as 11:00. If you get an app like Endomondo or GPSpeedOMeter, you can get stats and figure out goals, etc. Happy running! And sorry this was a long post, LOL.

I've been running since last summer (minus a 14 week stint when I broke my ankle and had surgery, Nov.-Feb.,, started back again March 1st)
I run 4-5 times a week, 5-8 miles at a time (for now- I increase my "long" runs by .5-1 mile a week). Average pace is 8:00-8:40 a mile. the first mile is the hardest for me- my body is stiff, I run at 5am, and I always think "short run day" but 95% of the time it ends up being a longer run (i thought "short run day" every day this week and ran 8 miles EVERY day this week). It just takes my body some time to get in the groove.
I love running- its my escape, my time, nobody but me and the rhythm of running. I am a much better Mommy and teacher (I teach 6th grade) when I run.

I feel like a much better boss at work and girlfriend/friend when I run, too! It's a great stress reliever. I'm a big believer in short runs, though. I think they help prevent injury. After taking off a few weeks after my last race, I started training for my next one too hard, too fast, and I developed IT Band Syndrome. Be careful! Running eight miles every single day might work for you, but giving my own body rest has really helped in preventing further injury for me, personally. Also, cross training.

i started running in August of 2010; competed in my first race an 8k finished in 1:14 pace of 13:30/mile. stopped running (knee injuries and well being lazy). started back in December 2011; competed in first 5k mud run in May 2012 finished in 1:24 - damn obstacles - LOL!

Pace a week and a half ago was 11:30/mile. WAS running 4 times a week on a treadmill (3 miles) and trail running once a week (4 miles). strained a ligament so now i'm stuck waiting 2 weeks before i can get back out. can't wait - never thought i'd say that again. been cross training for almost 2 weeks.

12 min / mile - I haven't run in about 6 years (not consistenly, anyway), and i just re-estarted. I previously had to stop the long distance stuff due to an injury and found other exercise outlets.

When I ran before I ran a marathon from very low physical fitness. I can glady say that YES, the daily feelings of quitting eventually do go away, but they come back once in a while.

Sometimes it just feels so good to be outside and moving, you never have the notion to stop. Other days, nothing feels right, running seems especially hard, and damnit it just doesn't seem fun that day. But those are the days to push through it and get better (as long as you don't have a physical pain stopping you).

Proud of you for doing Couch to 5k!!!

I just read a great running blog, and the author admitted that not every day is a great running day. Which strangely, was an encouragement to me as a new runner! :bigsmile:

Love running-the more in shape you get, the easier it becomes so don't give up.
I've been running on and off for 8 years, but have really fallen in love with it the past 2 years. I run a little over an 8 minute mile when running long distances (10 miles or more) but a little faster for shorter distances. I just set my PR in the hospital hill half marathon of 1:46:53. was pretty pumped about that!

It's slow going for me. One week I can run, the next week I can't. I try not to push it, but when the going is good, it feels great to be doing something I never could have done a year ago.