any runners out there?

tmh88

I've been running a lot for the past month and a half(almost every day), and I can definitely tell that my speed and endurance has improved, but I dont know exactly what "good" times are.

I usually run a mile in about 6:30, and if I'm just running for distance I can go 2-3 miles if I push it. I'm not training for anything, just running to stay in shape ,so I'm not looking for some outrageous goal.

Judging by this what do you think a reasonable goal is for me to run a mile in should be?

Nomad

tmh88 wrote:

I've been running a lot for the past month and a half(almost every day), and I can definitely tell that my speed and endurance has improved, but I dont know exactly what "good" times are.

I usually run a mile in about 6:30, and if I'm just running for distance I can go 2-3 miles if I push it. I'm not training for anything, just running to stay in shape ,so I'm not looking for some outrageous goal.

Judging by this what do you think a reasonable goal is for me to run a mile in should be?

I don't consider myself and intense runner, I've been in a few races--10k, nothing special. I'm trying to break a five minute mile this summer and competing in a 10k.

A mile in 6:30 is fairly good for a beginner, if that is averaged over the course of say a 5k or a 10k it's competitive. Certainly not bad by any means. You'll find that decreasing your time becomes exponentially harder after the first few months, don't let it deter you.

MiracleManS

Depending on your age, your own understanding of your physical capability, and the places you're running, a 6:30 mile is well above average for just about anyone of any age. I've known people to run the mile in the 5min and 4min range, but that requires a much broader amount of training and/or natural endurance. As is the case, and after years of training for track, I can run in the neighborhood of a 6min mile without any training. That said, that doesn't mean I wouldn't be winded as all get out when it was done.

My biggest suggestion is that you not set a goal in stone but instead make it flexible. If you think what you're doing now is easily accomplished, set yourself a goal of 6:00 in the coming months. The biggest thing is to make sure this stays fun and doesn't become a job. That happened to me just after college and I can't get myself to run just yet, but I'm gearing up for it when the weather gets closer to sprinter style.

JB

tmh88 wrote:

I usually run a mile in about 6:30, and if I'm just running for distance I can go 2-3 miles if I push it. I'm not training for anything, just running to stay in shape ,so I'm not looking for some outrageous goal.

If you can run 6:30 for one mile back it off to about 7:30-8:00 and you shouldn't have to push it to make 3-4 miles. The biggest thing to do is make sure you vary your workouts. Don't run the same 3 mile course every day for weeks on end, or you be conditioning your body for just one distance.

tmh88

When I go for distance I usually run 8 min miles, but when I'm going for speed I can usually get around 6:30. The fastest I've done was 6:16(5 days ago), but it's not like I keep track of my times every single time I run. btw I'm a 20 years old

JB

So it sounds like a mile goal of 6:00 is pretty realistic. It always feels good breaking those minute barriers

If you are really getting into running look around for a 5K to run. It will give you a nice goal and you will meet a lot of friendly people. Runners are a great bunch and you will have a blast at the race + post race festivities.

tmh88

There are always 5 and 10k's going on at my campus. I might go for one later in spring quarter (late april, early may)

mmonnin

Should be plenty of activities around OU. If you like running with scenery, Hocking Hills is a nice place, esp in the fall.

tmh88

Do you live near Athens mmonnin? When it isn't freezing or ****ty outside I like to run on the bikepath along the hocking river. Since it's March the weather usually doesn't work out in my favor so I usually end up at Ping on the track(our rec center on campus)

Nolf-Job

tmh, I'm doing my grad work in BG, which also has pretty crappy weather even in March. Dunno if you have it, but I highly recommend the Nike/Apple running kit... assuming you have a nano or can pick up one used. I know there are more accurate and better options, but I've found it to help a lot especially on long runs and indoors. I'm training for a mini and have a tough time knowing that I'm maintaining a consistent pace. With that thing, it's really easy.

As others mentioned, having a goal to work towards seems to help with motivation. After a while it can get a little boring to just go running. Runner's World site has a lot of good work out plans to help mix things up between speed, distance, and tempo. Should give it a look.

tmh88

I already have the nike+ kit and it's a piece of ****. It records about 65% of my distance and its like 3 weeks old. I've calibrated it many times, and tested distances on tracks and its not accurate at all. For instance when I set it to .10 miles(1 lap on the middle lane of the track at my rec center), by the time I finished one lap it read on average .06-.07 miles.

tmh88

I better lower my goal to like 5:30. I did a mile in 6:04 today

MiracleManS

Grats on pushing yourself. It's always nice to realize our goals and be able to push harder.

tmh88

Tomorrow I'm going for under 6 mins (5:59 )

Nolf-Job

Yea that's way off. Mine's never been more than 10% off and after recalibration, it's back on target. I'd imagine if you have a fairly inconsistent stride, it could be worse though. Any chance you have one of the attachments for the sensors, as opposed to the nike+ shoes? If that weren't positioned properly it could give some pretty off marks. I use one without a problem, but just a thought.

tmh88

nope my shoes are nike + shox

airbornflght

Wow, I wish I could do a 6 minute mile. I'm starting my workouts again since I've gained a little weight the past few month. I could only do 7 flat back push ups. pathetic.

tmh88

Didn't have a chance to go to the gym, but I'm home now on spring break. We have a treadmill so I'll see what I can do on that. I'm not a fan of treadmills, I have like no balance when I look to the sides.

MiracleManS

It's a tossup with treadmills as to whether they're good for you or not...It's really a question of what kind. Does it have a good spring/shock system? It's it pretty even on speed? etc...

If it's all you got, it's all you got, and stick with it!

Nomad

I really dislike running on treadmills, they give inaccurate speeds/times that don't translate to pavement/tracks.

MiracleManS

I agree, but sometimes its all you've got. Especially when it's terrible weather. I just hate running outside in the cold/wet/whatever. Of course I'm also a sprinter by nature.

mmonnin

Even though treadmills give a steady pace I can never get myself to go that same steady pace...

tmh: I grew up in Sidney, Ohio and then went to DeVry in cbus. I've been to hocking hills a couple of times. Beautiful place.