new jogger/runner question...

me. · April 2012

I am starting week 4 of C25K today. I used map my run for my last day of week 3 to see how far I got and what my time is. My average is a 14 minute mile. That seems really slow. I'm trying not to get discouraged. I ran it in my development and there are LOTS of hills, so I'm hoping that added to the slow time. I went about 2.3 miles.

so, my question is...is this a respectable time for a newcomer (who's about 50 pounds overweight) or should I be pushing myself more? I feel like I'm pushing myself, but maybe not enough?

TIA!

Julia-Henry · April 2012

I think it's great that you're doing it! When you finish c25k, you can work on increasng speed and you will get faster. For now, just work on endurance. Your time is fine for you.

Post back when you're done c25k and you'll get some good advice on here about how to get faster.

good job getting started! don't worry about the speed for now - you're doing a great job.

jgleespen · April 2012

Ditto PP, don't worry about your pace right now, just concentrate on going the distance.

gt7301b · April 2012

You have only been running for 4 weeks, who cares how fast you are running. You are out there exercising. You don't want to push yourself too hard when you are starting or you will get hurt. A good way to judge your effort is if you can carry on a conversation while running. If you can't carry on a converstation you are running too hard. (Obviously if you are racing this may not be the case)

MrsLokiAngel · April 2012

I could have written this post!

I'm a new runner (though not really new to fitness, I've been 'training' in MMA for a year and half or so), and I run about a 13.5 min mile. I'm about 40lbs over weight (I was 90 lbs overweight a few years back) and I've run about 2.5 miles at most!

I can tell you from this experience, talking to my mother (avid lifelong runner, worked in a running store, etc) and from helping my husband become a runner... it's normal. Keep it up, and once you're comfortable, add speed. To get faster, you must run faster. Do it safely, with intervals and thoughtful training and you will get faster. My husband (running blog below) started running at about a 15-16 min/mile pace at 90 lbs overweight. He's lost 80 lbs and he's now running 8 min miles, with 9 min miles for longer distances! You can do it!

Just keep it up.

taratru · April 2012

1. Good job!

2. Who cares how fast you're going? You're GOING. Smile

me. · April 2012

Thank you! I just did week 4 day 1 and it was hard! My plan is to follow the c25k plan (probably repeating week 4) and then go back to the beginning of it and work on getting a little faster.

historychick79 · April 2012

It sounds like you are doing fabulous! I started C25K on a treadmill in Feb, and was averaging 15min miles. Once I hit wk 8 I just kept pushing for going longer instead of following the plan. I did my first outdoor run this past weekend, and found I am down to a 12min pace (even though I had to walk in sections) and it felt great. Speed does comes with time and getting stronger. You'll get there, just keep moving!

ETA: remember too, C25K explicitly says in the instructions if you feel you can run slower, do so; focus on endurance first.

ScubaDreamin · April 2012

Agree w pp - you're running, don't worry about time yet - you haven't finished C25K yet - finish it and then think about timing. Also consider, that as the weather changes, your pace will change too (the humid sticky summer makes times go right down the tube, at least for me). I was about 14 mm last year after C25k - might have gone down to 12 or 13 mm, this year (and I didn't continue through the whole winter) I'm running b/t 10.4 and 11 mm this year. Just give your body a chance to get used to the pounding of running and then you can work on running faster....you're faster than everyone who's not running! Also remember, pushing may cause injury, so don't overdo it too much...

spunkypenguin · April 2012

If that is your average time, it sounds about right for week 4. Your min per mile will decrease as you get further into the program because you'll be running more. Even so, a 14 min mile is not too bad! Just focus on building endurance and then you can go for speed. I'm at the beginning of week 8 and I'm still running about a 12:xx mile.

new jogger/runner question...

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