I have to be the slowest runner- 3 Miles in 45 minutes- How many days should I be running per week?

[twowiseguysmom]

[Turtle525 Graduate]

I've been jogging since November, graduated in January, It takes me 42 minutes to jog 3 miles....I sometimes feel the same way, but then I sit back and think....Last year I couldn't jog 1 minute. It use to take me much longer to jog 3 miles....I believe that with time speed comes. So just be proud of yourself that you are jogging 3 miles.

[Loves2Run in reply to Turtle525]

I have arthritis in my knees. Couldn’t lift my feet off the ground when I started strength training and conditioning in March of this year. Felt good enough to start slow jogging in September and now can run (slow jog) for an hour. I average 14 minutes a mile. Lost 12 pounds. Feeling a lot better. Signed up for a 5 K and 8 K. Am very encouraged and motivated by my progress.

My daughter who runs marathons gave me a very good piece of advice. She said, “enjoy your run. Don’t get too stressed or concerned about meeting a certain time or distance related goal. Those goals will get realized in time.”

Hope the above 2 cents is helpful.

[SJN2K Graduate]

I've signed up for a 5k race in March (3 miles) and if I can finish it in under 45 minutes I will be delighted. You should be proud to be running 3 miles, never mind the time.

[misswobble Graduate]

I run every other day. The rest day is important and I know I definitely need it. Your body needs time to recover between runs. Warm up and cool down walks are important too so don't skimp on those. Your fitness and stamina will improve with time. You have to keep plugging away at it as it's a gradual process. There are other exercises you could do to help improve your fitness.

[lizziebeth57 Graduate]

I think I need to run 3 times a week to get a rhythm and see any improvement. At the moment I am doing 4 as part of the jantastic challenge and I am starting to see a real difference. I have been running since August though. Would agree with misswobble a days rest is really important (even more so when it's still fairly new). You are doing great!

[Hidden]

45 mins is NOT slow or bad. Many runners would be delighted to do this. Give yourself a huge pat-on-the-back.

Just remember, you are out there doing it whilst millions are lazing round getting increasingly unfit. I am very proud of you.

Try to aim for running every-other day, if that fits in with life. The rest days are just as important as the runs, and the most important parts are: decent running shoes (not necessarily expensive ~ last seasons models can be just as good as this years, and cost a fraction of the list price), and post-run stretches. If you don't do these properly, you WILL regret it the next day. Even the elite athletes do them every time.

Remember, speed isn't king in running ~ distance/time out is FAR more important.

Good running, and keep us posted.

[Renka Graduate]

Are you racing against someone? Do you have a train/bus to catch? No? Then so what if it takes you 45 minutes - or 55 - or over an hour to run 3 miles. The point is you are out there and you are running and well done you. The more you do it, the faster you get

As for how many days - well your body needs to repair itself between bouts of exercise so I'd say 3 times a week is enough.

Keep on keeping on.

[Loves2Run in reply to Renka]

Completely agree.

[Pig2Twig]

That's about my pace - don't worry we will get better - x

[liquoricet]

What they said! And I did a 5k in November and took 48 mins. I've been running since July and have a 10k in may. We're doing it, it doesn't matter what speed we're going at.

I run 3x a week, a long (slow -ha!) Run on a Sunday, a 5k Tuesday and a 2.75k Thursday (with patches of sprints).

[Loves2Run in reply to liquoricet]

I have the same goal. You got to set a pace that you are comfortable with and progress at your comfort level.