Pace and breathing

[Hateit]

My pace as a beginning runner is slow...somewhere between 9 1/2-12 minute mile. You guys advised me to slow down if I am having trouble with my 6 minutes of running but isn't that already slow? Also, is there a technique for breathing or do I go about my business and breath the same way I do when I walk?

[Lauraeliza30]

9.5 minute mile is pretty fast for a beginner. A 12 minute consistent mile seems more advisable. At my best, I can't do better than a 13 minute mile. It is less about worrying about your pace and building up stamina. The speed will come later. For now, it is just to be able to do the 6 minutes of running. As for breathing, that is harder for me to describe. But I found this article that might help. running.competitor.com/2014...

[HJBates Graduate]

Not so slow - I still only do between 8-9min per km which is 12-14min per mile. The occassional km is faster but I know and now accept that I am just a slow runner. I started back in February and have since completed several 5k and a couple of 10k races - I didn't come last but was quite near the back!

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

Forget about numbers --- run at a pace that will allow you to discuss with somebody (while running) in DETAIL the storyline of the last movie that you saw. If all you can do is blurt out a few stilted sentences , you are running too fast.

9minutes per K does seem a bit fast if you are truly a beginner runner - however you could be a very gifted new runner.. Go with the above conversational pace . Gifted runners can belt along at a high pace AND tell you the story of their life in detail at the same time!!

[rmnsuk Graduate]

10 minutes per mile (just under) is a bit of a milestone. Many graduates (me included) would donate an old pair of running shoes to achieve that - <30 minute 5k. Slow down, speed will come later.

You could try breathing by numbers. 3 steps for each breath out and again for each breath in. I used to practise on the walk to work. I've found that 3 out and 2 in works better for me though. Whatever works.

[astrozombie Graduate]

I am more 11 to 12 mins. If I slow down anymore I will stop

[Ajs07 Graduate]

I average 13-14 minutes per mile and am now finishing wk6 , will focus on speed once I can run for 30 mins without stopping 😁