Time or Distance

[1948gm]

I am persevering with my running again for the second time, let it lapse over the summer finding it too warm. I still work so difficult to fit in and find a cool time. Anyway up to week 8.3 and dong ok on time but aware I am only doing around 2.3 miles. Guess I should be please as I am 72. Does the distance come with practice and persistence. Any advice

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

To run a greater distance you have to run for longer duration. To achieve that you need to continue to build in small increments.Only a small proportion of graduates from this forum who responded to a poll, managed 5k in 30 minutes by graduation healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

Graduation requirements are that you complete three thirty minute runs, regardless of distance.

[Skeg Graduate]

I'm 75+ and running 5 and 10k runs. I found it easier to extend runs than getting under 30 mins for 5k. Do runs you enjoy regardless of time.

[Hidden]

Hang on, you are 72 and run 2.3 miles in 28 minutes?

That is about 12mins 10 seconds per mile.

If you look on the net, the chart below is the average minutes per mile (for Americans).

So that speed is average for women in their early 40's or is my maths wrong.

That is brilliant!! Well done.

Average running speed per mile in a 5K

Age Men (minutes per mile) Women (minutes per mile)

16–19 9:34 12:09

20–24 9:30 11:44

25–29 10:03 11:42

30–34 10:09 12:29

35–39 10:53 12:03

40–44 10:28 12:24

45–49 10:43 12:41

50–54 11:08 13:20

55–59 12:08 14:37

60–64 13:05 14:47

65–99 13:52 16:12

😀

[1948gm in reply to Hidden]

Oh cool. Thanks I am just going to enjoy my running and the fact that I can😊🏃‍♀️

[RunningMigster Graduate]

Can we put this into perspective?There are 22 year olds out there, who could not run for 1 mile, nevermind 2.3.

I know you should never compare yourself against others, but trust me, you are doing great.

And, you still have improvement as a goal.

Relax, don't stress about it.

Aim for more, be proud of what you've achieved and always set realistic goals

Mig

[nowster Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

As a 20 year old there's no way I could have run even half a mile!

[Pugwash Graduate]

You're doing the right thing (and doing great with stats like that!). Despite it's name including "5k" the programme is really about running for 30 minutes continuously so focus on that. I let myself off of "the comparison hook" ages ago - best thing I did. As the old adage goes "comparison is the thief of joy". Enjoy your running for what YOU get out of it I'd say.

[1948gm in reply to Pugwash]

So much encouragement from everyone I am inspired. I was offered a watch to check my pace distance etc but declined. Will just enjoy the fact that I can run and am.