Runners: "9.39 mile" Good enough?

[AB Editor]

Afternoon,

I've started running again for the first time in a few months (the bike has taken over during the sunny months). I'm running just under a 10 minute mile - is this acceptable?

I feel it's not but some have attempted to reassure me it's "fine".

I've never really used this metric before. I used to run 6 miles a day and just be happy to finish it. Now I've only got the option of doing 3 miles in a session so I need a new benchmark for improvement.

What should I be aiming for?

[sir.prize]

That is an excellent time Ed - considering you have very short legs.

[AB Editor]

Thanks.

Serious answers?

[boxtops]

It takes me 9.39 minutes to get down the stairs, so I'm impressed

[craft1948]

I use a treadmill each day..............sometimes I think it lies.

[Sqad]

\\\ I'm running just under a 10 minute mile - is this acceptable? \\\

For what?

For the 2012 Olympics?

For keeping fit?

Give us a clue..

How old are you? What is your weight?

[redman41]

I think the Ed is quietly training for the 2012 London Olympics Squad ! :-))

[Sqad]

redman...LOL....OR he knows it's good and i looking for plaudits....;-)

[mccfluff]

when i was at school i used to do it in 6.5, but i was v fit then. ire ckon you can do better ed, just have to work at it

im setting you a target of 8 mins

[mccfluff]

carfty using the treadmill to exercise the dog whilst you perve at the gardener does not count

[rojash]

6.4 MPH? I'd call that jogging, not running...

[pa___ul3]

I was doing 10 min miles for 13-16 miles when I was training and about 11 min miles for anything further.
Unless you're training for an actual run it's hard to set a time to train at as for fitness you just want to be pushing yourself that little bit more every time.
There's usually a few runs in spring, I've got a half marathon in March, if you give yourself something specific to aim for, i.e. a 10k in 50 mins, then you can train around that.

[craft1948]

lol fluff I have a new gardener............he's great with shrubbery but not worth perving at.

[AB Editor]

Thanks Fluff, I'll take you up on that. I'll try and manage 8 minute miles by the end of November.

Paul, I don't have the luxury of "long" run any more, I'd like to set myself up for a marathon or something soon - before my knees drop off - but I'd probably have to move house first!

Happy to be a short/middle-distance runner for the moment though!

[piggynose]

how soul destroying!! : (, as i cant see me bettering 1km in 7 mins!

[pa___ul3]

get signing up for some 5k / 10k's then if you can, the buzz of a race day is always a spur! My sister's decided she wants to do a 10k after wathcing us at the marathon. I'd definitely recommend a marathon if you can, I think I put it off for too long, I reckon I'd have been really good 10 years ago!

[Sqad]

So Ed after not answering my pertinent questions, I will leave this thread to others.

[AB Editor]

Thanks Paul. I'll have to look out for something easy.

Sqad, my apologies. I won't be handing out any personal stats though!

My goal is to not be slug-shaped on Christmas day. While I'm far from it now the sheer amount of winter food about at the moment is dangerous.

[Sqad]

Ed...well, the answers that you will get may well be invalid.......and if you are overweight, then they may well be dangerous...BUT........your call.

[joggerjayne]

That's a good pace, Ed.

If I do a long run, I aim to keep each mile inside ten minutes.

Now, you have had your shoes properly fitted, haven't you!

[AB Editor]

Yep, proper fitted shoes etc.

I can be comfortably described as "slim" Sqad. I'm fairly fit, just out of sorts with running.

Glad it's an acceptable time JJ. Now, to pre-empt to mince pies!