I've been running for over 10 years (I started in my 30's). I've slowly made improvements and was glad that I started doing a weekly 5k (every Wednesday evening) last Spring / Summer. I've been training hard for the last 8 or 9 months and I've been watching how much I eat for the last 6 months or so (I've lost around 20lbs). I also signed up for my first 2 Half Marathon races this year (May 4th and May 17th). With all of this effort, I'm glad to say that I just managed to start breaking into the sub 7 minute mile!
I know a recent update of my phone app (Sports-Tracker) seemed to trim off some distance of what has been my 'normal route' for years. Once that happened, my pace showed higher (similar time + shorter reported distance = slower pace). But, I kept working at it and to see that I was clipping very low 7's and even a few blips into the 6:50's per mile surprised me. Yesterday, I did a local 5k and while I missed the registration (so no bib, no medal or ribbon, and worst of all no 'Official Time'), I ran alongside everyone and knew that the course distance would be accurate. Sure enough, my phone showed 3.12Miles and 21:25 Min/Sec! That gives me an average pace of 6:51 per mile. My first mile was 6:44, second mile was the slowest @ 7:04, my third mile was 6:47, and the last bit (.12) was 0:46!
I'm so happy that at 47 years old, I've beaten my old 7:05 M/M from like 10 years ago. I tied that 7:05 last year, but couldn't seem to get any faster than that. I'm pretty content, but I just need to average another sub 7MM for a registered race and then I'll be totally satisfied. For what it is worth, I've never had any training. Sure, I've tried what other runners suggested and some stuff I'd read. But, I've never had anyone coach me. I think I'd be doing even better if I had a coach. But for now, I'll just keep going solo. I also want to see what difference a lighter pair of shoes will make.
I know a recent update of my phone app (Sports-Tracker) seemed to trim off some distance of what has been my 'normal route' for years. Once that happened, my pace showed higher (similar time + shorter reported distance = slower pace). But, I kept working at it and to see that I was clipping very low 7's and even a few blips into the 6:50's per mile surprised me. Yesterday, I did a local 5k and while I missed the registration (so no bib, no medal or ribbon, and worst of all no 'Official Time'), I ran alongside everyone and knew that the course distance would be accurate. Sure enough, my phone showed 3.12Miles and 21:25 Min/Sec! That gives me an average pace of 6:51 per mile. My first mile was 6:44, second mile was the slowest @ 7:04, my third mile was 6:47, and the last bit (.12) was 0:46!
I'm so happy that at 47 years old, I've beaten my old 7:05 M/M from like 10 years ago. I tied that 7:05 last year, but couldn't seem to get any faster than that. I'm pretty content, but I just need to average another sub 7MM for a registered race and then I'll be totally satisfied. For what it is worth, I've never had any training. Sure, I've tried what other runners suggested and some stuff I'd read. But, I've never had anyone coach me. I think I'd be doing even better if I had a coach. But for now, I'll just keep going solo. I also want to see what difference a lighter pair of shoes will make.
I'll shoot you a PM!
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