When will I speed up? - Beginners

STU -

20/07/2007 at 08:28

I do not know why but I am stuck at between 10 and 11 minute miling. Been running for about 4 weeks since stopping smoking (20-30 a day). I feel and look old as I trundle the streets. When will I start looking like a proper runner?

GymAddict

20/07/2007 at 10:05

4 weeks - good lord give yourself a chance.

Months not weeks.

GymAddict

20/07/2007 at 10:05

said with a smile cos I know how you feel :)

STU -

20/07/2007 at 10:08

thanks Gym Addict - I am frustrated -I feel so heavy(15.5 stone of heavy). Used to be so light on my feet.

sog.

20/07/2007 at 10:13

Hardly soon enough to see the benefits yet, eggy.
Over time you will improve, as GymAddict says.
Oxygen starved muscles need a lot of time to recover.
See how it goes over the next two or three months.
Even then you'll have ups and downs, but keep going.

STU -

20/07/2007 at 10:24

thanks for the encouragement Skinny:O)

by sounds of it- you don't have 15 stone plus to hurtle around (unless you are 10 ft tall)

sog.

20/07/2007 at 10:25

Nope :)

STU -

20/07/2007 at 11:21

jammy sod:O)

Sacco di Noci

20/07/2007 at 11:57

Speed will come naturally. I'm 5'9" and 14 stone, and while I'm not fast I've constantly improved.

jammie

20/07/2007 at 12:03

been running for many years and i still don't look like a "real runner" ;0)

STU -

20/07/2007 at 12:27

hope yet then MoS?

quite an attractive one -going by your pic,though, jammie:O))

STU -

20/07/2007 at 18:43

got 15 minutes tomorrow- I hope it is dry.

easel

20/07/2007 at 18:46

i was told by an observant runner that I run like a fairy. wot she was getting at is that my stride is very short. apparently is I lenthen my stride I will be a minute mile faster.

I am also very large so know how u feel when running with skinny jims!

STU -

20/07/2007 at 18:55

yes- if I spread 'em any further I will sound like Tiny Tim.

easel

20/07/2007 at 19:08

oh understand!

STU -

20/07/2007 at 19:10

mm -no tip toeing through the tulips then?

DeedeeDoodle

20/07/2007 at 20:18

Apparently, a shorter stride is actually more efficient.

STU -

20/07/2007 at 20:25

does that mean I could be slower DD?

PaulaMc

20/07/2007 at 20:48

It's taken me over a year to get much faster, but some of that was to do with confidence. For a while I was so concerned that I wouldn't be able to get to the end of whatever distance I was running that I made sure to take it easy, whether in training or when racing. It's only over the past couple of months that I've realised that I can up the pace a bit and still get to the end - and that's really made me feel good! If I'm training it's usually with others and we always run at chatting pace, but now I know that in a race (up to 5 miles, anyway) I can grit my teeth and go faster. (Not a lot faster, mind, I'm only talking 9/9.5min miles - Paula Radcliffe I ain't!)

Good luck, it will come in time. I think running consistently 3 or 4 times a week has been the key for me, it's helped me become strong enough to give it a bit more welly.

STU -

21/07/2007 at 06:17

Thanks Mrs R:O)

I am on around 5 times a week , so if I just focus on distance first. Maybe in a year do speedwork.

Well done on your progress too:O)