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Original poster

Running times

13 replies

MrsMorrisey · 05/09/2023 01:21

I have started running in the last two months.
Used to run in my 40's but stopped. ( not sure why)
I bought a treadmill and use it every second day.
I am 50 and a good weight and have started just to keep me fit and ward of peri menopause symptoms.
I currently run/walk 3kms in 29 mins.
According to running calculators I am a beginner 30 year old saying I should be able to do it 20 mins.

Am I slow or is that matrix a bit harsh?

OP posts:
CharlotteBog · 05/09/2023 02:15

Your current time is walking pace so I can see why it suggests you should be completing the distance faster as a run. But it doesn't matter; you're starting out and will soon improve. I think walk/run is better than trying to run but only completing a shorter distance.
Keep it up and see the numbers tumble!

lljkk · 05/09/2023 04:34

Almost 2 miles in 29 minutes. Only on MN do I hear that touted as a typical walking pace.

I dunno OP. You are where you are. It's nice to know that you probably can improve a fair bit which will be rewarding, would be motivating for many to know that.

Breezycheesetrees · 05/09/2023 04:46

That is walking pace for many people (like me) but whatever.

Does it really matter to you what speed you "should" be doing? Everyone's body is so different I don't see how there can be a standard. Surely all that matters is that running makes you feel good, you're not sustaining injuries and you're improving over time, if that's what you want.

When I came back to running after an 8 year gap it was a bit disheartening how much slower I am now, but you can only work with the body you've got.

CharlotteBog · 05/09/2023 05:33

lljkk · 05/09/2023 04:34

Almost 2 miles in 29 minutes. Only on MN do I hear that touted as a typical walking pace.

I dunno OP. You are where you are. It's nice to know that you probably can improve a fair bit which will be rewarding, would be motivating for many to know that.

It's really not that fast. Average is 20 mins/mile and OP is doing 15 mins/mile.
That's a brisk walking pace. It's really not only on MN.

Original poster
MrsMorrisey · 05/09/2023 05:41

Thank you.

Yes you're right, it is where I'm at and the only way is up.

It makes me feel good and I'm happy I'm doing something.

OP posts:
Rayna37 · 05/09/2023 06:29

You'd probably find you were much faster than that if you just ran outside. The treadmill is quite artificial and it can seem impossible to increase the speed, but if you just went out and ran you'd be likely to find your current natural pace is much better.

StamppotAndGravy · 05/09/2023 06:54

Try doing C25k and really pushing the treadmill speed up on the run sections. You're only doing walking pace, but you need to build fitness to be able to run. Interval training with short bursts of running, like C25k is the best way to do that. 3km in 20 minutes is a basic level fitness and should be achievable within a relatively short time for almost anyone (disability, health and extreme obesity excluded obviously)

Original poster
MrsMorrisey · 05/09/2023 13:51

StamppotAndGravy · 05/09/2023 06:54

Try doing C25k and really pushing the treadmill speed up on the run sections. You're only doing walking pace, but you need to build fitness to be able to run. Interval training with short bursts of running, like C25k is the best way to do that. 3km in 20 minutes is a basic level fitness and should be achievable within a relatively short time for almost anyone (disability, health and extreme obesity excluded obviously)

Well the fastest I could do was 10 years ago and that was 5kms in 25 mins.
Not sure if I'd get to that speed again.

OP posts:
BarnacleBeasley · 05/09/2023 13:56

I think just keep doing what you're doing! Running (even at walking pace) is a different kind of movement, and puts more pressure on your joints, tendons and ligaments. Taking it slow while you build your aerobic fitness back up will also help you build up the strength you'll need when you're ready to go faster.

StamppotAndGravy · 05/09/2023 14:16

Ah, that means you could really run! You'll get at least some of it back

MistyTrains2 · 05/09/2023 20:31

Just keep going! I have been experimenting with faster tempo runs and my equivalent of sprinting to try and increase my overall pace. While you lose lung capacity with age you can get stronger with what you have.

lljkk · 05/09/2023 21:01

Mean 123.9 cm/second walking pace for women age 50-59, or 2.78mph.
That would mean walking 3km in 40 minutes.

Lemonyyy · 08/09/2023 13:36

I suggest not worrying too much about times right now. Go for a run, somewhere pretty you like to be outside. Turn pace/distance off on your watch if you're using one. Stop, take a selfie, eat an ice cream, whatever, enjoy it! Enjoy being outside and on your feet, do it more, the rest will come.

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