Dumb beginner question re: running pace

[ohgillian]

My pace will continue to improve (up to a certain point) as I continue running, right? I did my first 20-minute run the other night and my pace was 11:33/km (admittedly that is slightly diluted by my 5 min warm up and cool down walks). But at that rate, a 5k would take me nearly an hour! As I keep training, it's reasonable to expect to get somewhat faster, yes?

[grk2012]

Yes

[enfuego23]

Yes - don't worry about your pace if running is new to you - Just keep going:)

[ohgillian]

Relief! Thanks grk2012, enfuego23

[clseale]

Most definitely. You're just trying to tackle the task of running & building endurance right now, speed will come later as you get stronger.

[aurora]

Yes, absolutely. Just focus on getting out there now, and feel free to stick around and look for more specific tips on speed as you get more comfortable.

[Wines Not Whines]

Yes, you will definitely get faster! I gradually got faster as I ran more.

[kams]

Oh yes - don't concern yourself with pace right now at all. Speed will come.

[skwcm80]

Yes - I finished my first 5k in 34:02, and the last time I ran a 5k my time was 30:2x. The only thing I did between both races was increase my distance.

[blndsnbrdr]

You will most definitely get faster as you keep working at it...and for the most part it gets easier.

[kellina]

You will definitely get faster as you add miles! I have. I don't do speedwork at all and have improved my 5k time.

And FWIW, your pace would get you a 35min 5k or so.... not an hour! That's pretty good!

Most of my "training runs" are around that pace, but I was recently able to do a 29:16 5k!

[keweenawlove]

Yes! As you build more mileage, they should start to feel easier and easier.

[ohgillian]

Jul 16, 2013 9:50:40 GMT -5 kellina said:

You will definitely get faster as you add miles! I have. I don't do speedwork at all and have improved my 5k time.

And FWIW, your pace would get you a 35min 5k or so.... not an hour! That's pretty good!

Most of my "training runs" are around that pace, but I was recently able to do a 29:16 5k!

Wait, how is that?

[mollyrunner]

Ditto what everyone else is saying.  And try to surround yourself with supportive people (or check in here) for some extra motivation.  We will love hearing how your running is going!

[IndiaInk]

You'll definitely get faster the more you run.  There are things you can do to really improve your speed if that's a goal later (like doing speed work and drills at a track etc) but as a beginning runner you don't need to worry about that.  Regarding 5K time, you will probably push yourself harder during a race than on a "easy run" anyway, so you may be surprised at what you can accomplish!

[ohgillian]

Jul 16, 2013 10:42:29 GMT -5 mollyrunner said:

Ditto what everyone else is saying.  And try to surround yourself with supportive people (or check in here) for some extra motivation.  We will love hearing how your running is going!

That was so kind -- thanks!

ETA: I have found this board useful already. Also, we have a weekly run/walk check-in that I run on the Money Matters Moms board. It has helped immeasurably.

[patches31709]

Jul 16, 2013 10:40:10 GMT -5 ohgillian said:

Jul 16, 2013 9:50:40 GMT -5 kellina said:

You will definitely get faster as you add miles! I have. I don't do speedwork at all and have improved my 5k time.

And FWIW, your pace would get you a 35min 5k or so.... not an hour! That's pretty good!

Most of my "training runs" are around that pace, but I was recently able to do a 29:16 5k!

Wait, how is that?

It won't, she didn't realize you gave your time in km's and not miles. She thought you ran an 11:33 minute mile, which would be about a 35 minute 5k.

[kellina]

Jul 16, 2013 11:14:35 GMT -5 patches31709 said:

Jul 16, 2013 10:40:10 GMT -5 ohgillian said:

Wait, how is that?

It won't, she didn't realize you gave your time in km's and not miles. She thought you ran an 11:33 minute mile, which would be about a 35 minute 5k.

Reading comprehension FAIL!! Sorry! :-D

[pamela]

Definitely, I did 11:21 min/mile for my first 20 minute continue run. I can now do a 5k under to 10min/mile, 11 months later.

[zoidberg]

Unless you are super anemic and don't realize it.

I used to get so mad when people would tell me that I would just get faster and it never happened. Why would everyone LIE to me???

[aurora]

Jul 16, 2013 18:55:03 GMT -5 zoidberg said:

Unless you are super anemic and don't realize it.

I used to get so mad when people would tell me that I would just get faster and it never happened. Why would everyone LIE to me???

Good point - the caveat is always unless there are underlying health issues that haven't been found yet!  I hope you're on your way to recovery now that you're working with your doctor, zoidberg!