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Claire A.
Claire A. Sendmail

At what speed are you running?

posted over 2 years ago | Report

I posted a question about controlling my breathing the other day. Unfortunately, I didn't know I couldn't reply to my own question. I'm posting a discussion so I can this time!

Thanks to everyone for the great suggestions. I did buy a hr monitor and ran according to that instead of the 5.5 mph I had committed myself to. I went a little slower, but WOW what a difference! I suppose everyone was right-I was going too fast for my fitness level. Now a new question -

The trainer at the gym said that I should run atleast 6mph for it to be considered run. I feel like I'm running now... So, what speed does everyone run at? Does it have to be 6mph to be considered a run?

Thanks!

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18 posts

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  • Mike P.
    Mike P. Sendmail

    I've always kind of understood that the difference between running and jogging was the 6mph barrier. Honestly, who cares? Not saying to ignore the trainer, I'm saying ignore the metrics and enjoy the run itself. Your pace, distance and speed will all increase over time, for now, focus on having fun with it.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Hubert K.
    Hubert K. Sendmail

    Good point!

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Annie
    Annie Sendmail

    I hate the word "jogging", it makes me feel like I'm not as good as I am. And I work hard! While I can run a 10min/mi (6mph) if I'm running under 7 miles, if it's a longer distance I run about 11 min/mi (5.5mph). When I first started attempting distance runs I had to slow myself down. I was like you, running too fast for my fitness level. I'll never forget the first time my trainer had me do a 'recovery run'. I thought it was pure bliss to run slowly enough that I was cool and comfortable! I say a run is a run.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Stephanie Y.
    Stephanie Y. Sendmail

    Don't listen to your trainer.

    You know if you're running.

    That is a ridiculous thing to say.

    Keep up the good work!

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Jules C.
    Jules C. Sendmail
    in reply to what Annie said:I hate the word "jogging", it makes me feel like I'm not as good as I am. And I work hard! While I can run a 10min/mi (6mph) if I'm running under 7 miles, if it's a longer distance I run about 11 min/mi (5.5mph). When I first started att... read more

    "jogging" ICK ! That word bugs me too. Reminds me of seniors in full matching tracksuits.

    Also those people who say "nice day for a jog eh?" and I'm thinking "HELLO, I'm doing a recovery run.", but I just smile and agree.
    ._.)

    ---
    @Claire: Don't worry about speed so much. Speed is the last thing all distance runners should work on. Focus on building a solid running base.

    posted over 2 years ago | edited over 2 years ago

  • Daniel F.
    Daniel F. Sendmail

    If youre sweating and pushing yourself youre running, period. Doesnt matter what the pace is. Thats all that matters.

    So I wouldnt use that 6mph as a guideline, perhaps just a goal! For me I s tarte dout real slow, 5-5.5. Over the years I have gotten much better, on long runs I do 7.5 to 8mph. Then when I am racing, well it all depends on that particular day and race length.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Jimmy J.
    Jimmy J. Sendmail

    Me! = There is "Walking" & there's Running = Period. Jogging is running, and that's my opinion. Tell all those people who run slower anywhere from 5k's to Marathons that they are not runners. 3.1-miles is the same for everybody. Some just choose to run faster, but we are still all Runners, and I truely "Thank-God." for all my runner friends @ DailyMile.
    God Bless.... +
    JJ.... ( :

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Ross L.
    Ross L. Sendmail

    I say do what you gotta do to make it through the run/route whatever. Working through some knee pain so one could consider my running more like a gallop lol.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Tony R.
    Tony R. Sendmail

    I think the term "jogging" has fallen out of favor in general, and especially by those of us who do it. Conversely, people who use the word jogging are often those who don't do it. (I think there may also be a generational component there. If you took part in the jogging wave of the 1970s, it's likely the term stuck with you.)

    Still, jogging connotes a slower pace, and therefore less seriousness or experience. Running, then, has a certain snob appeal attached to it. (Reminds me of a runner's joke: "Running is what *I* do. Jogging is what everyone slower then me does." Kinda like George Carlin's "Everyone who drives faster than me is a maniac; everyone who drives slower than me is an idiot.")

    Overall, though, I'm with Mike P. and Jimmy and others: in the end, no one really cares and it really doesn't matter. What matters is you're out there, doing what you love to do.

    posted over 2 years ago | edited over 2 years ago

  • Christie
    Christie Sendmail

    If you're not walking, you're running. Well, unless you like to skip. I've done that too on a recovery run:)

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Claire A.
    Claire A. Sendmail

    Thanks to everyone for all of the responses. I feel encouraged now! Since I started running, I get a lot of advice and comments...especially from non-runners. It seems like this is the place I always come to for a boost. Thanks!

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Adam B.
    Adam B. Sendmail

    the definition to running is no two feet are on the ground at the same time.in my opinion if you feel like your running at 5.5 then your probaly jogging at a 4.5.I dont think there is a set rule for all on the runnig point.it is individual for everyone.so I believe that you are just as much as a runner as everyone else.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Sean B.
    Sean B. Sendmail

    Most of my runs are under 10kms, so I run at a fast pace of around 18km/h or about 10.5mp/h, the longest distance I am training to run in competition is 2km steeplechase, so I feel the need to train at this fast pace.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Lynn R.
    Lynn R. Sendmail

    Bill Roger's, who holds many running records stated in his book that if you run at least 30 to 40 minutes a day, at least three times a week, that you are a runner! Makes no difference how fast.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Jimmy J.
    Jimmy J. Sendmail
    in reply to what Lynn R. said:Bill Roger's, who holds many running records stated in his book that if you run at least 30 to 40 minutes a day, at least three times a week, that you are a runner! Makes no difference how fast.

    My oldest Sister Tracy inspired me to run track because she went to state in the mile and mile relay. but back in the day when I was running and still today Bill Rogers is my favorite runner, Oh Yeah!!!!
    God Bless.... +

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Adam L.
    Adam L. Sendmail

    You guys have it all wrong. It's jogging if you're wearing a white sweatband on your head. Everything else is running.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Paul I.
    Paul I. Sendmail

    ... Jogging !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Arggh!

    Ignore the trainer... listen to the HRM and your own body, During each week I run at all different speeds depending on what I'm doing... speed work, hills, track, recovery run or just having a jog on the beach! I don't committ to a pace, although do use the HRM to tell me to slow down (most often) and when to get a move on each day. Use the training zones on the watch trust them as they are getting feedback from your body... but most of all enjoy your running at whatever speed!

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Claire A.
    Claire A. Sendmail
    in reply to what Adam L. said:You guys have it all wrong. It's jogging if you're wearing a white sweatband on your head. Everything else is running.

    I am laughing my head off! Thanks for this one.

    posted over 2 years ago

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