How would you rank these goal times

Obviously a lot of this depends on whether you naturally have any speed. But if you're kind of a plodder like me, I'd say that a 3:30 marathon is by far the easiest of these goals as long as you can stay healthy long enough to put in the necessary training. 3:30 for the full marathon is clearly way, way easier than 1:30 for the half and, if you're a slow-twitch kind of guy, a lot easier than any of the short distance goals you suggest.

Easiest in order:

800 3 min

Mile 6 min

100 15 sec

400 70 sec

5K 20 min

200 30 sec

Full 3:30

Half 1:30

10k 40 min

I think the 800 shouldn't be a problem. If you can run an 85 400, you're probably pretty close to be able to hit a 3min 800 already.

Some of the speed ones might be a little harder.

Good luck and keep us posted!

T BONE wrote:

Easiest in order:

800 3 min

Mile 6 min

100 15 sec

400 70 sec

5K 20 min

200 30 sec

Full 3:30

Half 1:30

10k 40 min

I think the 800 shouldn't be a problem. If you can run an 85 400, you're probably pretty close to be able to hit a 3min 800 already.

Some of the speed ones might be a little harder.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Of the goals I have listed, the two I am most interested in hitting are the 20 min 5k followed by the 6 min mile. To me the hardest would be the 30 second 200, especially for an older guy with not the fastest wheels; followed by the 1:30 half and 40 min 10k. Another poster mentioned that a 3:30 full is easier to hit than a 1:30 half but both seem pie in the sky since I average around 30 miles a week and both of those race require a lot of miles. Also, a 1:30 half and 40 min 10k required some pretty good speed endurance.

As far as 3 min 800 I have run 3:20, the 85 second was an all out race I had with a friend on a bet. He bested me 79 to 85, although I still have the better 5k by 10 seconds. It was his bet and I lost 20 bucks. So, I am kind motivated to try for the 6 min mile to try and up one him and win back a double or nothing bet. My friend has run a 6:50 mile so I got my work cut out for me. Also, we have $100 riding on who breaks 20 min in a 5k road race first. We have to be racing each other to claim the prize. He is 52 by the way so I got some youth on my side.

20 min 5k is moving, that's a great goal. Good idea with the bet as well.

I'm 32, just did a 13:39 2-mile last week. Would love to hit sub 20 for the 5k, but think it might be out of my reach.

3:30 full would be the hardest for me. That distance is no joke. Sub 8-minute miles for 26, no thanks.

T BONE wrote:

20 min 5k is moving, that's a great goal. Good idea with the bet as well.

I'm 32, just did a 13:39 2-mile last week. Would love to hit sub 20 for the 5k, but think it might be out of my reach.

3:30 full would be the hardest for me. That distance is no joke. Sub 8-minute miles for 26, no thanks.

At 32 you got plenty of time to break 20. Just commit to the mileage and training with progressive goals. At 50 closing that 2 minute gap is going to be a challenge. I figure by shooting for both the 6 min mile goal along with the 20 min 5k , the required training targets would compliment each other. Along with the rivalry and bet with my friend, I will have the motivation to do the work.

Now 26 miles, yes that distance is no joke and taking up that distance at 50 may not a be smart choice for me because of potential injury. Sure, speed work has injury risk but I fear the chronic age related problems that come from high mileage. I have never been a high mileage runner. I ran the 1:52 half marathon off of 30 miles a week and it took some time for me to recover from that. So, I will stick with shorter stuff for now.

3 min 800 is easier than 6 min mile. 6 min mile easier than 20 min 5k.