How bad is a 23 minute 5k?

I wouldn't say it's bad, but all the calculations people here use for paces like vVO2 Max and Lactate Threshold are not going to be helpful. If you want to get better, run more, with a little bit of work on your top speed. If you just want an evaluation of your time... I imagine it would be faster than what at least 50% of Americans could run.

Why would you bump a three year old post to say that?

It definitely is. Nobody with no training has likely heard of this website.

I ran that at age 52, but was fourth in my age group at a local Turkey Trot.

According to reddit running 23 minute is a borderline elite time in the 5k worth posting 3 pages of text about your personal journey. According to letsrun 23 minutes is a pretty good time for an 8k

If it was off no training for years then you should do sub 20 within 3-4 weeks of training.

This is accurate. I went 18:33 a long time ago off 2-3 months of training, 25-30 mpw with a peak of 36 (one 13-mile LR toward the end for base). But quite a bit of 5x1000m repeats, 4-5 EZ runs and some more speedwork.

Splits were 5:59, 5:58, 6:00, 0:36 for the last 200m.

I started in July that year and ran 2 miles in 19 minutes. When I ran in October (10/11/08) I ran 18:33 and came in 3rd in my AG at the time. Not a fast time compared to others here but one of my most proud races!

Probably better than avg.

It's good, come on. Off no training. Say he does 20 mpw, there will be a big improvement. Then he can go from there. Of course OP probably quit running after this post anyway.

Well, well, well! Three years later ChatGPT can answer that question so you don't have to rely on the LR clown show.

ChatGPT answer below, though I find even the 5% estimate high if we actually mean all Americans.

It is difficult to determine the exact percentage of Americans who can run a 5K (3.1 miles) in under 23 minutes, as there is limited data on this specific topic. However, based on various running studies and surveys, it is estimated that less than 5% of the American population can run a 5K in under 23 minutes. This is considered a fast time for a 5K, and it requires a significant amount of training and dedication to achieve.

I would love to run 23 for 5k m this year, so I reckon it is ok. last year did all my running on treadmill. Ran once on bike path, and as usual went too hard and ran a painful 24.40.

It's OK. It's 7:20 pace, which is faster than 50% of hobbyjoggers. I did that time years ago off no training. Then 22 minutes off 8 miles a week with the club. Then 20 off 15 miles a week. Usually if people try to ramp it up from there, injury and fatigue occur.

Pretty good If you haven't trained but you would finish at the back of any late season high school meet

It has the same market value as a 15 min 5K, zero, and nobody cares.

Less than 5% of Americans could hop off the couch and run sub 23 right now.

There's 1000 students at your local high school. Maybe 20 are sub 23 5k.

Probably closer to 2%.

Average NYRR time for Men 27; Women 30.

Guys here are very arrogant about their 5K 10K times, but from what I’ve seen really fast distance guys are weak as 💩. They can barely benchpress their own bodyweight.