Getting from 5:48 to 4:59 for the mile. Is it possible?

Training Advice/Discussion

13 years ago 09/10/2010 8:15pm EDT

I am 25 years old.

I havent been doing any training for the last 6 months or so until recently when I decided to do a few runs on the track. One day doing a solo time trial with road running shoes I ran a 6:16 for the mile. About a week later I hit the track again for another solo time trial and used spikes and a Garmin to help with my pacing and managed a 5:56. Then last week (2 weeks later) I ran again with spikes but this time I had a friend who helped pace me as he is a faster runner and I managed a 5:48.

I feel that 5:48 is probably the limit of my abilities without any proper training.

So what I am wondering is, how possible is it for me, a 25 year old male, to slice 49 seconds off my Mile time?

What sort of specific training needs to be done? Over what time frame?

Is there a good sub 5 mile training programme out there?

Thanks

13 years ago 09/10/2010 8:22pm EDT

re: Sub 5 some day

train hard, and don't stop until you reach your goal. and talk to eddie lee for motivational advice.

13 years ago 09/10/2010 8:25pm EDT

re: Sub 5 some day

read "the Perfect Mile"

some of the training methods by Bannister, Landy, and Santee might give you an idea of what training is necessary - but it will really help provide awesome motivation on achieving your goal.

for more modern training ideas for club runners:

here is a thread about Joe Rubio's middle distance guide:

http://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=1111794

good luck / never done it myself

13 years ago 09/10/2010 8:47pm EDT

re: Sub 5 some day

the first thing you are going to need is a diet of steady 5 mile runs.

13 years ago 09/11/2010 1:49am EDT

re: five mile runs

Three years ago I met someone who was 26 and had never trained for running. He had a runner's physique (5' 11", 135 lbs.) even without training, although his leg muscles were really thin and underdeveloped.

He started just under 6:00 and ran 4:56 six months later.

Throughout that time, he had trouble running every day, as his legs, especially his calfs, would hurt after workouts. But he trained as much as he could and we kept his running balanced between distance, tempo, intervals, and speed. We also ran some 5k races and he went through a couple minor adjustment injuries along the way.

13 years ago 09/11/2010 2:39am EDT

re: Sub 5 some day

Yes its possible. It will take some moderate mileage and training. You should be able to do it in 14 months with consistent and solid training.

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Getting from 5:48 to 4:59 for the mile. Is it possible?

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