Reasonable mile goal for non-runner? (w/ details)

sub 5:11

You could probably get under 5, but anything more than that would be tough. 5:11 is a very solid start for someone that doesn't run very much, but I would think you would have to run at least 4-5 days a week to get under 4:40. But who really knows?

Also, I'm curious how you became a "long-time reader" of this site if you're not really a runner and never have been. Seems a little strange, but I like it.

Yeah seriously. I don't go hang out on the triathlon or bodybuilding websites. Why would you be a long time reader if you're not a runner?

general interest in running and cycling had me reading letsrun and velonews front pages for many years, and started reading the forums over time. tend to read some other forums as well (wannabebig among them!), not sure what that says about me other than that i have too much time on my hands at work, and don't seek out enough actual human contact.

that is an excellent mile time for a non-runner. As you have learned from this website, there are two measures of 'talent' in this sport -

1)raw, natural talent (which you seem to have) and

2) the ability to improve as a result of regular, systematic training.

Those in the sport have all seen people who come out of no where and run a great 800 or mile, but never seem to improve for one reason or another.

Long way to say this: you have the first talent - only way to see if you have the second is to train regularly and systematically.

Your eventual mile time could be anywere from 4:55 to 4:20

agip wrote:

that is an excellent mile time for a non-runner. As you have learned from this website, there are two measures of 'talent' in this sport -

1)raw, natural talent (which you seem to have) and

2) the ability to improve as a result of regular, systematic training.

Those in the sport have all seen people who come out of no where and run a great 800 or mile, but never seem to improve for one reason or another.

Long way to say this: you have the first talent - only way to see if you have the second is to train regularly and systematically.

Your eventual mile time could be anywere from 4:55 to 4:20

Bull S***T he wiil never run under 5 mins

4:40 certainly isn't unreasonable. You're probably already fairly fit from the other sports you play, but running the mile requires a certain "type" of fitness, which you could quickly acquire by doing actual track workouts specific to the mile or 1500m. Of course, running 4:40 also requires a certain amount of speed, which you may or may not have. Still, I'm assuming that a 4:40 should be attainable for you with some actual track focus in your training.

'like to keep the running to 2-3x/week'

If you don't care enough to train - why should we?

4:53.3

ukathleticscoach wrote:

If you don't care enough to train - why should we?

1) big logical leap to assume i don't care

2) another big leap to assume you caring has much to do with giving a reasonable estimate as to projected progress

3) also an interesting leap to assume that running 2-3x/week in addition to doing other things can't be deemed 'training' (doesn't maggie vessey run like 12 miles a week total, and spend most of her time doing bike/erg/elliptical/weights/plyos?)

but sweet sound bite.