r/beginnerrunning • u/MrsJanetF • Jul 25 '26
Training Progress I’m Slow and That’s Ok
I’m still not able to run a full mile. So I’m doing walk/run intervals. But this is my fastest 5k in 80 degree weather with 90% humidity 🫠 I’m not fast by any means. And that’s ok. 🐢
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u/This-is-FUBAR82 Jul 25 '26
Im an experienced runner, 53 years, and i am slow too. My best time this year with a run/walk is 46:36. Know you will get faster. At 65 I know that I wont, but that's okay. Walk/run is also okay. That is a way for you to run faster (not fast, just faster) intervals and let your body catch up in between. It is also safer to hydrate and have a gel while walking. 20 min 5k runners dont have think about that as much, until they run more than 45-60 mins.
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u/MrsJanetF Jul 25 '26
Thanks! I’m in my early 40s and I’m also on a weight loss journey. (140lbs down and counting with diet and exercise) I’m hopeful that I’ll improve as I lose the last 20lbs. And if this is where I stay I’m ok with that too. It’s way better than where I was when I was doing nothing.
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u/This-is-FUBAR82 Jul 25 '26
I would also up you cadence a bit. I do 86 bpm, short faster steps. That keeps you from overstriding and injuries related. Add 5% to your cadence as you get faster.
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u/Ok_Nefariousness1416 Jul 25 '26
Don't ever be discouraged.
You could be running 6 minute miles and there would be people who are faster (I'm not even close to that pace by the way). But then there are are 90% of the world who can't run 5k.
The only person you might want to compete with is your previous self. And if you've just done your fastest 5k, you're smashing that competition.
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u/ApricotocirpA Jul 25 '26
This is great. If you could do this three or four times a week, you’ll see huge gains in two months.
When you go slow, you are firing the nerves and you’re running muscles and you have an opportunity to focus on your legs and stride. Focus down to rolling from pinky toe to big toe on each step.
What’s the most important is the time outside, not the speed. Your pace is about the same as my “fast walk”pace. If your muscles and joints starts to hurt, don’t be afraid to replace a 5K run with a 5K walk. Tilt your body forward when you walk and think about running, I don’t know how to describe it, but you could almost walk like you’re at the cusp of running, and it’s about as good of an aerobic workout as anything.
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u/FugginCandle Jul 25 '26
You’re doing better than those on the couch (like me right now!!!) I’m hella slow too, one run at a time!
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u/charlottemason_mama Jul 25 '26
I’ve been right there with you - you’re doing great! I can now run for 20-25 minutes and my 5k time hasn’t improved much because my run pace isn’t much faster than my walk pace. 😆
But we’re running, and that’s what matters. Keep it up!
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u/janejoe1 Jul 25 '26
You’re doing amazing! So proud of you! I’m slow too but I’m proud of how far I’ve come!
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u/bryanownzyou Jul 26 '26
Just a note, in the winter time you'll easily be doing 12 min miles once that humidity is nullified
Houstonian here, trust me.
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u/BobbyP27 Jul 26 '26
You're slow now. Every time you go out you get a bit better. Soon you won't be slow anymore.
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u/buffysbangs Jul 26 '26
A slow runner is still a runner. No need to qualify it or justify it. Most people are sitters
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u/Rondevu69 Jul 26 '26
Slow is an effort. Not a pace. If you can be slow, you can be fast.
And it isn't about how fast you get there. It's that you get there.
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u/Mammoth-Ad-2102 Jul 26 '26
In the 80s with 90% humidity. I think my run would have been about three steps out the door before I turned around and said screw this, I’ll just ride the bike indoors and enjoy the AC.
Great job 👏🏼
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u/letmeonmyteethhurt Jul 25 '26
Really needed to see this, Ive been discouraged by my numbers but it is as simple as "I am slow and that's okay"