I am 55 now and a couple of years ago at your current age of 53, I decided to see if I could get to a 6 minute mile, sort of a personal challenge. I am an athletic daily workout guy, low handicap golfer, etc. After a 2-3 months of effort, I did it in almost your exact time of 7 minutes. Unfortunately, about that time I got a cold, it was Christmas and I backed off my training efforts. So 7 minutes was my best, not sure if I could have ever got to 6 minutes at my age. Based on my personal experience(and I am a complete running novice), I know the effort you have made to get to where you are now. I would give you a 2 thumbs up. :ylsuper:

 

 

Thank you. I see younger guys running and making it look so easy. I am envious but in awe of what they can do. I find it quite hard but rewarding when I make even little gains.

When I was in my 20's and trained, I could complete a 5K in 16 mins. After a lot of knee issues then other related issues when I resumed training (achilles, calf, eg), I am satisfied to jog out a 5K in 27 to 30 mins or 4 mile race in 36 to 38 mins. It is not a time I every thought I would target, but it is better to jog and live to jog again than get caught up in my time, and put myself completely out of commission. At age 60, body parts don't seem to heal so fast. So I would be very satisfied with your 8 min. pace.

Never timed a 5k. My best mile is 5:58 and my best 1.5 mile is 9:40.

 

That was several years ago. I can do a mile in about 8 minutes now.

5:58? Your name should be halfcheetah20

5:58? Your name should be halfcheetah20

 

I was running 6 days a week, probably 30 to 50 miles a week. Can't do it now to save my life.

I was a miler in high school. Best time then was 4:47. I actually got a bit better in my 20's, but since have trailed off a bit...haha. I also ran high hurdles mainly because I was one of the taller track guys at 6'3". I wasn't so competitive at hurdles. :isurrender:

I appreciate the tips. I am going to try them all see what works best for me. Please feel free to share anything that has worked well for you.

I am in awe of some of those 5K times you folks have turned in. Man, how I wish I could roll back the clock thirty years!

The best tip I can give you (if you haven't already done so) is to go buy some actual running shoes. Get measured at a specialized shop and the whole 9 yards. They are a little expensive but make a world of difference.

The best tip I can give you (if you haven't already done so) is to go buy some actual running shoes. Get measured at a specialized shop and the whole 9 yards. They are a little expensive but make a world of difference.

 

I will look into that. What makes for a good running shoe? I've just been using an old pair of ASICS that I bought from a shoe store.

I will look into that. What makes for a good running shoe? I've just been using an old pair of ASICS that I bought from a shoe store.

 

Shoes make a huge difference. I recommend going to a running store and looking at the options. I went a pair of Brooks shoes.

Shoes make a huge difference. I recommend going to a running store and looking at the options. I went a pair of Brooks shoes.

 

 

Will do.

I will look into that. What makes for a good running shoe? I've just been using an old pair of ASICS that I bought from a shoe store.

 

The best running shoe really depends on you. I can't recommend going to a running store and getting properly fitted enough. I think you are close to Lexington and the best in that area is John's Run/Walk Shop.

 

For those in other areas my top two favorite running stores are:

 

Running Soles in Elizabethtown, KY - it's a family owned/ran running store. The owner Will Rivera is a wealth of knowledge and you'll find a lot of brands there you won't find anywhere else.

 

Fleet Feet Sports in Louisville, KY - Fleet Feet is a franchise, but Andy Fenton runs the store and he and his staff give top notch service. Absolutely the only running store I would recommend in Louisville.

5:58? Your name should be halfcheetah20

 

Running a fast mile is all lungs. You don't have to be fast, just be able to push through the pain for 5 mins.

 

Running a fast mile is all lungs. You don't have to be fast, just be able to push through the pain for 5 mins.

 

I darn near died after running a 5:58. I was in the best shape of my life and it was terrible. Same for the mile and a half I ran under 10 minutes.

I darn near died after running a 5:58. I was in the best shape of my life and it was terrible. Same for the mile and a half I ran under 10 minutes.

 

That is like me and running 5Ks. It is the most excruciating 20 minutes of my life.