The Sub-5 Blog

This blog will chronicle the training and progress I make on my quest to run a sub-5 minute mile. This has been a goal of mine for many years, and while I have often come close, I have never actually run a mile in less than five minutes. So why am I publishing my efforts? Three reasons:

1. it might give me that extra little bit of encouragement I need
2. it might help others to train for their own personal goals
3. I might get some feedback that will assist me in reaching my target

And maybe it will be a little entertaining.

I intend to give my running plan (including time targets) in advance, and then record the actual times and distances achieved. My goal is to be within striking distance by the end of the summer. Since I am already 43 years old, if I don't get this done soon, I am never gonna get there!

My starting stats

Most recent timed mile: Oct 06, 6 minutes flat.

I am a regular runner. I get out there about 4 times a week. My typical run is 3 miles; my long run is 6 miles. My regular 3 mile runs on the treadmill are now around 21 minutes. I ran 4mi outside yesterday in 30 minutes, and 6 miles outside today in 48.

These current times are significantly slower than my times up to and including last summer. In October, I did something to my back (not sure exactly what) that caused me to miss most of November and December. I was forced to consider dropping any hope at all of getting to sub-5. I still have pain, but it seems to be improving, or at least it isn't getting worse, so I have been gradually getting back into running.

My short term targets are to get my times back into my previous range: I should get my 3 mi on the treadmill at high exertion to between 19:30-20:00. My 6 mi run should come in below 44:00. And I want my mile times to be around 5:30. At that point, I will reset my targets times for each distance.

I've run the last four days, so I may take tomorrow (Sunday) off, or do an easy four miles outside (65 degrees here in Boston today!) in about 30 minutes. Monday, I will do 3 mi on the treadmill after work, and target 20:30.

If you've ever thought about running a sub-5 mile, I hope you'll join me on my quest. If your target is some other time or distance, I hope you will gain encouragement and support from this blog for your own goal. All the best!

John