New Runner - I have a question

So I jazzercise 4 days a week for 1 hour. the other 3 days I RUN about 1.5 - 2 miles. The thing is I can run that in 13 mins? Is it more about the distance or the time?? Am i gettiing a decent workout running the 1.5 miles that quick? Or is it more about the distance? Should i run longer distance or slow my pace? Im so confused - please help! 

*bump* please anyone?

To be honest I really dont know, but didnt want to seem like no one was answering you.

Hope someone comes along soon that knows, but either way id say your doing good!

hi,

 i was a pretty avid runner, mainly marathons. ok...so you can run 2 miles in 13 minutes? Speed woman!!!! It makes sense that you can run 1.5 miles in 13 minutes, that's an 8.5 minute mile...still really really fast. It's pretty much about distance....the longer you run, the more you burn, speed doesn't have much to do with it, or at least i don't think it does! I usually run an 11-12 min mile for 4 miles

My guess is that your goals would determine if you should focus on distance or pace. How do you feel after your runs? Are you interested in running longer distances or do you want to improve your time in a particular distance?

In general, one improves their aerobic conditioning over time by running at a pace that allows you to have a conversation with someone. If you're having trouble carrying a conversation at a given pace, then you're going too fast. As time progresses, you should be able to increase the amount of time that you maintain this pace, which in turn, will lead to an increase in the distances that you run. Over time, this should also lead to an improvement in pace, but the main point is that you achieve the increases in pace after working on the increases in distance and time (and not the other way around).

But if you want to focus on increasing your pace at a given distance, then you need to structure your workouts differently, with more focus on interval training (you alternate between "all-out efforts" and recovery periods of walking or light jogging). While this type of training will help with your speed/pace at a given distance, it won't really do much to improve your ability to run longer distances.

If you are running 2 miles in 13 minutes, then you should start training for road races because you're very talented.  A 6.5 minute mile will get you first place woman in local 5K's for sure.

OMG! i didnt think that was that fast lol i guess it is lol. I guess what im aiming for is a decent workout for the days i dont have jazz. I want to make sure 1.5-2 miles is concidered a descent workout. I feel great after i run, yes im breathing pretty hard - I feel good but then i look at the clock and realize god i only worked out for 13mins?? I guess i could try doing another lap around with a mix of running and walking? Do u think thats a descent work out??

How many cals would u say im burning running the 1.5 miles in 13min?? I plugged it once and it said like 143 cals is that right???

no idea how many cals you'd be burning, but you would be able to run longer distances

143 calories sounds about right for running 1.5 miles. The rule of thumb is around 100 calories for every mile completed, regardless of how long it takes to finish a mile.

One thing you might want to do the next time you run outside is to check your heart rate right after you have finished your run.  You should aim to be around 65-85% of your maximum rate (220-current age) for aerobic benefits. If your heart rate is higher, then you are working out too hard for aerobic purposes.

I would try running longer distances; if this requires you to slow your pace a bit, than do so. I'd aim for a minimum of 20 minutes, 30 minutes is even better. This is for basic fitness and conditioning. Running farther and longer is all up to you, and whether you enjoy it and want to do it.

As a rule of thumb 80% of your running should be at a comfortable, easy pace. You don't say whether that pace for you is an all-out effort, or an easy one. If it's all-out effort, slow it down. If it's an easy effort, then just try extending it bit by bit every week.

The common (though sometimes debatable) wisdom is to increase no more than 10% each week to avoid injuries- that can be based on mileage OR time. I tend to focus on time more than mileage, but that's because I'm a really slow runner!

So for example if you are currently running 2 miles x 3 days that's 6 miles. Next week you can aim to run a total of 6.6 miles. You can do this by adding 0.2 miles to each run, or adding 0.6 miles to one run. I would recommend you add 0.2 miles to each run, until you're up to 30 minutes x 3 days; then if you want to keep increasing, add to just one day to make it your "long" run.

If you're doing this based on time, then 13 minutes x 3 = 39 minutes. Next week you could strive for 39 minutes + 4 minutes = 43 minutes total.

WRM & JEN thanks for the quick replys. Im going to run the path i usually run 2xs. The second time maybe slow it down a lil if i feel exerted. When i run i push myself pretty hard i think. Im thinkin 3mph??? Thanks again everyone. Last question - so would you think that what im doing is considered a decent workout for the days i dont jazz. I also do crunches and core workouts for about 30 mins everyday on top of all this. Is the running good from your point of view? Or just a meesely work out?

Running is definetly not a measley workout!!

Once you start getting into regular running, frankly, it's hard to consider much other forms of exercise "work." LOL.

I don't what runners think but to a cyclist 13 minutes is not a workout it is a warm-up.  My opinion is you should try to extend the amount of time you are running to at least 30 minutes.  You may need to lower your pace a bit to accomplish this.

Wow. That's absurdly fast. I'm fairly new to running (started about 7 months ago), and almost cried for joy when I did 3 miles in 28 minutes today. I'm thoroughly jealous that you're that quick without even trying!!!

i usually run about 6 miles a day. but if i ever have a day "off" and only run about 1-2. i feel like i get a better exercise when i run the mile in 5 minutes rather than at a jog. so im guessing it's better for you if your looking for more exercise lol

Hey Samantha,

I have found that as I get older, I'm 45, it is more about the time. I have run several marathons and a boatload of 10k's. No matter how fast I go if I am not on the road for at least 50 minutes, I don't feel like I got anything out of it. I have to slow down though or I can't get the time in. Vicious cycle. I would venture to say that for weight loss, it is probably more productive to run for a longer time. Keep it up!!

Skye

I love running!  I'm not the fastest person (usually a 10 minute mile when I run anything over 2 miles) but I love it! 

Here's what I've heard: the longer but slower runs burn more fat and build endurance.  The shorter but faster runs build speed.  If you're looking to burn fat, then I'd say definitely incease the time you're running.  This could be hard b/c you'll probably want to go as fast as you normally do in the beginning b/c you'll feel like you're not getting a good workout.  But, trust me, if you slow down and pace yourself, you'll feel SOOO good about yourself after running 4 or 5 miles.  You can do it!!  I used to only be able to run 2 or 3 miles but now I run at least 4 every time I run and usually 5 or 6.  But remember, I run them slow.  And I've definitely noticed a big difference in my body.  Good luck!!

Hey!

congrats on starting to run! you will very soon become completely ADDICTED!

a safe burn figure is 100 cals a mile. if you speed up, you will finish faster, hence burning more calories in a shorter amount of time.. but you might get too tired going less distance then you could if you went a little slower.. hence burning less calories then you would on a longer run.

hope this helps!