Your level of fitness and heredity are two elements that affect how quickly you can run a mile.
Typically, your degree of fitness is more important than your age or gender.
That’s because endurance is necessary to finish the marathon.
The pace and overall distance you’re attempting to cover will also influence how quickly you run.
A non-competitive, reasonably fit runner often finishes a mile in between 9 and 10 minutes.
If you are a beginner, you might complete a mile in closer to 12 to 15 minutes as your stamina increases.
Elite marathoners complete a mile in about 4 to 5 minutes on average.
Hicham El Guerrouj of Morocco established the current one-mile record in 3:43.13 in 1999.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ Your running speed can be influenced by a variety of variables, including age and sex. But you can move more quickly if you get fitter and develop more endurance.
✅ If you wish to decrease your average mile time, consider including a long run in your workout regimen, then a track or trail speed or interval training session.
✅ Consult your doctor before beginning a new workout regimen.
Male and female average mile times
Running speed might be affected by gender differences. Elite male athletes frequently run faster times than elite female athletes for a variety of reasons, including muscular mass. A higher proportion of fast-twitch muscles in the legs may increase speed.
But at a greater distance, women might benefit. In a significant study, it was discovered that non-elite males were more likely than women to slow their speed along the course of a marathon. It may be brought on by physiological or decision-making differences between men and women, according to researchers.
Tempo for long-distance running
Pace matters when running a long distance. Your pace, or how long it takes you to complete one mile or kilometer, can affect how quickly you finish the run. For the first few miles of the run, for instance, you might wish to run at a slower speed.
This may enable you to save energy so that you can finish strong. Elite runners may start an event at a slower tempo before speeding up the pace as the race nears its conclusion.
Try out this fitness test to determine your mile pace: Map out a mile near your home on a flat surface, or run the distance on a nearby track after warming up for 5 to 10 minutes. You should time your mile-long run. Plan to move at a rate that challenges you but keeps you from running at top speed.
This mile time can serve as a speed target for your training. Every few weeks, go back to the one-mile loop to repeat the timed mile as you gain strength and endurance.
Use Time Instead of Miles
It may be more advantageous for new runners to concentrate on their running time rather than their overall distance. You’ll notice that the time span gets a bit easier with each run because you’re improving your cardiovascular and endurance health. You’ll run more miles and your pace will naturally slow down. Initially, you might only be able to cover a few miles, but as time goes on, you’ll gradually discover that 2 miles turn into 2.5, then 3, and so on.
There are alternative ways to gauge your progress if the pace is not your main concern, according to Nettik:
- Breathing is more easily.
- Running longer is simpler; • Post-run soreness is reduced; • Form cues require less mental effort.
- A rise in the ratio of running to walking.
- Running uphill is more enjoyable.
- A faster pace results from less work (avoid looking at pace until after a run).
- Utilize a walk/run strategy
A walk is defined as always having one foot on the ground. Around 15 minutes per mile would be a comfortable pace for walking. You shouldn’t start a run until you’re covering one mile in less than 15 minutes. Aiming for a pace of 12 to 13 minutes per mile with built-in walk breaks is a decent place to start for a beginner runner.
Run for three minutes to get going, then walk for one to recuperate. You can control your breathing and maintain a healthy heart rate by doing this. For the duration of the given running time, keep up this rhythm. Once it seems comfortable, continue doing this for a week or two. Then try to sprint for 4 minutes and stroll for 1 minute. As you increase your strength and endurance, keep doing this.
Be careful and be aware
It’s crucial to gradually increase your distance if you’re just starting out running in order to prevent injuries. As your speed and endurance improve, try to gradually increase your weekly mileage every two weeks.
Keep in mind these safety and health concerns as you run as well:
- Avoid using headphones when running on public streets. You must be able to hear nearby cars and keep yourself alert to your surroundings.
- When running, run toward the traffic.
- Obey all traffic regulations. Before crossing a street, look both ways.
- Choose safe, well-lit areas to run. When it’s nighttime or early in the morning, wear reflective clothing.
- To stay hydrated as you work out, bring water with you while you run or run on a route where there is water available.
- When you run, keep your identification on you. Inform a friend, roommate, or relative of your plans.
- When you can, run with a family member or a dog.
- Use sunscreen when running in the open air.
- Run while wearing comfortable running shoes and loose-fitting clothing.
- Replace your running shoes 300–500 kilometers after you first buy them.
- Stretch after running and warm up before.
- To switch up your regimen and keep your muscles challenged, cross-train once or twice per week.
In conclusion
Your running speed can be influenced by a variety of variables, including age and sex. But you can move more quickly if you get fitter and develop more endurance.
If you wish to decrease your average mile time, try the following strategies: Consider including a long run in your workout regimen, then a track or trail speed or interval training session.
- Increase the number of slopes (hills) to strengthen your legs.
- Increase speed and endurance gradually to prevent injuries.
- Drink water while running.
Consult your doctor before beginning a new workout regimen.