Wednesday, November 4, 2009

The Six Minute Mile Project

When I was in high school, my goal was to run a six minute mile. Now I am not a gifted natural runner, but I ran track and cross-country because I enjoyed it and it kept me in shape. I worked and worked, and I eventually got to a 6:20 mile. And I could never get any lower than that.

I have decided to resurrect the six-minute mile project. If I couldn't do it when I was 17, what makes me think I can do it know, at 32, after 2 children, one quite recent, an exhausting pregnancy and a 30 pound weight gain that's sticking around too long?

I can actually do a lot of things now that I couldn't when I was 17. I'm not sure that running a six minute mile should be any different.

In case anyone is interested, you don't just go out and run miles really fast. Nope, you start with a reasonable goal, and you start running quarters, then halves, and then miles, and work your way down to your final goal.

Reasonable Goal: 8 minute mile
Quarter/Half/Mile
2:00 / 4:00 / 8:00 min
1:53 / 3:45 / 7:30 min
1:45 / 3:30 / 7:00 min
1:37 / 3:45 / 6:30 min
1:30 / 3:00 / 6:00 min

So, it starts today!