Someday...

[kacie tri-ing]

I have 8 minute dreams too.....

[Veronica]

The reason I posted this is: I've decided to not even think about a tri specific bike until I have a reasonable run pace. 8 minutes seems to be reasonably competitive in my age group. But I don't want to pick an unrealistic goal either. It's not like I think I'll ever win, even with a fast bike. I'm not twiggy enough. This is just for fun. And I don't know if I even really want a new bike.

For my last sprint tri I was 11th on the swim, 17th on the bike and 69th on the run. That was with a 10:11 pace.

This month I've run almost as many miles as I've biked.

Veronica

[HillSlugger]

I'm not sure that every runner is capable of running 8 minute miles. I've never even been close. I can usually do 10mm and 9:30 on a good day. I'd be happy with 9 minute miles.

[Tri Girl]

When I first started running I was at about a 13 min/mi pace. I lost 40 lbs, ran a whole lot and got faster. I was still only at a 10 min/mi pace. The fastest I ever ran a 5K was 8:24 min/mi and I almost died. I really tried, but couldn't get any faster, so I decided to go back to my 10-11 min/mi and just enjoy it. I'm like you: fast on the swim and bike, but almost dead last in the run. Oh well- I'm NOT twiggy, I'm chunky and round and bubbly, but I have fun and for me that's what it's about.

My DH has been desperately trying to get to 8 min/mi with dedicated, consistent training for years (speed work, strength specific work, coaching) and the fastest he can run any distance (more than 4 miles) is 9 min/mi. I just think some people are cut out for faster running and some are not (I typed fatter running first- oops I guess I know where my mind is when it comes to running and me).

[HillSlugger]

I'd like to add, I think that the more other activities you do (swim, bike, etc) the more it holds back your running. I had gotten down to 9:13mm but can't do it anymore since I increased my swimming.

[DirtDiva]

Who knows? But you have made a pretty decent improvement in well less than a year, so one can only hope the trend will continue.

I've been running a 6.5min kilometre (10.4min mile) for, like, ever. It's kind of annoying to see no progress, but I think I need commit to getting out there more consistently and regularly before I can justify worrying about how fast (or not) I am running!

[Grog]

I have to agree with MDHillSlug, based on my own experience: my running speed increased greatly when I focused on running. Running. Running. I could not handle to cycle when I was doing speedwork and long runs, my legs would get toast and it hindered my daily activities. I used to cycle in the winter, but now I dedicate colder days to running, and my bike "training" really only starts after I have completed a spring half-marathon. (Note: I don't do triathlons anymore...)

My first tri I ran a 9-minute mile. My last 8K running race I did a 7-minute mile and finished 5th. I know I will never train enough on that distance to be anywhere near winning that race, which would require a 6-minute mile pace. I trained for running five times a week including a tempo run, intervals, hill repeats, and usually a long run.

I think another part of it is mental. I only progressively discovered how hard I could really run, and how hard I could race. (I already knew how hard I could cycle.) I would do hill climbs trying to crank up my heart rate at every repeat. Crazy stuff. I just didn't know I had it in me to tolerate this sort of extension of myself. I do!

I am sure that you would be able to improve your running speed to the target you hope to reach by dedicating time to it. At first your cycling speed may suffer a bit, but over time you'll definitely be able maintain both in a range that will take you closer to your age group's podium.

[Wahine]

To go from a 10 min mile to 8 is totally doable. Running consistently as others have said makes a big difference. Running a lot in one month while letting other things go on a once a week schedule is a good idea, just to get enough repetition in to really engrain the mechanics of running. On that note, having a running analysis with suggestions for drills and strength exercises to improve form is also really helpful.

Glad to see you still Tri'ing V.