5 minute mile?

[bmore5mi]

Hi all,

I am new to the forum and running in general.

I want to run a 5 minute mile.  I know that it is VERY unlikely I will be able to pull this off, but I'm going to try!

Below is my info, I am asking for any help and advice from the expert contributors of this forum.

I am 29, 6'6'', 180lbs, played college ball (D3) but have not exercised much in the past 2 years.
Today I spontaneously jumped in my car, drove to a track in baltimore, jogged around it once to warm up, and then tried my first mile.  I made it in 6:10 and almost died afterwards (a little congested and under the weather right now).

So, how much of a dream is this?
Also, can anyone recommend any sort of approach to training for this?

Thanks folks, I appreciate any feedback, including your honest opinion on how close I could get to a 5-minute mile.

Matt

[Ryan]

Welcome. I hope you find the advice here helpful enough that you decide to hang around long enough to tell us about your 5 minute mile.

Can you do it? Well, there's only one way to know for sure but I couldn't imagine running a 6:10 mile with no training and a 5 minute mile isn't that big of a deal for me. If I had to say yes or no, I would say yes it's possible but it won't be easy. Are you in this for the long haul or do you want to do this by summer? Are you willing to work hard?

For starters, remember that this is an endurance event. You need to start by building an aerobic base with a lot of slow running. If you're in this for the long haul, we can expand but this is your starting point.

[Andrew A.]

It seems likely, if you are willing to put in the work.  Consistency ethic trumps all, the more often you can get out there and run, the better.  Try to get up to at least a few miles for all seven days of the week to start, once you do that then more specific advice would be appropriate.  Also, get a good pair of running shoes fit to your foot and your stride by knowledgeable running store staff, it will make things go a lot better compared to the alternative.

[Ed]

Welcome to Hillrunner.com!
 
You should be able to reach your goal with patience and consistency.  As already stated start out by getting out there on a daily basis and put in a couple of miles each time at a pace that does not leave you exhausted but plesently worked out.  Also, the advice about a good pair of shoes expertly fitted for your feet, stride and gait - follow it - it is very important.