This is the 4th monthly update on my goal to run a 5 minute mile (see post here). I’ll keep track of my training and progress here.
Training
For some reason, this was an extremely busy month. I’ve been able to get a bunch of easy 5 mile runs in, but I haven’t really done any speedwork or long runs. I have a 50k (Potomac Heritage 50k) on the schedule for Nov. 7 and a half marathon (Rock n Roll DC) on Nov. 13. At least I’ll get some long runs in that way.
Progress
Another month of very little progress. My mile time was 6:11 this month. I’m basically maintaining my fitness but not really improving. I think November and December will be busy as well. I’m just hoping to maintain my fitness.
Here’s my progress for this month. I ran a 10k with my brother (Fall Classic 10k at One Loudoun).
| Date | 400m | 800m | 1 mile (1609m) | 5k | Other | Approximate vdot |
| June 2021 | – | – | 6:36 (baseline) | – | – | 43 |
| July 2021 | 1:11 | – | 6:23 | 24:17 | 1k: 3:50 | 45 |
| August 2021 | – | – | 6:13 | – | – | 46 |
| September 2021 | – | – | 6:12 | – | – | 46 |
| October 2021 | – | – | 6:11 | – | 10k: 46:57 | 47 |
Tracking progress by VDOT
Here’s a VDOT table, another way to track running fitness.
As of the end of October 2021, I’m at a VDOT of around 47. I’ll need to get up to a VDOT of 60. I’ve read that, with consistent training, one can expect to increase VDOT by 1 roughly about every 6 weeks. According to this calculation, it will take a minimum of 17×6 weeks, or 102 weeks. That’s about 2 years at a minimum.
Life update
I got my COVID booster shot this month. I was able to get it relatively early because I got the J&J one for my first shot.
Real estate is still keeping me busy, so I decided to cut down my government job to 60% (3 days/week). I was at 80% (4 days/week) for the past 4 months. If everything goes according to plan, I think I’ll cut down to 40% (2 days/week) in another 3-6 months. From there, I’ll have to decide whether it’s a good idea to completely quit a job I’ve been at for 13+ years. I think I can.
I’m finally almost done with my UVA CFP program. I’m in my last course, and I have 3 classes left. It’s been a long road just for a certificate, and I’m happy to be finishing this.
I’m running a trail 50k this weekend. I’m a little bit nervous about it, but I’ve run it before so I’m pretty sure I can do it. I have a half marathon scheduled 6 days after it, so I better recover quickly.
I’m tired and have lots to do, so that’s it for today.