Alright, let’s talk about running two miles. People often ask, “What’s a good time?” and honestly, I used to wonder that myself quite a bit when I first started getting more serious about my runs.
When I first decided to consistently run that distance, just finishing felt like a win. My times? Let’s just say they weren’t breaking any records. I remember huffing and puffing, checking my watch constantly, and feeling pretty beat afterward. I logged my first few attempts, maybe somewhere around the 20-minute mark, give or take. It felt slow, really slow, especially when you see other folks cruising by.
Getting Down to It
So, I decided I wanted to get better. Not necessarily to compete, but just for myself. To feel stronger, faster. I didn’t dive into complex training plans you see online. Too much noise there. I just started running more consistently. That was the first step.
- Just Run More: I made sure to get out there at least 3-4 times a week, specifically aiming for that 2-mile distance or sometimes a bit longer.
- Pushing a Bit: On some runs, maybe once a week, I’d try to push the pace a little harder than usual. Not a flat-out sprint, just uncomfortable enough.
- Tracking Progress: Kept a simple log. Date, distance, time. Seeing those numbers, even if they only dropped by a few seconds, was motivating.
Slowly, things started to change. I remember the first time I broke 18 minutes. That felt huge. It wasn’t world-class, not even close, but it was my progress. It showed the effort was paying off. Then came breaking 17 minutes, then aiming for 16. Each little milestone felt like a real achievement earned through sweat.
I found that consistency was everything. Showing up, putting in the miles, even on days I didn’t feel like it. My breathing got easier, my legs felt stronger. I wasn’t just focused on the clock anymore, but on how the run felt.
So, What’s Actually ‘Good’?
After going through all that, my perspective changed. A “good” 2-mile time isn’t some number plucked from the air. It really, truly depends on you. Your age, how long you’ve been running, your natural ability, what your personal goals are.
For a beginner, finishing without stopping might be ‘good’. For someone training seriously, ‘good’ might be under 14 minutes, or even faster. I’ve settled into a comfortable pace myself now, usually running it somewhere between 15 and 16 minutes on a regular day, and that feels ‘good’ for me at this stage. Faster times are possible if I really push it or train specifically for it, but consistency feels better these days.
My advice? Don’t get too hung up on comparing yourself to others or some generic chart. Start where you are. Track your own runs. Focus on beating your last time, even if it’s just by a few seconds. That feeling of personal improvement? That’s what makes any time a good time.