In theory I can run a sub 7 minute mile. I say "in theory" since it was done on a treadmill, which is not the same thing as regular running.
I doubt I will get to the point of being at my peak for distance running, but I at least am happy to be capable of improving my running back to a level I am happy with. And since my main exercise focus is lifting heavy, there is no way I am training optimally for distance running. But I am just fine with that.
I really like the Elliptical but you have to look at Calories per hour and move faster or slower to be in your Calorie per hour goal
I found I can burn more Calories per hour for a longer time with less joint pain than running and I can really feel my heart beat and I really sweat so I am getting cardiovascular improvement with less joint pain
This can be combined with walking or running for alternating between kinds of Aerobic exercise
Stairs are also good for variety
Some people say the Elliptical is not good but I say they are not using it at a high enough speed or resistance
The elliptical does not aggravate you through prolonged sitting the way a bike does
If you are running at 7 minutes per mile you would need to use the elliptical at about 857 or 858 Calories per hour to be equivelent if one mile is one hundred Calories
I doubt you pushed it that hard
Most people jist use it at a walking rate of 300 or 400 Calories per hour or less then say it does not work
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=%3D60*100%2F7&ia=calculator
Anyway I guess it does not really matter if you do not do so much endurance exrcise that you want to lower impact on joints from time to time
@shortstories The only time I used an elliptical it did nothing for me. Maybe I was not using it in a way that would make it a more worthy workout. But I don't have a strong desire to try and use it again.