9 minute pace is not too bad, especially for just starting. Keep it up. You'll live longer. I run most days 4-5 miles most days. 4 miles takes me about 30 mins.

Patent was applied for in Dec 2006. Their invention disclosure was likely a while before that. 5-8 years is a pretty typical turn around for the US patent office. I just got one last month that was applied for in 2003. The 'new' part is having the indicator visible through a peripheral connector hole not a special hole just for that purpose.