5k a day

[Tjcp]

Are there any drawbacks to running 5k Monday-Friday, rest on Saturday and 10k on Sunday? I have 3 more weeks until my 3rd half marathon and want to do this for the next 2 weeks.

[Tasha99 Graduate10]

Yes. You don’t get enough recovery.

[Tjcp in reply to Tasha99]

Thanks, I wondered about that.

[Tasha99 Graduate10 in reply to Tjcp]

Don’t want to ruin your legs!

[ChrisAllen1 Graduate10]

I think you would need at least a year of running in the legs before attempting that, I did a 14 day 5k run streak over Xmas and into January and it was ok but some of them were slower recovery ones.

[Tjcp in reply to ChrisAllen1]

Hi! Thanks for your advice. I've been running for over 2 years and felt I needed something a bit stronger than my usual Wed/Fri 5k and Sunday 10k (15k for a couple of weeks before a half marathon). I don't run fast (5k 31 mins, 10k 1 hr 5 mins and fastest half marathon 2 hours 26 mins) so I thought I might not need a rest day.

[ChrisAllen1 Graduate10 in reply to Tjcp]

You are more or less the same pace as me, I think you could do it for a couple of weeks so long as some of them are deliberately slower (maybe 35 mins) just so you aren't at full tilt each time.

But I would rest the week before the HM?

[Tjcp in reply to ChrisAllen1]

Thanks, I will.

[ChrisAllen1 Graduate10 in reply to Tjcp]

Let us know how it all goes, I am doing Sunderland HM in May but have 4 10ks before then.

[Tjcp in reply to ChrisAllen1]

Will do.

[orangeguy Graduate10]

I would have thought not enough rest time?, I am a year younger than you and would not like to try it... but if you can do it, go for it!

[Tjcp in reply to orangeguy]

Thanks I might do but I'll be very careful.

[Razouski]

I used an ASICS training plan for my half marathon which had cross training and strength exercises on non-running days. And the last two weeks before the race tapered down significantly.

It might be worth googling a few training plans to see what is recommended.

[Tjcp in reply to Razouski]

Thanks for your advice. Have rethought my plan for the next few weeks.

[UpTheStanley Graduate10]

You’re proposing increasing your weekly distance from 20k to 35k at a stroke? 3 weeks before running a half-marathon? Presumably you know your body, but I’d be amazed if you made the start line. Sorry if this isn’t supportive, but you did ask!

[Tjcp in reply to UpTheStanley]

Thanks, you're right. Have amended plan for the next 3 weeks after all the advice I have got here.

[ArthurJG Graduate10]

I think it's important to remember that when it comes to training, more isn't always better. Have you been following a recommended training plan for the half marathon? In all honesty I'd be amazed if it recommended increasing training that much, so close to a half marathon. If you look at the training plans race organisers provide, the distances go DOWN not up in the last couple of weeks. And one rest day a week isn't much even for an elite runner. I really think you should reconsider this: if you want to test your limits that's fair enough but so close to a race is the wrong time to do it. You'll be too toured to perform to your best on race day IMHO. On the other hand 5k runs are maybe too short. I'd think more of longer runs, but fewer of them.

[Tjcp in reply to ArthurJG]

Thanks for your advice. I've decided to run every other day with a long run at the weekend. I just wanted to try and improve the last 3 kilometres of the half marathon, which were difficult in the first one I did and a bit easier in the second.

[ArthurJG Graduate10]

Here are some examples of half marathon training plans for different levels of ability and experience. I've not attempted that distance myself but this advice comes from knowledgeable people. edinburghmarathon.com/train...

[Agelesslass Graduate10]

Before Christmas I was running every day, 4 miles or more. Come Christmas my body had had enough and I’ve been ill ever since. I pushed too far and am know paying a huge price. My advice is don’t follow your plan, need rest days and that’s a fact.

[Tjcp in reply to Agelesslass]

Thank you! I'm going to run every other day after all the wonderful advice of fellow runners. Hope you get better soon!

[Silverfox1943 Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Sounds like you have really got the running bug.

I would suggest join a running club where you will get good face to face advice. You dont want injuries or burn out.

I'm lucky where I live as there are 3 clubs all about 1 mile radious.

My 17 year old grandson runs 6 times a week and just did 10 miles in 58 mins. He has a club coach who gives him a strict plan. Having said that he is one of the top GB runners for his age.

[Tjcp]

Hi, thanks for your suggestions. I belong to a local club but they train when I am working and compete at a high level locally so I don't really feel I belong. Getting advice from you guys is great as you're facing the same challenges as I am.