How often?

[suel18]

How often do people run? I do every other day but want.to do more.

What's the consensus?

[lilylaval Graduate]

I am the same- I would like to do a bit more. Will be interested to see the replies you get!

[S_J_B Graduate]

Interested to see the answers.

I currently run four days a week even though should be 3 on the program. I end up running both mornings at weekend as I get to go in daylight which is too nice to miss!

[Hidden]

The general advice on here seems to be to leave at least one day between runs for your body to recover if you are a new runner. You could do some other form of exercise though on the "rest" days. Everyone is different though, you have to find what works for you.

[suel18 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks curlygurly I might do a short 20 min one in between one of the 2 days and see how it feels.

[GettingFitter Graduate]

Mostly I run 3 times a week one interval, one speedier and one long one. This is enough to try to cram in with working and homelife

[suel18 Graduate in reply to GettingFitter]

Thanks gettingfitter I think I have such a high on the days I do run that I want to feel that all the time.

[GettingFitter Graduate in reply to suel18]

I know what you mean - all those endorphins - can't get enough of them

[lilylaval Graduate in reply to GettingFitter]

That's a good idea- I will try that when I graduate - its good to mix it up!

[GettingFitter Graduate in reply to lilylaval]

I think you just need to try different things and see how you get one - Good Luck

[the_tea_fairy Graduate]

3 days a week, a couple shorter and one long one at weekends when I can get out in the light. But sometimes I do 4, or sometimes 2 long and a short.

I got a really bad hip shortly after graduating, but put it down to an irresponsible leap up a down escalator and too much Tarmac. Avoid too much shopping and get some off road running in the mix to look after your joints?

My philosophy is that if it feels good, it probably is!

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

I ignore the "week" now - and run every second day. I think that you just have to listen to your body - sometimes I will run on consecutive days - but one of those will be short or easy. I recall when I started to lengthen my runs out to 15 klm - and found that I needed to wait for 3 days before running again - the leg soreness caused by the long distance seemed to take that long to go away - however I am older and recovery takes longer for me.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

All this enthusiasm is admirable, however it is generally reckoned that you should run regularly for a year or so before you run every day. Even then you need to follow a hard run with an easy run. Many runners also fit in a rest week every few months to enable their body to repair and recover. Doing too much too soon is a recurrent theme on this forum and it is far better to keep running than injure yourself and have to lay off for weeks or even months.

I think most graduates think they are superhuman as soon as they finish the programme (I know I did!!) but I still consider myself a beginner, after eighteen months of running, and do not push as hard as I did straight after graduation. It takes a long time to build your body up, depending of course on your age, general fitness level and whether you are doing other forms of exercise. What I learned was that to increase my distance, I needed to improve my core strength first, or I had to live with lower back pain.

Do plenty of reading and research, sift the results carefully and make your own mind up and go for it........but be careful.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[suel18 Graduate]

Thanks all I am 51 and very was very unfit so I'll take your advise and rest. Don't want to stop running. So not going to risk it.

Thanks for.all the advise.

[Hidden]

hi suel i tend to run every other day with a 2 day break sun+mon , it works for me but everyone is different teh mantra is probably listen to your body see how you feel , but certainly if you do a hard day then follow with a lighter run if on day after

[ju-ju- Graduate]

If I could I would run every day but my life is crazy, so I cram alot into the weekend. However the advice is to have a rest day inbetween to allow your body to repair...could you do a different sport on the 'other' day?? Also- depends how long you have been running for?

[suel18 Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

Not long I think it's the adrenaline I crave so yes I'll find something else

thanks

[Sharonb9999 Graduate]

I'm in a routine of running 3 times a week. 2 shorte runs on Tuesday and Thursday then a bit longer on Saturdays. I try and fit in a couple of swimming sessions in between. I'm going on holiday next week for a fortnight which will mean my usual routine will be out the window but I hope to be able to get back into it when I'm back

[suel18 Graduate in reply to Sharonb9999]

Thanks Sharon

have a great holiday. I'm sure you'll get back on the swing of it and you deserve a break

[Hidden]

It all depends on your level of running...if you are a long-standing grad, or are up to 5k easily or even a 10k and beyond it will be different to a W1R1 runner. My best advice would be to 'listen to your body'. If it is grumbling, take rest days...if you are finding your running easy, try an extra day per week, or go further or faster.

It may also be worth while trying to mix it up a bit. Try some interval training or fartlek. If you have hills, use them to spring up and jog or walk down, If you have sand dunes, then a) you are luck,y and b) they give a great environment to sprint up, but be careful ~ they are fragile ecosystems and environments that need to be treated with respect. Pay heed to any signs.

Above all, take care and listen to your body, and remember that distance is more important than speed.