When can I run two days in a row?

[Frissels]

Morning everyone.

I started C25K in May, graduated in July and have been running 3x per week since then. I managed 7K yesterday, which was my longest distance so far. I’m speeding up, but still not a fast runner.

I have always had at least one rest day between runs, but wonder at what point I can think about running on two consecutive days. Ideas and tips gratefully received.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

In the guide to post C25K running healthunlocked.com/couchto5... you will find a link to an article which suggests that you need a very minimum of six months of regular running on your legs before considering running on consecutive days. This is dependent on your strength and age.

[Frissels Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you IannodaTruffe. I am 65 and not strong, so that sounds like longer than 6 months for me ...

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Frissels]

I suggest you read the article and err on the side of caution.

[Magellan Graduate]

When you feel you've reached your 'longer than six months' point and are ready to run on consecutive days, don't start running every day, just move from three times a week to four so that there are just two consecutive days. It might be worth making sure one or both of the consecutive day runs are walk/run sessions at first. If you take regular walk breaks long before you're tired or achey it will make injury less likely. It might feel like a step backwards to start taking walk breaks in your runs, but it's not, it's a good way to train for improved stamina and speed.

[Frissels Graduate in reply to Magellan]

Thank you, Magellan. I’m still in the mindset that walking and/or stopping are ‘bad’ things and a failure. I’ll try to change that attitude.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

I’m 64 and urge you to be careful, in my early 20’s i ran daily and just went further and further but now, alternate days after a year or more of running and after a longer run a couple or more of rest days, and a week off of a new twinge pops up

We have run consecutive days but after a while just found we were always running on tired legs

We are really slow runners with the odd burst of speed when it’s going well

The important part though is have fun, be proud and keep running

[Frissels Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you.