Running every other day

kitinboots

so I phoned my mum last night to tell her I'd been running (she's a runner since she did the Edinburgh marathon 6 years ago) and how excited I am to run every day, and she said that it's best to run every other day, so as not to injure myself.
Now I'm new to running, but in fairly good shape to begin with (I usually walk 15-20k in the evening), and although there are other things I can do for exercise here, I like the simplicity of running. So would it be risky for me to run, say, 5 days a week?
I'm going for a bike ride today while I await your replies.

Flossycat100

Hi

All I can say is I recently started jogging in the gym, and tried to do it every day- and ended up with shin splints! Apparently because although I am a walker, jogging uses different muscles and I tried to do too much, too soon. Thankfully I stopped as soon as the pain started and have been resting so I am hoping to try it again soon- only small amounts no more than every other day though. Good luck!

hockeyman28

http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm

That's a half-marathon training schedule for a novice. As you can see, it is not every other day, but it is not everyday either. I run 5 days a week. I strength train 3. Obviously since there are not eight days a week ( unless you're from Liverpool) I do both a couple days.

I like riding the bike though, and variety sure doesn't hurt. Maybe play some football some days?or Swimming? This could lessen the chance of injury due to the stress of running.

AndyParkes

I'd be interested to hear more opinions on this.

I'm running once a day, sometimes twice a day - i'm only doing 2-3 miles at a time though

roadrunner32

Physically and mentally I can't do it every day. Sometimes if I'm doing a long run I need an extra 2 or 3 days to recover. But every other day sounds good to me...blaming the old age here

Atlantique

I'm with Mom on this one. You need some rest days, especially as a new runner. It takes your body at least six months (some experts say a year) to build the extra bone density and muscle strength to help your body safely absorb the shock of running. Otherwise, you're putting yourself at unnecessary risk of overuse injuries like stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, etc.

You don't have to be inactive on your 'rest' days from running, but it would be best to do something that has lower impact or no impact. walking, biking, swimming, using the elliptical, yoga, strength training, etc.

Make sure you're in the right running shoes and try to run on more forgiving surfaces when you can, to reduce the shock to your body. From softest to hardest: rubberized track, grass, dirt, asphalt, concrete.

LisaJayne71

I'm very new to the C25K running program and I did try once to run 2 days in a row but I really found I just couldn't do it and I ended up hurting my foot.
I now leave a day in between the runs but make sure I still go to the gym and do the elliptical and walking instead!

kitinboots

Thank you all for your responses. I guess I'll play it safe until I get used to it. There is plenty to do around here, since I live in the alps, even if it takes up more of the day and a little more planning I can always go climbing. I'm happy as long as I feel exhausted when I'm done.

schninie82

With your mum too... I run twice a week, 3 times if I'm lucky! I need the rest in between, it helps me progress... I'm not runner, in fact I only started October 2010... I started from running 1and a half minutes then having to stop...to running up to 5 miles distance without stoping! I loooove running, but you definitely NEEEED a rest day or two even inbetween for your muscels, your mind and to prevent any nasty injuries! Good luck on your decision!

GooN3r

There is no definitive answer here, every training plan will differ from one individual to another. The key is finding something that works for you.

I run 4-5 times a week but I mix the runs up, some distance, some pace, I also add a bit of fartlek training. Always change you route, try running them in reverse.

Best of luck

PinUpMommy

I am a new runnere, and I've found that while I work out every other day, I cannot run every other day. I'm running twice a week, and doing walking terrains the other two days. My calves really cannot take running every other day. I think that as long as you aren't hurting too much, do whatever you think your body can handle.