Attention MFP runners I Need Help?

ginaoakes

It is about time for me to say hello. I have been a member of MFP since February 17th. In that time I have lost 45 pounds (check out some of my before and after pictures). It has been a slow but VERY motivating experience. I have been working out for 6 days a week since February. Slim in 6, 30 day shred, P90X, recumbent bike and lately a treadmill. I have tried to mix things up so my body did not get used to what I was doing. When I started this journey I was on 5 different cholesterol medications. I am VERY PLEASED to tell everyone that I am off ALL of them.

I am running every day for 40 - 60 minutes. I am burning LOTS of calories and feeling really good. I am also registered to run my first 5-K in December with one of my daughters. My question to the runners out there . . . Is it good to be running 5 - 6 times a week ?? I also am doing some light weight lifting several days a week. I have looked on the internet for information and it is mixed. I would love to get some feedback from all of you.

I have enjoyed and been motivated by all of your daily struggles and moments of victory over old lifestyles. I hope I can be an encouragement to those of you that are just starting this journey. Keep going 1 meal, 1 day, 1 pound at a time !!

ginaoakes

It is about time for me to say hello. I have been a member of MFP since February 17th. In that time I have lost 45 pounds (check out some of my before and after pictures). It has been a slow but VERY motivating experience. I have been working out for 6 days a week since February. Slim in 6, 30 day shred, P90X, recumbent bike and lately a treadmill. I have tried to mix things up so my body did not get used to what I was doing. When I started this journey I was on 5 different cholesterol medications. I am VERY PLEASED to tell everyone that I am off ALL of them.

I am running every day for 40 - 60 minutes. I am burning LOTS of calories and feeling really good. I am also registered to run my first 5-K in December with one of my daughters. My question to the runners out there . . . Is it good to be running 5 - 6 times a week ?? I also am doing some light weight lifting several days a week. I have looked on the internet for information and it is mixed. I would love to get some feedback from all of you.

I have enjoyed and been motivated by all of your daily struggles and moments of victory over old lifestyles. I hope I can be an encouragement to those of you that are just starting this journey. Keep going 1 meal, 1 day, 1 pound at a time !!

songbyrdsweet

You lose cardiovascular fitness VERY quickly, so taking more than one day off in a row will actually hamper your progress. 5-6 days/week is a normal CV program and the body recovers quickly from this type of activity. As long as your weight training isn't so strenuous that it impedes your performance, keep that too, just rest a day between lifting sessions. Muscular fitness sticks with you much longer than cardiovascular, so it's okay to rest longer.

jessmomof3

First of all,, CONGRATS!! You are doing a fabulous job! I also use P90X, run, bike, and swim. I got into triathlons this past year.

For me, I try not to run more than 4 days a week. This is because I've had running injuries (tendonitis) and have just found that cross training is important so I don't get over-use injuries.

I love lifting weights, so I lift (P90X) 3 days a week and mix up the cardio- run, elliptical, bike, kickbox, swim. Variety is the spice of life for me. :laugh: Can you try running maybe 4 days a week and cross training w/ another workout? However, some people love to run every day, so it's all in how your body can handle it. How long are you running at a time?

Good luck on your 5K! How exciting that you will be running w/ your daughter! My 9yo did a couple of races this summer (1 mile and 2 mile races and a kids triathlon) and it's sooo fun to do things together as a family!

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Jess

bethany169

I think you're ok running on most days of the week as long as every day isn't a hard, long run. If you do speed work, hills, tempo runs, etc, make sure that the next day is a slower, easier day. You'll still burn plenty of calories on the easy days but it will give your body a little bit of a break. If you're just getting out and running at a low to moderate intensity, you shouldn't have to worry as much about recovery. Good luck on your 5K!! I hope you will find them as addicting and motivating as I do!!!

Alisha28

You are doing awesome. I too run 5-6 days a week 30 miles usually sometimes more but I only do one day right now of weights strength training. Its all I can fit in with 3 kids but I do not think it is bad to do more Why not if you feel good keep it up. When your body needs rest you will know so REST!!

Congrats on your success so far.

Alisha

ginaoakes

Variety is one of the most important things that I did to keep up working out on a regular basis.

I am thrilled to be able to do this run with my daughter. I have three grown and married daughters and 2 out of the three girls are pregnant and due in the spring. Otherwise we would have all done the 5-K run together. Doing a 5-K was something I was really nervous about trying but after many weeks of running I know I can do it. I am taking time off every week and increasing my speed.

Thank you all for your feedback on this post.

runnerdad

It is about time for me to say hello. I have been a member of MFP since February 17th. In that time I have lost 45 pounds (check out some of my before and after pictures). It has been a slow but VERY motivating experience. I have been working out for 6 days a week since February. Slim in 6, 30 day shred, P90X, recumbent bike and lately a treadmill. I have tried to mix things up so my body did not get used to what I was doing. When I started this journey I was on 5 different cholesterol medications. I am VERY PLEASED to tell everyone that I am off ALL of them.

I am running every day for 40 - 60 minutes. I am burning LOTS of calories and feeling really good. I am also registered to run my first 5-K in December with one of my daughters. My question to the runners out there . . . Is it good to be running 5 - 6 times a week ?? I also am doing some light weight lifting several days a week. I have looked on the internet for information and it is mixed. I would love to get some feedback from all of you.

I have enjoyed and been motivated by all of your daily struggles and moments of victory over old lifestyles. I hope I can be an encouragement to those of you that are just starting this journey. Keep going 1 meal, 1 day, 1 pound at a time !!

Congratulations on your hard work and your acomplishments so far. :drinker:
Just to echo some of the comments already made, you probably do want to keep up your cardio workouts 5-6 days a week, but you may want to consider swimming/ stationary bike/ elliptical machine for one or two of those workouts to give yourself some variety and reduce the risk of a running injury. If you prefer to run, change up the routine - do some hills or some sprints one day for extra intensity (preferably on a day that is easier on your weight training), and then do a less challanging run the next day to allow your body to recover .
Good luck on your 5K!