Runners-what is your comfort distance?

lporter229

For example, I know I can go out and run 6 miles and I'm not going to struggle with it. When I have runs longer than that scheduled, I start to think too much about the distance and worry about how I am going to do. Anybody know what I'm talking about? What is your "comfort" distance?

BrianSharpe

I know what you mean and it's mostly a mental game. Last year when I was training for my first 10K I was intimidated by the idea of running that distance, a few nice slow training runs later I knew I'd never make the podium but that I could go the distance, same with then I was training for my first half - 21.1km seemed like an awfully long distance. So I'd say my comfort distance is around 20km, but I'm thinking full marathon in 2013...that idea still intimidates me.

lporter229

Good luck to you! I am also thinking full marathon for next year, but I have to get past my half in two weekends first. This will be my third half, but it has been 6 years since my last, so I am a little nervous. My 11 mile distance run last Sunday left me hurting! i know what you mean about the distance of the full though. It's an entirely different beast. But I don't think I will every really be satisfied until I try it at least once!

hbrittingham

I'm not running anywhere near the distance that you all are, I generally run 3 -3 1/2 miles right now. I've just become a runner recently. But I still get very nervous on the days I am going to run. I am afraid I am going to fail myself and not make the distance. I think I will put off running a 5K for a while because I'm afraid I will psych myself out beforehand.

penrbrown

I never think about how far I'm going to go... I just go for as long as I can and after check and see how far that was.

scribb

My comfort distance is 7 to 8 miles. I can do this without any training as I do it most weeks. I have run a few 1/2 marathons and a full marathon. I enjoy the half marathons much better, but looking foward to running Boston next spring

PBmaria

About 13.
I actually CRIED before my 24 miler for my marathon training because I didn't think I was going to make it since I had an awful 22 miler 2 weeks before.

montana_girl

For me, most of the time it's just how I feel that day... sometimes I find shorter runs kill me but then I can do a long run (8 to 11 miles) and feel fine for the whole run.

I would guess I do feel best with 4 to 6mile runs, gives me enough time to get in the groove, but not so long as to feel tired.

runfatmanrun

I think right now my comfort distance is around 3.5-4 miles. It's where I know I can run freely but still get an ok sweat and it only takes about a half hour and I feel better when I am done. I get what you are saying about with overthinking long runs though.

nikrit84

I just started jogging 2 months ago. I can go 4 miles at a fairly slow pace. about 11 minute miles. I am planning on doing my first 5k in may but afraid I will do the same right before the run. Hoping to make it because it is one of my 4 new years resolutions and next on my llst.

normatus

A regular run.... three miles, maybe 3.5. If I'm going for a long run 5-6.

kesslertg

I recall a time many years ago when I could not run a mile. So I went out and did a walk/run for 1 mile around the reflecting pool in DC. After awhile I could run the whole thing. I went up to 2 miles starting with walk/run then run, to 3.5 miles and so forth. Eventually go the distance up to longer runs. Then I went on to run 25 marathons and 2 fifty milers. Lol. Last marathon was 12 years ago in Hamilton, NZ (1/1/2000).

In last few years have run 3.5 miles periodically. Since starting MFP on March 3 am back up to 6.5 miles once or twice a week.

So the key is take time, gradually go longer distances, use walk/run strategy as you get longer, and just enjoy the time. If you run regularly, your body will "crave" a run. If you stop running, your body will dread the next run. I have a lot of experience in both situations. Lol. Gotta go. Heading out for a run. : )

Brunner26_2

It depends on the day of the week. On weekdays a 10 mile run seems so long, but on weekends I can do up to 15 and it just flies by. After that it seems a bit long.

worldhurdler

Good question - I'm thankful that mine has morphed from about 2-3 miles to 6-9 miles (depending on the time of year and training schedule). But 6 miles doesn't scare me in the least, which is pretty cool.
I'd like to continue working towards a 1/2 marathon being my "comfort" level - as in, I could sign up for a 1/2 at the drop of the hat any time during the year and know that I could finish it. Back when I started running again being able to run a spontaneous 10k was my goal - surpassed that, and now working on double that distance!

kmaas802

With me, it's all mental. If I know I have a 4-5 mile run planned, that's the max I can do before wanting to quit. However, my weekend long runs are around 8-9 miles right now, and I can make that no problem on those days. Seems like whatever distance I have in my head that day becomes my comfort distance!

zippo32

5 mi.

yoovie

7-9

BobbyDaniel

10K-10 miles

jacksonpt

6-8 miles. Though I'm working on increasing that.

BrianSharpe

My comfort distance is 7 to 8 miles. I can do this without any training as I do it most weeks. I have run a few 1/2 marathons and a full marathon. I enjoy the half marathons much better, but looking foward to running Boston next spring

You qualified for Boston? Fantastic!

lporter229

I'd like to continue working towards a 1/2 marathon being my "comfort" level - as in, I could sign up for a 1/2 at the drop of the hat any time during the year and know that I could finish it.

Exactly. That's where I would like to be. That way, my dream of doing the full Mary would feel much more within reach. Right now I am definitely comfortable with a 10K anytime, anywhere.