Addicted To Running

Lind5ay90

So, I know that most fitness programs/experts say to run on non consecutive days...but lately I am absolutely addicted and can't skip a day. I feel gross and lazy if I don't run on a day, so I've been running everyday since I started the Couch25K program.
Is it really that bad for you or can I get away with it for a bit...?

ksy1969

Actually, when starting out, yes it is bad for you. Your body is getting used to what you are now doing, that it didn't do before. It needs rest days to heal and get in shape. You are increasing your chance of injury by running every day. Now after a certain amount of time, not sure exactly how long, you can start working into running every day. Part of it also depends on how far you eventually plan on running. For example, I ran 9 miles last Saturday and am going to be running 10 miles this Saturday. After runs like that you really need to take a day off from running to let your joints and muscles recuperate. There is nothing stopping you from Biking, Walking, or using an Elliptical or ARC Trainer.

A good book that got recommended to me is "Running for Mortals". It is a great book for those of us that decided to start running later in adult hood.

JGainingHealth

If you're feeling like something's not right, then you're probably right. How far do you run and how hard do you push yourself? It's really important to let your body rest in order to prevent injuries. It's great that you're committing to a running program, but running can be very hard on the body if you overdo it. Try taking a day or two off and go for a walk or do some strength training instead.

LoraF83

Yes, it could be bad. You are setting yourself up for injury if you try to do too much, too soon.

Most articles and books advise that beginner runners only run 3-4 days a week, with a rest day between every run.

Instead of running every day, try some different cross training activities such as spinning, yoga, strength training, etc. Cross training is a great way to improve your running abilities. Rest days are also important - be sure to take 1 to 2 full rest days a week.

RunWinterGarden

If you are going to run daily at the start then anytime you feel the slightest bit sore or injured you need to back off. Your body is just learning how to run and you need to take it easy on it when it starts to tell you it's hurting. This is the hardest thing for me to comprehend, but a day or two off here or there is better than 6-8 weeks off because of something like a stress fracture (I speak from personal experience).

workaholic_nurse

Yes, it could be bad. You are setting yourself up for injury if you try to do too much, too soon.

Most articles and books advise that beginner runners only run 3-4 days a week, with a rest day between every run.

Instead of running every day, try some different cross training activities such as spinning, yoga, strength training, etc. Cross training is a great way to improve your running abilities. Rest days are also important - be sure to take 1 to 2 full rest days a week.

^^this^^

gerirojas

I too am addicted to running, I have been running almost every day for 12 years, and now my knees and back are screwed, I can't really run much anymore I wish I had taken breaks on the running

ApexLeader

it depends on how much you are running and your technique. if you are running on the balls of your feet, you can run more often than if you run heel to toe (as heel to toe causes much more stress on your legs than running on the balls of your feet). if you are running a long time every day you need more time to recover than if you run for short periods of time. you could probably run half an hour a day no problem on the balls of your feet and not cause any issues. it is when you are running 45+ and not running with proper technique that you start causing harm to your body. obviously take what i say with a grain of salt as everyone's body handles running differently.

Lind5ay90

it depends on how much you are running and your technique. if you are running on the balls of your feet, you can run more often than if you run heel to toe (as heel to toe causes much more stress on your legs than running on the balls of your feet). if you are running a long time every day you need more time to recover than if you run for short periods of time. you could probably run half an hour a day no problem on the balls of your feet and not cause any issues. it is when you are running 45+ and not running with proper technique that you start causing harm to your body. obviously take what i say with a grain of salt as everyone's body handles running differently.

I'm doing a run-walk regimen which has me walking about .5 miles and running 2 miles in a little over a half hour's time. I'm not physically strong enough yet to run "long distances." Right now I run for 8 minutes....walk for 2....run for 10...walk for 2, etc..

ApexLeader

it depends on how much you are running and your technique. if you are running on the balls of your feet, you can run more often than if you run heel to toe (as heel to toe causes much more stress on your legs than running on the balls of your feet). if you are running a long time every day you need more time to recover than if you run for short periods of time. you could probably run half an hour a day no problem on the balls of your feet and not cause any issues. it is when you are running 45+ and not running with proper technique that you start causing harm to your body. obviously take what i say with a grain of salt as everyone's body handles running differently.

I'm doing a run-walk regimen which has me walking about .5 miles and running 2 miles in a little over a half hour's time. I'm not physically strong enough yet to run "long distances." Right now I run for 8 minutes....walk for 2....run for 10...walk for 2, etc..

you are probably fine then. 30 ish minutes of running isn't usually enough to tax a person's anatomy

MinnieInMaine

I'm a big fan of cross training. Here's a good article about benefits for runners

http://www.active.com/running/Articles/The-Best-Cross-Training-for-Runners?page=2