Question for runners

I was never able to run so I always started then stopped, but a miracle happened one day...I ran and enjoyed it. Now I do it everyday and have a question. When do you increase your milage? I always run the same route and it is manageable somedays, others I have to walk for a minute, other days it is fairly easy. Should I wait until everyday is manageable or easy before going further or are those rough days to be expected no matter what?

Replies

  • I am a normal average runner, just getting out there in the first place is the biggest challenge. Like you, I used to hate hate hate running, now it is nothing, I find myself going out for one mile and completng 3 and vise versa. From what I have found, every day is different. So if you feel like running further one day, go for it!! If your heart just isnt into running that day, walk for a bit and see if you can push out a little more run time. So when you feel like running more go for it!
  • Starbuck2020
    Starbuck2020 Posts: 173 Member
    I don't know why I hadn't thought of it like that. Thank you.
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    Do it whenever you feel inspired to, but don't do it too often. Generally you get to a point where your CV system and your muscles can go much farther, but your tendons and joints don't catch up as quickly. Unfortunately, they don't always give immediate feedback when you're adding too much, either. A good rule of thumb for new runners is to not add more than 10% to your weekly mileage per week, and you'll be pretty safe.
  • LisaO85
    LisaO85 Posts: 152
    Every day is going to be different, sometimes you are going to feel like you can conquer the world and others you can't get finished fast enough. Just keep doing it.

    If you want to increase your mileage you don't want to up the distance more than 10% at a time or you can risk injury. For example if you have been running 3 miles consistently you don't want to go run 7 miles the next time, you need to build up to it. My suggestion would be if you want to increase mileage download either C25K or runkeeper. That way you have a plan to follow. Better yet, sign up for a race, that should give you the motivation to keep going.
  • Starbuck2020
    Starbuck2020 Posts: 173 Member
    Other runners make it look like it is always easy. haha I am glad to know I can have bad days and not be a failure. I have just been so terrified that if I did any less on one day or the other I would be back to where I was before I started. Feeling a little more relaxed about it now. I have been hunting down races like crazy too :) Can't wait to run my first one.
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    Other runners make it look like it is always easy. haha I am glad to know I can have bad days and not be a failure. I have just been so terrified that if I did any less on one day or the other I would be back to where I was before I started. Feeling a little more relaxed about it now. I have been hunting down races like crazy too :) Can't wait to run my first one.

    It's not easy- everyone has good days and bad days, I swear. The difference is that the real runners just muscle through the bad runs and the non-runners quit running because it's not always fun. The only difference between runners and non runners is that runners run. You don't need to be fast, or go super far, or be the best runner- you just need to run. :)
  • RMNPHike
    RMNPHike Posts: 89 Member
    I have increased by a minute a day, or a minute a day at a higher speed. I love running too, once I get going, but I agree getting out there in the first place is the hardest part!
  • Starbuck2020
    Starbuck2020 Posts: 173 Member
    Run run repeat. :) Love it. Thanks for the wisdom.