Question for the runners

officiallymrswhite
officiallymrswhite Posts: 423 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I just started running about a month ago and have worked my way up to running 2-3 miles just about everyday. I was wondering how many times a week you run and what you do on your off days (nothing, do another kind of cardio exercise)? I have been running at least 6 if not 7 days a week. Just not sure how often I should be running. Thanks!!

Replies

  • kaco1979
    kaco1979 Posts: 1 Member
    Everything I've ever read about running says to let your body rest at least one day a week. Have mercy on your joints! I run every other day, but will do non-impact (elliptical) or low-impact aerobic activity to keep my heart busy. But I take Sundays completely off, and thoroughly enjoy them.
  • See_Jenn_Run
    See_Jenn_Run Posts: 67 Member
    Hey there! I usually run 3-5 times a week and do other stuff (cardio like elliptical, swimming, taking a class at the gym or strength training, yoga or pilates) on the days I don't run. Good work on getting up to that level! As long as you're feeling good, I wouldn't worry about running too much. Make sure you do lots of stretches after your runs though and use a foam roller to really work out the kinks of your leg muscles. Cross training could definitely benefit your running once you work it into your routine a few days a week. Happy running!
  • Phatdaddymike
    Phatdaddymike Posts: 74 Member
    the best advice i have is to check out hal higdon.com everyone's different but running everyday isnt a good idea as you'll be more prone to injury and out of running all together if your not careful...check out his site..hope it helps happy running :)
  • officiallymrswhite
    officiallymrswhite Posts: 423 Member
    Everything I've ever read about running says to let your body rest at least one day a week. Have mercy on your joints! I run every other day, but will do non-impact (elliptical) or low-impact aerobic activity to keep my heart busy. But I take Sundays completely off, and thoroughly enjoy them.

    Hmm...good to know! I am trying to train for a 5k that is happening in October. It will be hard to not go everyday (it has become very addicting), but I will try it!
  • skemery
    skemery Posts: 100 Member
    I think you need to give yourself some rest days. I usually run 3-4 days a week, so its about every other day. Occasionally I run back to back days but then its usually a short run on one of those. Overdoing it sets yourself up for all kinds of injuries. On my days off, it depends on what I feel like doing-some days its nothing, some days its yoga or strength. I try not to do anything that's too hard on my legs on my days off. Using the elliptical or swimming might be good options for cardio on rest days, the elliptical definitely works your legs but its not so hard on your joints.
  • JoeB71
    JoeB71 Posts: 115 Member
    I run 3 miles 3 days a week. (Sun, Tues, Fri) & walk 6 miles on the off days. Try to do strength training most days but definitely on the non running days.
  • officiallymrswhite
    officiallymrswhite Posts: 423 Member
    I run 3 miles 3 days a week. (Sun, Tues, Fri) & walk 6 miles on the off days. Try to do strength training most days but definitely on the non running days.

    Well, I work out with a personal trainer 3 days a week. We go through a lot of strength training those days (we do circuit training incorporating strength and cardio). But...I have also been running on the days that I see the trainer. I am probably over-doing it!:ohwell:
  • BethlovesRene
    BethlovesRene Posts: 85 Member
    I too have been runing for about a month now and do about 2 miles a day, with one long run on the weekends (4+). I want to run a half marathon. I was told to take at least one day off as well, or do some cross training (weight training, etc) to help strength your body
  • thebiggreenmachine
    thebiggreenmachine Posts: 66 Member
    Your body will let you know if you should run everyday. If you don't notice any unusual soreness and you don't feel sluggish or rundown then keep doing what you're doin'. The main reason you take rest days is to help your body recover when you've pushed it hard.
  • pjrisher
    pjrisher Posts: 152 Member
    Your body will let you know if you should run everyday. If you don't notice any unusual soreness and you don't feel sluggish or rundown then keep doing what you're doin'. The main reason you take rest days is to help your body recover when you've pushed it hard.

    Exactly. Some weeks I can go everyday, other weeks I need a few days off. It really depends. Just don't force yourself if your body is telling you that it's had enough.
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