Runners-what is your comfort distance?

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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. : )

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!

5 mi.

10K-10 miles

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!

For midweek runs - 10 or so
Long runs - up to 16

above that and I have to really start thinking about stuff. I know I can do it just fine but there is just so much more that can go wrong.

Comfort distance is about 7-9.

I generally don't run anything under 4miles now, it's great to look back to see how you've improved isn't it?! Last year I would have cried doing 7-8. I generally do 12 miles on the weekend run, but am sore for the rest of the day. Recovered by the next day though.

It so depends on the day. I often find my long runs (10-20 miles) on the weekends outside EASIER than my mid-week runs (6-8 miles) that are often at 9pm on a treadmill. A lot of this is more mental than physical. The weekend runs are scenic and I sort of mentally prepare for the very long duration in the prior days. Midweek runs are more boring and feel more like a daily routine than an activity. If I really don't want to run but am 100% healthy, then even 1-2 miles is a struggle for me.

But put me in the right mental state, and I could go out and run a half marathon untapered at any time and do okay, as in beating my PRs from 2+ years ago.