Distance

ironclaw

Hi Folks,

Sorry if this is abit of a newbie question but here we go. I used do alot of running in school and ran in alot of competitions mainly up to the 800m marker. I used run about 1.75KM each day (With a steep up hill for about 60% of it) when in school but then the Leaving Cert came along and that went out the window. Never really read up on ideal distances or techniques but I did win quite a few medals as I went along.

So my question is, starting back at 20, whats a good distance to be running almost daily? Just looking for general fitness not marathon lengths :pac: The biggest distance I have available to me is about 4km on a loop on a straight road nearby.

Any input appreciated!

ironclaw

menoscemo

I think this is a 'how long is a piece of string' type question. Run whatever feels comforatble to you, whether thatt be 1, 4 or 10 km. Don't worry about the speed at first, just jog at a pace at which you can hold a conversation then look to build up speed and distance as the weeks pass by.

ironclaw

menoscemo wrote: »

I think this is a 'how long is a piece of string' type question. Run whatever feels comforatble to you, whether thatt be 1, 4 or 10 km. Don't worry about the speed at first, just jog at a pace at which you can hold a conversation then look to build up speed and distance as the weeks pass by.

Thanks for the reply and I see what you mean about the string. In terms of developing fitness, is there an ideal distance or is it purely down to cardio and time spent?

Krusty_Clown

I think what memosceno is referring to, is that it really depends on your goal. There is no ideal distance, time, speed etc. Everyone is unique.

A popular beginners program is the coach to 5k program, which should build you up gradually to a point where you are comfortable with 5k runs. After that, you can re-assess your goals, and see what direction you want to go in.

Here's an example of such a program:
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

menoscemo

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

I think what memosceno is referring to, is that it really depends on your goal

Yeah exactly. It would be advisable to sign up for a race and make that your goal. e.g a 5 or 10k would be Ideal (great ireland run in april maybe). I found at first, that with a goal i kept at the running and built up distance steadily. Without any goal i doubt i would ever have stuck at it.

Jay Pentatonic

ironclaw wrote: »

whats a good distance to be running almost daily?

Hey,
remember running everyday isn't that great for you.
you don't want to become overtired or get injured, So if you don't really feel like running, then take the day off & get some well deserved rest.

I know you said almost everyday, but I just thought I should clear that up:D

best of luck!:pac:

ironclaw

Thanks for all the replies folks. Really some good reading there. I think I'll set my goal at 4km for the moment (May aswell put it in writing! ) and see where we go from there.

On the daily thing, would 4 times a week be a good even number of days? I used run 5 times a week (Mon to Fri) so I'll build up to that I think aswell.

Thanks again!

Krusty_Clown

Yep, four days a week would be fine, but build up to it gradually. Going immediately from 0 to four days a week would increase your injury risk. That's why it's good to follow a program, as it will introduce the effort gradually, and reduce the risk of stress injuries.