Feels like colleagues are running so much every a.m. - what is good amount?

[Anonymous]

I try to run a 5K five or so times per week — but it feels like NOTHING compared to normal colleagues (read: not the marathon fanatic type). What is a good amount to be running per week, per day? I just get so bored, but I know I need to start pushing myself further than a measly 5K.

—32-y.o. mom of 2-y.o.

[Anonymous]

If you can, try to mix it up---not the same 5k every time. You should be doing various types of speed work, hill repeats, yasso 800s, etc. Some longer runs, some shorter runs...
What are your goals? Are you planning to run a race? There's no real "good amount" to run-it will depend on your abilities and goals.

[Anonymous]

What's a moderate impressive distance to run 4-5 times a week? 5 miles per run? I feel like I heard one late 20s colleague say she runs 6-10 miles each run. Isn't that excessive or is that not a big deal?

[Anonymous]

Running is bad for your joints, don't overdo it!!!
Let your colleagues get knee replacements at 50, but not you.

Be creative, and get off the running bandwagon.

[Anonymous]

Why are you trying to have your workout match your colleagues'? If you find running boring, do something else or mix it up with some running - vary routes - and some other types of exercise.

[Anonymous]

Elliptical. Rowing. Bike.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What's a moderate impressive distance to run 4-5 times a week? 5 miles per run? I feel like I heard one late 20s colleague say she runs 6-10 miles each run. Isn't that excessive or is that not a big deal?

6-10 miles/run, five times/week, is a lot--on average 40 miles/week. That's quite a bit if she's not training for something in particular, and even if she is, not something most people sustain over long periods of time.

I've been a runner since HS, and love it, but feel better when I do other things, too. Weight lifting, swimming, rowing (was a rower in college and after). Yoga. Your body needs variety. Unless you're a professional runner, there's no need to go crazy. Do what you enjoy!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you can, try to mix it up---not the same 5k every time. You should be doing various types of speed work, hill repeats, yasso 800s, etc. Some longer runs, some shorter runs...
What are your goals? Are you planning to run a race? There's no real "good amount" to run-it will depend on your abilities and goals.

I think that 15 miles a week is a good amount (less likely to injure yourself with too much mileage), but agree that you should mix it up if you can. Do one 5-6 mile run, one 3 mile run and a couple where you do sprints or hills. I feel great when I do that!

[Anonymous]

This is an incredibly individualized situation. Do not, I repeat, do not compare and contrast mileage or how fast you run per mile with other people. You know your body and you know what's right for you. Just be careful about dramatically increasing your mileage per week, it's
An easy way to get injured.

You are your own person, do what feels and is right for you.

[Anonymous]

I run a lot more than all the people here, but that's because I've been running forever and I'm training for somethings. No comparisons!!

[Anonymous]

It doesn't matter what they're running. 10 miles a week is great for some people. 70+ is the norm for others. It doesn't mean they are better runners than you either--I run about 25 miles a week and have faster race times from the mile to the half marathon than many people I know who run double that mileage. You do what makes you happy and keeps you in shape (and injury free).

[Anonymous]

I run six miles at a time, but I never run two days in a row.

[Anonymous]

Nothing wrong with "just" running 5K at a time. If it's the distance that works for you, great. Some say there's a lifetime limit to how much your knees and other joints will let you run, so maybe you'll never hit that limit and you'll be able to run happily forever while some of us are getting knee replacements or switching to swimming.

I'm one of those people who routinely runs 5-7 miles several times a week. In my case, it's because I like to run a 10-miler every year, and it's easier for me to just stay in shape for that than to let myself get down to lower miles and have to ramp back up. I used to run marathons, so I'm actually running about half the mileage I used to run. Typical for me is alternating days of 5-6 miles. When ramping up for a race, it might be 3-4 days a week, 25 miles total. I'm 44.

[Anonymous]

9:47 here - by "alternating days" I mean I usually run on Day 1 and do something lower-impact on Day 2, like lifting weights and getting on the arc trainer. Running consecutive days can sometimes lead to overtraining for me.

[Anonymous]

I think I need to push harder than 5K. I don't know what is normal for someone active my age? 5K is low 20s min. It sounds like many people run 45-60 min when they run? In other words, 5-8 miles per run?