Anonymous wrote:This is a little off topic, but I am a new runner (40) and am trying to figure out how much and how often to run. I get a little obsessive about things, and my intention was to run 3-4 times a week, just a couple of miles to make sure I don't get an injury - I have achilles problems. But now a couple miles a few times a week doesn't seem like enough. What's reasonable? How far do people usually go? I am never going to be a good runner, but I just don't know what is typical for a recreational run-for-your-health person in terms of milage...

As a new runner, your best bet is to follow a program. Couch to 5k program, or if you're already in great shape, any 5k training program for beginning or intermediate runners should be fine. Even if you're in great shape, it will take awhile for your muscles and bones to build the strength necessary to withstand all the pounding. I was just reading that beginning runners (in their first year of running) are the most injury-prone.

FWIW, I've been running pretty regularly for about 12 years now, and average 10-15 miles/week (depending on if I can find time for a long run). In my first couple years, I did more like 5-8 miles/week. That's probably a safe goal for your first year.

To the PP asking about mileage -- I run about 40 miles a week -- a little over 5 a day. to me, under 5 isn't worth my time.

Anonymous wrote:This is a little off topic, but I am a new runner (40) and am trying to figure out how much and how often to run. I get a little obsessive about things, and my intention was to run 3-4 times a week, just a couple of miles to make sure I don't get an injury - I have achilles problems. But now a couple miles a few times a week doesn't seem like enough. What's reasonable? How far do people usually go? I am never going to be a good runner, but I just don't know what is typical for a recreational run-for-your-health person in terms of milage...

People go as far as they need to go to fulfill their goals? What are yours?

For health, my goal is 250 minutes of HARD aerobic exercise per week. That would be 5 30 minute runs a week.

I'm like the PP -- only a bit newer to running.

I've been running since I was about 27 years old - 41 now. I run almost every day. Feel weird if I miss a day, but don't think that's a problem -- I agree with the brushing teeth analogy. I'm in great shape, and I don't get injured

This is a little off topic, but I am a new runner (40) and am trying to figure out how much and how often to run. I get a little obsessive about things, and my intention was to run 3-4 times a week, just a couple of miles to make sure I don't get an injury - I have achilles problems. But now a couple miles a few times a week doesn't seem like enough. What's reasonable? How far do people usually go? I am never going to be a good runner, but I just don't know what is typical for a recreational run-for-your-health person in terms of milage...

Anonymous wrote:I've been running almost everyday (I usually take Saturdays off) since I was in high school. Pregnancy, wind, rain, snow, blazing summer days aren't enough to keep me home. I admit I do alter my routes when the elements are real bad, but I always have a 1 mile minimum each day.

It's like brushing teeth. Skipping it doesn't feel right.

35 years old.

This. Though, for me it's more about working out six days/week rather than running per se (though a lot of those workouts were/are running). I'm 37.

I've been running almost everyday (I usually take Saturdays off) since I was in high school. Pregnancy, wind, rain, snow, blazing summer days aren't enough to keep me home. I admit I do alter my routes when the elements are real bad, but I always have a 1 mile minimum each day.

It's like brushing teeth. Skipping it doesn't feel right.

35 years old.

I'm 46 and I run every day. I know lots of people who say they feel much less injury prone running every day.

I've been running for 20 years and I do sprint tris. I swim with people in their early 50s who do Ironman tris.

As long as your body isn't giving you problems, it's fine to run every day. Make sure that you are taking a vitamin and getting enough calcium. 4 miles isn't too far to run every day.

Anonymous wrote:I walk at least an hour every day. Personally, it's more relaxing for me than running and I'm losing weight.

PP here: I'm 47.

I walk at least an hour every day. Personally, it's more relaxing for me than running and I'm losing weight.

You may want to get help for that underlying mental health issue. I also get a psychological benefit from running but I don't run every day. The problem you have is that you do need rest days or you risk injury. Plus if you ever do get sick or injured, you won't have a backup. Probably, if you are so dependent on it, its beginning to rule your life and you make sacrifices that you shouldn't. This kind of compulsiveness isn't healthy.

I'm 50 and I run 5 days a week.

41...maybe the clock is ticking on this habit for me!

How old are you? I used to run every day, 5m, but now if I do 5m or more 2 days in a row I hurt the next day, and not in a good way. I am 45.

I run for mental health, as well as the obvious physical benefits. I think I am psychologically dependent on my daily run or I feel terrible. How bad is it for my body to run (nearly) every day? About 4 miles...