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.

I only do short, 2-3 mile runs, but I run hard. When I do slower, longer runs, I don't feel as good. To me, it's the intensity of the workout that lifts my spirits. Not saying you're running slowly, just adding my own thoughts.

I average between 7:30/8:15 minute miles

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...

I agree with others that there is no fixed rule. It all depends on your goals and your available time. For me, it's mostly about available time. Four years ago (age 40), I was running 4mi 3x/week, plus a long 6-10mi run on the weekend. Two years ago, I ran 2mi per day 5-6x/week. Now, I run 6mi 5x/week, with nothing on the weekends. All depends on when you can fit the run into your schedule.

Can you find another exercise that gives you a similar rush and do that every other day (or just some days) instead of running every single day? I'd be worried about joint issues from the constant pounding, as running puts impact on your joints equal to 4x your body weight. (vs 1x for running.)

I know as a 41-year-old runner who's been running a ton since high school, my knees would not be ok with me running every day. (I do 5-6 miles every other day during the week, with a 7-10 miler - or longer- on weekends.) So on alternate days, I lift weights and do some low-impact cardio on the Arc trainer, and my joints have been ok.

Anonymous wrote:I've been running for 20 years and I do sprint tris. I swim with overwhelmingly males 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.

I fixed for you. The ladies? Those knees and hips start deteriorating from dwindling estrogen. Sad, and sad for me personally

--- 46 yo who'll stick with sprint length, too

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I personally think that if exercise is keeping anxiety at bay, then you should keep exercising and not worry about taking meds. Meds have side effects. There's also a good chance you'll be able to exercise into your golden years (swimming, yoga, tennis, etc). If it ain't broke...

Used to take Zoloft for anxiety. Started running after diagnosis of Osteopenia 3 years ago, run 2.5 mi. 6 days per week, now don't need the Zoloft. I'm in my late 50's (female).

OP here--the pp who mentioned depression/anxiety is probably onto something. It is definitely a bit of self-medication. Not sure what came first though--the anxiety or the "addiction" to running. I have a tendency to have all or nothing thinking. Can I ask what medication you take for your depression? I also wonder if maybe I have some seasonal affective disorder--running in the early am darkness doesn't help nearly as much as running in sunlight. As long as running has worked, I have been happy to avoid medication, but I am open to the possibility that it is a Bandaid and a risky one at that, if I am injured etc. I am an awful swimmer, and hate the gym, but rowing is a good thought--thank you.

Anonymous wrote:OP here--I agree that there is a compulsive element after a while--for those of you who get and rely on the runner's high, do any other exercise/sports etc. give you the same feeling?

The question is bigger than that. Are you fighting off depression or anxiety? Maybe the running is working but it is a precarious thing to rely on, especially since it sounds compulsive. Is there any reason you haven't gotten professional help? I have depression. I run 30 to 35 miles a week and it absolutely helps my mental health. But I also take medication and see a therapist. Last week I was pretty sick and couldn't run. If it was my only support I would have been pretty miserable. plus there are days when I have to miss a run because of something with my kids or whatever and I can do that without wigging out.

Anonymous wrote:OP here--I agree that there is a compulsive element after a while--for those of you who get and rely on the runner's high, do any other exercise/sports etc. give you the same feeling?

PP here: rowing and swimming. I rowed competitively for 10 years, and that's a great high. But seriously, a good hard swim almost feels better than a run--your body's just so stretched out. Has to be fairly intense, though, i.e., you need decent form to get there.

Biking's never done it for me, OTOH.

You are probably OK at 4 miles. But much more than that and I think you are going to risk injury over time IF you don't do other things to prevent injury. Many runners get "runner's knee" because they don't have the right shoes, need orthotics, or are not doing the right leg exercises to strengthen the muscles that help your knee track straight.

After being injured several times for running too much, I know now when I need to lay off the running for a day or two or else risk not being able to run for weeks while I recover from something. When I start to feel the known symptoms, I switch to the elliptical or rowing for a day or two. I REALLY wish I had easy access to a swimming pool that wasn't insanely crowded to alternate running with.

This was an interesting article I read about a guy who went from being addicted to drugs to being addicted to super long distance running and the concerns about what would happen if he got injured. Kind of related.

http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-05-24/sports/39491151_1_monday-morning-rain-program-director

OP here--I agree that there is a compulsive element after a while--for those of you who get and rely on the runner's high, do any other exercise/sports etc. give you the same feeling?

Anonymous wrote: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.

I only do short, 2-3 mile runs, but I run hard. When I do slower, longer runs, I don't feel as good. To me, it's the intensity of the workout that lifts my spirits. Not saying you're running slowly, just adding my own thoughts.

I run everyday but not long distances. Usually 1-3 miles as a warm up before I workout. I do longer runs three times a week. I also lift everyday too though so my body is used to working hard. I wouldn't recommend it for someone new but it works for me.

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...

I agree with PP that it depends what your goals are! When I first began running my goal was a 5K, so I was running 3 times/wk to work my way up to the 5K. My next goal was a faster 5K, so I was running between 2-4 miles at a time (3-4 runs/wk) with a faster pace on the short runs. After that I began doing a slow 5 miles some Saturdays and found that I liked the longer runs better than short, fast ones, so I started training for a 10K, and after that eventually worked my way up to about 20 miles/wk with an 8 mile run on Saturdays. Now, just getting back to running 8 months postpartum, my goal is really just to get my ass out the door and running, period. I'm aiming for 2 miles 3-4 times/wk to start.

If your goal is recreation and general health, you've got those things covered if you're doing about 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. Anything beyond that can be whatever you want it to be!