‘How often should I run?’ is most commonly asked among people who are new to running. You may be wondering how many days in the week you should run and how far should you run. Some people are so motivated when getting started that they think they should run every day, some even want to go as far as running twice a day, every day.
The truth is that if you are a new runner and you run too often at the beginning, there is a risk that you will suffer an injury or burn out quickly. Some may even become discouraged entirely from running.
In this article, we will be discussing the intricacies of running. We will also highlight some recommended running distances for runners, either you are a beginner, at the intermediate level of running or you are an elite runner.
How Often Should I Run – Running Every Day?
When it comes to running, there are three important variables to note. They are:
- The frequency of running: How often should you run?
- Duration of running: How far should you run?
- The intensity of running: How fast should you run?
The best way to get the benefits you desire from running is to run at least a couple of times in a week. Unless you are an elite runner whose body has adapted to running, you shouldn’t run every day. Your body needs time to rest to grow and become stronger and daily running interferes with proper recovery.
How Far Should I Go On My First Run?
If you are the type of person that has actively participated or is still actively participating in sports that require running such as football, basketball, then you can run as much as 3 to 4 miles on your first run. The most important thing is to ensure that you do not push your body beyond its limitations too early.
If you are not athletic or an active sports person, then on your first run, you can go as far as 1 to 3 miles. The aim of running for you is to see how your body adapts or reacts to your first run. If you are really out of shape, start off with just walking a mile.
How Many Miles Should I Run In A Week?
No handbook or rulebook answers the question of ‘How often should I run?’. There are important factors to be considered like- how experienced you are with running, what your personal goals are, as well as reviewing your daily schedule.
We will expect you to cover more miles per week if you are an elite runner compared to a mid-range runner. We also expect a mid-range runner to cover more miles compared to a beginner.
Do I Need To Lift Weights Despite Being A Runner?
The simple answer is yes. Some runners think that if they work out, their muscle mass will increase, and they won’t be able to run fast. The fact remains that working out helps you to improve your strength and endurance.
How Often Should I Run – Rest Days Are Important
No matter how motivated you are as a runner, you should not play around with your rest days. They are as important as your running days. Resting as a runner helps to keep your body in shape, and it also keeps your spirit reinvigorated.
What Should I Do If I Get Injured While Running?
If you get injured while running, you will need to find an excellent local sports medicine healthcare provider. 9INE POINT Health can link you up with a top healthcare provider in your area. 9INE POINT Health allows you to search for healthcare providers based on skill set or type of provider so you can get exactly what you need.
KHO Health was acquired by was acquire by 9INE POINT in the summer of 2019 and is now referred to as 9INE POINT Health.
