Why do you need to increase? Why not just maintain your current level for a while and find some good races to enter to keep you focused?

What exactly are your goals and what do you mean by increase your "running ability"?

Hi,

"Increasing my running ability" usually means running farther or running faster depending on your own personal situation. Time is a factor as is personality. To some, it is natural for them to continue to extend their range, and they do so until they hit a point where it makes sense for them to level off. Some on these boards have started on 5K's, gone to 10K's, then to half marathons, and finally to the marathon. Some have gone even further (or have gotten into triathalons, etc). But the longer runs take time and as you say, that is definitely a consideration. You kind of have to play it by ear for your personal situation at each point in time I think. For now, you may want to improve your speed (don't we all?) but later on, you may want to increase the length of your runs. I would expect that as we continue as runners, we may go in one direction and then in another direction as things change. But the important thing is that it has got to be fun. Whatever way you want to go, it has to be fun, and then you will continue and follow through. Sometimes a change of focus is just the thing you need to make things more interesting, too.

My two cents worth, good luck to you!

huskydon