50+ Number of running days per week ...

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7 Replies Last post: Apr 21, 2008 1:36 PM by Pete O'Boyle

StephanieSCares

101 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

Apr 2, 2008 2:09 AM

50+ Number of running days per week

I formerly ran 5-6 days per week. Currently training for a 1/2 May 4. Several have suggested tha I run only 3-4 days per week with recovery time between runs. I am 55, run ~40 miles a week. Any thoughts on this? There is a recent article on this in Fitness Magazine as it relates to Marathon training.

Thanks for your input.

Stephanie

Jim24315

1,926 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

1. Apr 2, 2008 5:47 AM

in response to: StephanieSCares

Re: 50+ Number of running days per week

If you have been getting along well running 5-6 days I defintely would not change it. I've observed many, many runners over the years and swear I do not see those who run less frequently being less any susceptible to injuries than those who do. If anything it seems like they have more problems. Is it a chicken or egg thing--I don't know. In other words are those who run more often getting hurt less because they run more, or are they running more because they get hurt less?

Personally, I have always done better when I run more regularly. I recover more easily, race faster, and have had relatively few injuries (knock on wood). I believe the body tends to adapt. I'm 62 and run amost everyday. YTD average weekly mileage is 57. When daylight savings time is in effect I often run twice in the same day. It's not a religion where I must run every day--I'll take a day off if I need it. I just don't schedule them. A big key to making it work is being sure to run nice and easy on most days. If possible I think it also helps to run on softer surfaces as often as you can.

I hope this helps. Good luck in you half.

StephanieSCares

101 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

2. Apr 3, 2008 1:46 AM

in response to: Jim24315

Re: 50+ Number of running days per week

Thanks for your input. I think the key for me is too run easier. I tend to run hard on most days. I really enjoy running every or nearly every day, so I think I will work or re-arranging the intensity of my workouts. Thanks Again Stephanie

JPGarland

777 posts since
Dec 7, 2007

3. Apr 6, 2008 5:38 PM

in response to: StephanieSCares

Re: 50+ Number of running days per week

I agree with Jim. I take one day off a week, although when I gear up for a marathon in the fall I might try to go 7 days occasionally. Except for base-building periods, I also run at least one speed workout a week.

If you've not had problems running 5 or 6 days, no reason to change, particularly if you recover quickly. I, too, tend to run "easy" days too fast, but I haven't broken down in a while and I feel comfortable at "too fast" paces.

cuchulain9

19 posts since
Nov 29, 2006

4. Apr 8, 2008 11:02 PM

in response to: StephanieSCares

Re: 50+ Number of running days per week

Well I would add the cliche 'listen to your body'. I've been a serious runner all my life and am now 55. I ran 6 days a week all through my prime. I now run 5 and it works very well. The combination of the extra rest day and much trail running has lead to several years of essentially injury free running, and therefore much better running then when I tried to maintain my 6 day schedule. I do a long run on the weekend and take monday off. Include one 'high quality' workout during the week, and take friday off leading into the weekend. That works for me.

tomwhite

1,993 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

5. Apr 11, 2008 6:09 PM

in response to: cuchulain9

Re: 50+ Number of running days per week

...maryt (if she ever posts here again)

had a VERY

good ''Easy-Easy-Hard ''

Schedule which would fit into

just about any running regimin,

if you can run that often, don't change a thing,

if you start racking up injuries,,,give it a try,,,,

..........Good Running to Ya......

OldXCguy

177 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

6. Apr 21, 2008 9:16 AM

in response to: StephanieSCares

Re: 50+ Number of running days per week

Sounds like you have received some good advice. I've frequently heard people say that older runners should take more time off, but I've never seen any science or hard data supporting that suggestion. If anything, it may be one of those things that gets repeated often enough that everyone accepts it as truth. I generally take a day off about once a month, but if I'm feeling good, I sometimes won't even do that.

Pete O'Boyle

74 posts since
Oct 17, 2007

7. Apr 21, 2008 1:36 PM

in response to: OldXCguy

Re: 50+ Number of running days per week

I go the other direction; after back-to-back injuries 8-9 years ago I decided to run only every other day, 3-4 days maximum a week, with cross training or rest in between (I do a lot of bike riding in the summer). I ran a 3:19 marathon at age 51 on 20-25 miles of running a week (plus two spin classes). I made sure I got the most out of each run, doing track work and mile repeats and tempo runs at race pace. If you can run every day and not get injured, more power to you.

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Apr 2, 2008 2:09 AM

50+ Number of running days per week

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