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16 years ago 06/08/2007 9:06pm EDT

So, I\'m done with my college career in field events, and I want to run to stay in shape (I know, I know...rip me apart for this failure to be dedicated on a spiritual and competitive level) BUT...I'm used to sprinting/plyos/weights for training...have not run farther than 2-3 miles at a time in the past 5 years.

I\'m kind of clueless on how quickly I should try to run longer/faster...and should I try running for time or distance? Any insight? To give you a frame of reference regarding my level of pathetic-ness, I ran a hilly 3 miles in, um, 25 minutes tonight.

(woman, by the way)

16 years ago 06/08/2007 9:14pm EDT

re: A Cleland

Everyone at letsrun is a sub 3:50 miler, can jog a sub 2:30 marathon with zero training while living in their parents basement and have 5600 miles on their shoes before they change them.

Go get some experience then talk to us.

16 years ago 06/08/2007 9:45pm EDT

re: A Cleland

25 minutes for a hilly 3 miles is not really that pathetic for a female with almost zero aerobic training.

I'm not gonna spit out alot of info to you because my knowledge is limited. I'll leave that to the experts here. Also, you haven't indicated what your goals are. Are you interested in becoming competitive in middle/long distance events? Or are you just interested in general fitness and participating in the occasional local fun run?

Either way, you really don't need to be concerned at this point with making dramatic leaps in your weekly mileage. Anyone who knows what they are talking about will tell you to build your base slowly. Building too quickly could result in injuries. And there is also really no need to be keeping track of your times at this point, unless you just really want to. Just build your mileage (although without knowing your goals, I couldnt really tell you what weekly mileage to shoot for). You can worry about splits and interval work down the road when you decide you want to race (if you want to race).

16 years ago 06/08/2007 9:51pm EDT

re: i kinda like running

sorry, i didn't notice the first time that you indicated you just want to run to stay in shape. My advice is still the same though.

16 years ago 06/08/2007 9:59pm EDT

re: i kinda like running

25 minutes is actually very good.

Run how you feel, don't push yourself, don't worry about how fast you're going. If you want to do something quick, or you're feeling bored one day, try throwing in some pickups in the middle of your run. I used to run on a road with lamp posts, and when I was having a bad day I would make up a workout, like go three lamposts fast and then slow for three. Bring a friend, bring a ball, throw it around, and try to have fun.

None of that advice will necessarily make you better, but it will keep you sane :)

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