Running Everyday??

Most high mileage runners run every day - at least when they're putting the big miles in.

But - a lot of miles are easy miles. If your legs ache then probably you're trying to run too fast on your easy days/runs. Do the work-outs you need/want to do; and then take everything else very easy.

Yes, most competitive runners run everyday. Many run twice a day. I probably avg 10-11 runs a week.

Sounds like you are pretty much running ONLY workouts. Try getting in an extremely easy run between those hard days. These are called recovery runs, because their purpose is to help your legs feel better after a hard run, and prepare you for another.

I do 3 weeks of running every day, then 2 days off and the rest of the week easy.

The 21 day streaks of running I run hard 3 times a week, and ice, eat well and make sure to get plenty of sleep.

I agree with the above two posters. Don't worry if your pace is even a couple minutes slower per mile than normal.

Also, consider periodizing. String together a month or two of high miles where you are running mostly easy with a few tempo type runs a week, getting out the door every day, twice when you can.

Then, after that, go back to your current training plan. You might be surprised by the results.

runningpipefitter wrote:

Do you higher mileage runners run every single day? I run 40 mpw and only run 4-5 days a week. My legs ache if I try to run everyday and I get super stressed if I miss a workout. With 4 key workouts in a week ( easy, speed, medium long distance, and then long run) my legs feel good through the week and it feels like I can handle the work load. But some of the old school high mileage runners claim, never take a day off and run through pain! I need some more thoughts

Well, I don't see why the easy day needs to be considered a "key workout". So let's call them three workouts a week. Then the runs in between can be very easy recovery days, possibly even slower than what you would currently consider "easy". So easy that you maybe don't want to know how fast you're going. Then you base your week off of the three key workouts, put in the easy days for recovery in between, and if you miss a workout you can always change things around a little. I never run too well after a day off, and that extra easy mileage really helps you get stronger after a few weeks, it's kind of surprising. You should feel better after an easy day, not worse. If you feel more tired after an easy run, you need to decrease the speed and/or distance.

The very fact you are NOT running every day may be the reason you are getting sore. I think if you were to start running every day (with several of those easy, as others have recommended), your muscles will build a better level of tolerance for the workouts you are currently putting in. Short-term you may experience more soreness, but long-term you will be more comfortable, and probably faster as a result of running every day.

I run at least once every day and take a day off every 2 weeks or so (or when I feel like it). When I take a day off I usually feel much worse and it takes a couple of days to start feeling good again. Over Christmas I took off 2 days in a row and only ran 30 miles for the week. I felt horrible on my first couple of runs back. I am now just starting to feel good again. 2 bad I have the HURT 100 in 2 weeks. Races always mess up my training!

I average around 120mpw.

[quote]XCZ wrote:

I do 3 weeks of running every day

Wow!!! Three weeks of running every day. I'm guessing that would be around 180 miles per day. You must be in amazing shape. Congrats.

not easily impressed wrote:

[quote]XCZ wrote:

I do 3 weeks of running every day

Wow!!! Three weeks of running every day. I'm guessing that would be around 180 miles per day. You must be in amazing shape. Congrats.

I think he means that he does 3 weeks of running every day.

You could try running every day. If you do, try it for at least 3 weeks to make sure that sore legs isn't just from the initial increase in workload (i.e. to give your legs time to adjust).

But if running every day doesn't feel good, then don't do it. If you're healthy and having a good time and running times that you are satisfied with off 4-5 days a week then go ahead and do it. .

We run twice a day every day.

Quoth Geb: "I run twice a day every day except Christmas".

Goodness gracious - who in their right mind would run everyday?? It's like those people who shower as often as once a day. Can you believe it? Once a day!!!!

What is "Old School". Did someone find a new short cut to success?

Your post leaves many questions.

What are your goals? Are you running for fitness? Are you running to set a new PR? Are you training for a marathon? Are you a triathlete? Do you have something against running? What do you call high mileage?

40 mpw isnt too shabby....thats 2000+ mile per year.

If your running 40 mpw consistantly, which I doubt, then running 4 days a week or 7 days should'nt matter. If your just increasing your mileage and are just hitting 40 mpw then I would suspect some aches.

Nobody should run through pain.....achy, tired, sluggish..thats different. If your adding miles or intensity then you should be feeling a little achy and tired. Build for 3 weeks then rest.

40 mpw is about the most I would recommend anyone to run on just 4 or 5 days per week.

Those high mileage everyday runners are the ones in front of the pack. The only thing "Old School" about them may be there shorts.

Runners Run

You sound like a perfect candidate for FIRST. It's the "Run Less is More" thats sweeping the nation. Perfect for those that need rest between workouts. Who wants to run all those extra miles anyway. Not when you can do it on 3 or 4 runs a week. Leave the high mileage for those idiots who enjoy casting shadows on the sidewalks as they pass under streetlamps in those wee hours of the morning.

Furmans Institute of Running and Scientific Training. Check it out.