Hey guys I am sophomore in high school currently running 55-60 miles per week. I have reached to as much 70 in early season XC but with more speed work I have kept it down. Started running last winter. Current PR's of 16:30 5k, 4:30 1500 (working on getting this one down) and a 1:18 half marathon. My question is: is this enough or should I be doing more like 70-80? Have seen pros and cons for both increasing and decreasing mileage out there.
Sophomore here, with similar PRs (16:27, 4:39, 10:18, @ 40mpw). While higher milage isn't a bad idea, I think right were you're at is perfect. It gives you some space to increase milage later on as you grow older, and seems manageable for someone of your ability. Now, if you were to ask me, does milage = faster times, yes, but only to a certain extent. Correct me if I'm wrong, but while there's huge difference between 30mpw-50mpw, there isn't much of a difference between 80mpw-100mpw. What am I trying to say? Increasing milage from where you're at isn't necessarily going to make you faster, although who knows, it might work for you. So to answer your question, I think that as long as you're running an amount of miles you're comfortable at, then there isn't a need to increase, or decrease milage. However, once summer comes in and it's time to build the base for xc, I don't see anything wrong with toying around with some higher milage.
-Leo
After only one year of running, there is no reason for you to be doing more than 55-60 mpw.
After one year of running, there is no reason for you to be doing less than 55-60 mpw, since you are not injured. By the way, to average 55-60 over the whole year, you are going to have a few weeks of the year barely making 40 and a few weeks at 70-75.
Becoming good takes a long time and there is nothing you can do to rush it.
OP,
Are you running three seasons and many races each season?
With many races, you should be able to tell if you are improving.
If you are improving, you are doing enough.
Thanks for the advice really appreciate it. I find I am improving as the season progresses. Only done one 3k indoor and running two mile this weekend hoping to go under 10. We'll see.
Thanks again it's nice to have confidence in my training from guys who know their stuff.