I'm 55, I started running recreationally last summer, I clocked 25 mins for a 5K in the fall, I run maybe 15 miles per week tops.
1. For me, what distance would be considered a "long run"?
2. Given that I am not out to break any world records, if I ran regularly up to 25 miles per week, say 5 days at 5 miles each, would that be considered a "workout"?
Need advice from the younger crowd.
Break up the monotony. Maybe work toward some 6 or 7 mile long runs broken up with 2 or 3 mile recovery days. If you run 5 days a week, maybe shoot for 30-35% of your mileage on one of those days.
Good on you for taking up running!
1. Even 1 or 2 miles could be considered a workout for a beginner. Some people takes years to work up to 5 miles in one workout. Give yourself some credit.
2. If you're taking 2 days off a week, run slightly harder on the day before the day off. For instance, if you take Thursday and Sunday off, run a little faster on Wednesday and Sunday.
Note: If you are running all your workouts at the same pace, try mixing it up; if you want to run a faster 5K, try throwing in some brief pick-ups (60-90 seconds or so) at a slightly faster pace.
Check in with Ed Whitlock.
The man has class enough to post here and EVERYONE who's here can learn from him.