There is an interesting article out on Podium runner about why it's easier to run 6-7 days a week versus 2-3.
1) Habit momentum is huge. It becomes automatic. It's something you just do - not a decision to make.
I 100% agree with this. When I was training, I ran and the day was fitted around that. Now it's the opposite.
2) Health dependency.
Basically if you run a lot, your get used to it and when you stop, you feel depressed. I 100% agree with this. I remember feeling down in college and realized it was because I wasn't running at all.
3) It's easier to run when you feel fit.
I 100% agree with this. I've always told people, "there is nothing worse than trying to run when you aren't fit."
4) The more you run, the less likely you are to get hurt.
I 100% agree with this. Starting up as a runner is the hardest. Once your body gets used to running, it's much easier to not get injured.
So what do you guys think?
Back when I was training, I remember my 90+ grandmother saying to me, "I can imagine nothing worse than waking up and realizing I had to run 15 miles that day." I told her it was the opposite. Running was the highlight of the day and it wasn't something I had to decide to do. I thought about that first and everything else second. Now it's impossible for me to run even in the whole week what I used to run in a day.
Along these lines, I also remember reading in the NY Times that it's hard for former 'elite' athletes to stay fit after retirement. Not that I was ever truly elite, but I agree. Now that I have no time goal or PR I'll ever hit, it's like "what''s the point." If I go some sort of treadmill class where people are giving each other high fives for running for an hour, it's hard not to think what I used to do.
https://www.podiumrunner.com/training/why-its-easier-to-run-six-times-a-week-than-two-times/