A question that I have repeatedly received lately is some variation of
“How do you run so much?”
I don’t really know how to answer because “I just do” doesn’t make for a very informative post. So I’ll try to go a little deeper…
The disclaimer: “so much” is a subjective term like “fast” or “slow”.
To an ultra runner, I probably don’t run that much. To my husband who doesn’t run at all, I’m insane. So it’s all subjective – I’d guess I run about 60-65 miles a week on average (I don’t track weeks) and to me, that’s not really high mileage… although I am hoping to hit 300 miles for this month which I’ve never done before.
First, I believe that some people are just born with bodies that can sustain higher mileage better than others. We all know of a runner who’s continually injured – think of Dathan Ritzenhein, a world class athlete who’s been plagued with injuries throughout his career.
It’s important to note that being injury-prone has nothing to do with your work ethic, your pain tolerance or your determination and will; it’s just the way some bodies are made.
Second, I don’t believe you have to run high mileage to be a runner or even a good runner. Do what you can with the body you have. Not everyone has the body that can handle a ton of miles nor does everyone have the time.
PRIORITIZE
Speaking of time, I have a lot of it which makes it indefinitely easier to run more miles – I don’t have kids and only have a part time job. I’ve said this many times, but I’m in awe of y’all who make it work with kids, jobs, school, actual lives…
My friend Nicole has a high powered, high stress job, 2 small children, trains for marathons and blogs. How does she do it? She gets up at 4am to get her workouts in. You make the time for what’s important so make your health and your workouts a priority!
MOTIVATION
I run as much as do because I love to run. I don’t run out of guilt or “have to”; I run for me and me alone. My running is innately selfish. But even though I love it, there’s still days where I don’t feel like running, where I use the same motivational tricks as everyone else:
-The 10 minute Rule
-Thinking of how good I will feel afterwards
-Scaling back expectations and completing part of the workout instead of nothing
-Thinking of a friend/running partner/future race that’s particularly motivating to you
-Having someone run with you to keep you accountable
“Always aim low.” - funny, the exact same thing my guidance counselor told me
I have many runs where I count down the minutes or miles, where I just can’t wait to finish. Sometimes running is fun, easy and magical but most of the time, it’s plain hard work and you don’t always feel up to it. and that’s ok. Just do it anyways.
PHYSICAL
One thing that I think really helps me log more miles is that I don’t run the majority of my miles hard. I might do 10 a day but 90% of those miles are run at a relatively easy-medium pace. You can’t run as many miles as possible as hard as possible without dangerously toeing the injury line.
I’d rather run farther than faster so that’s what I choose – more “junk” miles. I honestly do not care enough about a PR to go train for it or cut back on miles. Someone asked me about trying to sub 3 and I said, Ehh not interested. Running’s just not that important to me.
It’s just running, not life. And if it is your life, you might want to think about changing some things.
My style of training probably wouldn’t be considered “smart marathon training”.
Physically to run heavy mileage, you have to put in some TLC time outside of running. For me, that means stretching after every run, icing my knees and hips, wearing proper shoes and being aware of potential injuries (how I recovered from one).
If something doesn’t feel right, I’ll take a day(s) off. For example, after the LA Marathon, my one shin was really sore. I don’t know if it was from running a marathon in the rain (the wet shoe or something?) but I took 5-6 days off from running and 3 days of complete rest along with icing it twice daily and wearing a compression sleeve.
After a week of rest I ran a half marathon the following weekend without any pain.
It’s always better to take an extra rest day rather than push it and risk an injury. Speaking of injuries…
PAIN AND INJURIES
When you’re running races or high mileage, it helps to learn the difference between simply being in pain from exertion and having an injury. There aren’t set rules and it’s different for everyone, but I think the more you run, the more familiar you get with your body and what’s normal pain and what’s injury pain.
If you run a marathon, you’re gonna feel like death at mile 22. Everything from the waist down will hurt and ache. But if that pain diminishes after you cross the line, that’s not an injury – that’s just toughing it out and asking a lot from your body. It’s ok to hurt and it’s ok to be uncomfortable.
Generally I think injuries are more of a long time coming thing, but of course, that’s not always the case and there’s all sorts of different injuries. I also think that runners have sort of a sixth sense about their bodies and can feel when something is off or wrong. If you do, back down, slow down and reassess what’s going on.
Homeboy needs to do a little reassessing; he might be injured.
Summarizing this long post, I have off days like anyone else where I just don’t feel like running, where I lack motivation and where it’s just plain tough. I have bad runs too but at the end of the day, it’s normal. It’s ok to have tough runs and it’s ok to push yourself to be uncomfortable. Just get out there and keep going.
Any tips, advice, motivation you have to add?
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I really loved this post and completely agree about priorities and making time for the things that are important to you. I also completely agree about the injuries! My boyfriend runs multiple marathons a year (all under 3:16′s) and he’s literally never been injured. While training for a summer marathon together last year, I slipped while running, tore the cartilage in my hip and am having surgery in 2 weeks.
We are all dealt a different card! I hope with my new bionic hip I’ll be back faster than ever.
Excellent post and insight. Your mileage amazes me because I’m more in the 20-30 mile per week range, but I most definitely would be running a lot more if it weren’t for this annoying thing that takes up my time, better known as sedentary desk job. boo.
With an injury the general rule of thumb is that you feel a clear imbalance between two body parts. Usually with soreness it is evened out over your body. So if your “hips” hurt, that is likely general soreness. If your “hip” hurts, then you want to slow down and rest.
Thanks Kevin, thats a great tip that i didnt know about!
Also Nicole is gorgeous, sweet, funny and fast. You know, no big deal.
we should probably hate her, huh?
can i get all weepy, girly and say how glad i am to have met all you girls through running?
ok, sappy moment completely over. dont tell anyone about this.
meee too!
(yeah pretty sure no one saw this moment).
Um, you guys are all kinds of crazy. And that’s why I luv ya.
I am so thankful for running because without it I wouldn’t have you all. That would suck. Seriously!
Seeeeeee uuuuuu sooooooon???
Wish I was cool enough and lucky enough to live down south with you all. I live vicariously through my bestie. You all inspire me in such different ways. All you ladies rock!
DITTO!!
This is a great post, and it makes me want to go run! Unfortunately I am suffering from a “long time coming” TRULY annoying injury where my patella isn’t tracking right and my knee buckles after 2 miles every time. Been out of commission for 2 months and just signed up for Chicago (don’t as me why) without knowing if it’ll be possible. It’s making me realize I should never take being able to run for granted – you’re totally right that taking care of yourself has gotta be #1.
Have you tried that strap? Or changing your shoes? I had that issue, but after I got the mueler strap for my knee and took out my othropedics (those over the counter powerstep ones my stupid doctor told me to get) from my shoes, my problem got better.
I have patellofemoral syndrome as well! My knee doesn’t buckle, so I am sorry that is happening to you. I have a knee brace tht is supposed to help keep the patella in line with a “butress” and it also provides some compression. I have thought about one of those straps. Is it just to help keep the IT band from becoming to tight and pulling on the patella?
I think what the strap does is that it applies pressure and relieves the forces that cause knee inflammation by bracing your knee tendon and slightly raising your kneecap, keeping it in proper alignment. That’s what I read. I personally kinda like the pressure it puts on my kneecap so it doesn’t feel as it bouncing around as much.
http://www.amazon.com/Mueller-Jumpers-Knee-Strap-Green/dp/B000F5WB5M/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1330095617&sr=1-2
I got one of these when I had issues. I use it mostly for incline TM runs and 15+ mile runs. I figured it was a pretty cheap solution to try out before committing to $40 knee braces and it worked for me.
I love your approach to running, it makes perfect sense. It does not have to be something complicated or difficult, it is a wonderful thing we love and are blessed to be able to get out and enjoy.
I was leaving work yesterday after a long day and knew I had planned on getting in a run as soon as I got home. I thought, oh I’m tired I don’t want to and replied to myself with, “I am a runner, that’s what runners do, they run” so I went for a run. Ok, so a sadly slow short jog around my neighborhood but to me – a run!
Many times I will think of those that are not able to run either due to injury, illness or are no longer with us and realize how blessed I am to have the choice so suck it up and get out there.
Very good, informative post!! I am a hard-core athlete. I am a personal trainer, aerobic instructor, marathoner, and adventure race competitor (and winner!). Point being, recently got injured during a simple run (tripped over my dang dogs’ leashes). I haven’t run in weeks, but have doubled my cross training. Since I am not truly “resting” (really…what is that?!? how do you do that?!?!) I have compensated for that injury and have caused 2 other injuries. I don’t know when I”ll ever run again… dramatic much?!?! Yes. What is your opinion on overtraining? I know that that must be the reason for my injuries….
I agree with you about some people being more injury prone than others.
I also think that as a person gets older stretching becomes more and more important. I never stretched before I turned thirty, but if I don’t now I have achilles and calf issues.
Mileage is subjective. I agree. I remember when I ran 18 mile weeks and thought that was a lot…
Really enjoyed this post! I really admire how much you can run & how often, but like you said, everyone is built differently. I got really into running over the summer & tried to run 4-5 days a week & kept getting injured. It also could’ve been I was trying to do too much too soon, but now I’m following the FIRST training program, which only has you running 3 days a week & my body is responding really well to it. I’m training for the Nashville Rock n’ Roll half in April, but spontaneously signed up for a half marathon for this weekend since my plan had me running 13 anyways…so I figured, why not! I totally plan to sport my new SR shirt! But I’m super nervous, hopefully it’ll bring me some luck
awesome! best of luck to you. rock it out!
Thanks for this post! Sometimes I need the reminder that I run for ME, not a PR or for anything else. Running is something I can be selfish with.
I think increasing mileage by 10% a week is a good plan for most people. It takes patience, but I think it helps with avoiding injury.
It took me a year to go from 30 to 60 mpw and now I’m working up to 70 (this week hopefully).
Also, rotating your running shoes is a good idea when you run a lot of miles.
Great job on your last marathon!
This post is great and actually exactly what I needed right now! Over the past 2 months, I’ve increased my mileage while training for the RNR DC Half Marathon. It’s hard for me to want to take extra rest days, but I’ve been trying to force myself when I feel something is wrong. That’s especially true this week as I can just tell that my left leg does not feel like it should when I run. Running is not about getting every single mile in. For me, it’s about having time to myself, and if I’m hurting doing that, then I need to rest up and get better. Or else I could seriously injure myself and not be able to run anymore. Thanks for a great post!
OO i’m doing DC Full R&R. Good Luck!
I think I need to start reading Nicole’s blog. I have the kids, but not job and it’s still a struggle.
When people ask me how I run so much, I think the key is that I want to. If you don’t want to run, you’re never going to get your mileage up.
I admire what you do with your running, I think I sometimes need a sports psychologist to figure out why I never work hard on my running..I will for swimming/biking..but running I seem to have an excuse as to why NOT to do it..wish I could change that!
I wonder what the long term effects on your joints will be when people have that high of mileage/year regardless if it’s slow or fast?
Love this post!
I often get asked the same -how I run so much with 2 small children (2 yr old and a 4 month old) and I reply with my favorite quote:
If something is important to you, you’ll find the time,
If not, you’ll find an excuse.
Even though I don’t think I run THAT much- DEFINITELY not 65 miles a week!… yet!
But with 2 small children, running 20 miles a week is even tough to get in!
love that quote!!!!
Great post! I am always crazy jealous of your workouts because I’m one of those people who seems to always be injured. So for now I am trying the Run Less Run Faster plan of just 3 days a week, but I am usually dying to run on at least 2 of those other days!!
Great post full of great tips.
I think being in tune to your body will keep you from injury and being in tune with your family will keep you from divorce.
I make sure my family knows I love them more than racing. If I feel a sore spot coming on I stop what I’m doing and prioritize again. Date night, trips to the zoo, hiking, whatever it takes to fill their love tanks.
I love this! Couldn’t agree more.
great point about priorities – make time for running/working out but dont make it your life. there are other things like family that are indefinitely more important!
Nice post! This really makes me want to go out and run now, but alas my shin splints are holding me back. Rule #1 is always listen to your body and it will always be the hardest rule to follow. I definitely need to take care of my body more after workouts. Thanks for the reminder!
Great post! I was asking that same question…”How does she run so much?! Doesn’t she hurt?” Haha! So I was so happy to see the post relating directly to that. I am a 34-yr old wife, mother of 3, home-office manager for our construction business, and a breast cancer survivor. I have been running since our daughter was 2 months old, so 8 years now. When I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in Sept 08, running became so much more to me than “exercise.” It is my stress reliever, my me-time, my life line. It keeps me strong and healthy, and helps to remind me what my body was like before I was diagnosed. There is not much about me that is the same as it was prior to cancer, but running is…it is my constant, and I love it.
Anyway, thanks for all the great information and for the inspiration to “keep going!” that I get from your blog every day. ((hugs))
Mark 5:36
wow, you have an incredible story!
“do not be afraid, just believe.” – love it.
Love this post!
I often get asked the same -how I run so much with 2 small children (2 yr old and a 4 month old) and a full time job, and I reply with my favorite quote:
If something is important to you, you’ll find the time,
If not, you’ll find an excuse.
Even though I don’t think I run THAT much- DEFINITELY not 65 miles a week!… yet!
But with 2 small children, running 20 miles a week is even tough to get in!
Great timing on this. I’ve been dealing with plantar faciitis and tendinitis in my right arch since June. I ran for 2 years before without a single injury. I think your on to something when you said you take it easy for most of your training runs. I’ll keep that in mind when I start training again. Thanks for another great post!
I like that you wrote this post and explained that because I do think that sometimes people read running blogs and think that they have to do whatever that person is doing.
I think that everyone stops at their pain threshold but their threshold might be different. I can go out and run 13 miles at a 13 min/mile pace and while it may not be that impressive a time, I could do that every day if I wanted.
Thanks for writing this!
Thank you for this post and your wisdom SR! the timing could not be more perfect!
Great great post….
I think the KEY is to NOT compare yourself to others. Like for me not to compare my mileage to someone like you. Experience is a factor also….and in some cases, not all, age is also one. Me for example..I started running at 41. I had no experience. My weekly mileage then was a lot less than what it is now of course. How fast your body recovers from a run is also important I think.
I am going to go check Nicole’s blog…always love to find local runners!!!
yes, great point! dont compare yourself/your workout/your pace/your race to someone else. run for yourself!
Very informative! I actually am at a point in my life that I have more time to give to running so I have really been trying to get my base miles higher! I’m not really sure yet what my body can handle, but I can say that those little normal training aches sometimes keep me from finding out because I get scared it may lead to injury.
I second everyone that said this post had great timing. I’ve been reading along for quite some time now and this is my first time commenting because it was needed. Yesterdays “easy 4 miler” was brutal. Everything from my waist down felt achy and I was constantly stopping to stretch or walk. I got home and felt really deflated and frustrated, as opposed to accomplished and proud of myself…talk about a bummer. But your post, SR, brought it full circle. I am a runner, despite having ‘bad running days’ and aches and pains. And rather than dwell on yesterdays less then stellar result, I got to give it to myself for not quitting entirely. I finished the 4 miles I intended to do, and today I intend to do them even better. Thanks for the unintended pep talk SR and fellow readers!
you got it right, girl. you will have bad days, just like life. and its totally ok. you just move on from it and you will have a good day in the future!
You are too modest! You need to title the post ‘I am the shit, listen up’. I’ll have to copy Kelsey bc it was too cute and say ‘thanks for the wisdom’!
Great post Sarah!
You’re totally right about that sixth sense thing, when you feel off – don’t run. Easy as that!
I honestly think this might be one of your best post! Not to say your other post aren’t entertaining…but this one what right on! Love it … Kuddos to SR.
So I’ve been wondering this FOREVER. How do you fuel your body to run this much? I run about 30 miles per week, and my nutritionist told me I should be eating over 2,000 calories per day to support that! I’m recovering from an eating disorder, so maybe that’s not actually as much as it sounds like haha but I was just wondering how much your body needs when you’re running 10+ miles each day! I’d love to be able to run as much as you do one day
i would guess i eat somewhere between 2000-2500 calories but i really dont know since i dont count. but that could be a good post! thanks for the idea.
I friggin love this post, especially the emphasis you’ve put on doing what’s right for your body. Once I put aside what I thought I SHOULD be doing and what is best for my body, I’ve been enjoying running SO much more. I am injury prone, and I know I could never sustain the milage you do, and that’s OK. It’s all about listening to your body
This is a great post! And for someone who seems to have just picked up running one day with no real background in the sport, you have a lot of insight and self awareness about it…I don’t mean that condescendingly. Seriously, really good post.
What a great post! You have been blessed with the talent to run girl and you are so very smart about it! Love your approach and love your advice
You once said to me (when I hurt my hip) that no race is ever worth crying over. It’s just running, it’s not the end of the world. I loved that. You are sooooo right! We need to take care of ourselves so that we can do what we love for as long as we can.
Hugs to you friend! Thanks for the boost this morning!
P/S I took a rest day today and am celebrating with extra coffee and a massage. Boom.
Nice post! You make some really great points. It’s so true that some bodies aren’t meant to handle “high” mileage. We need to stop comparing ourselves to others and determine what is best for our running bodies.
Great post! I am dealing with an IT Band injury right now… my fiancé is a PT so he’s given me some great stretches/strengthening exercises to focus on. He said most injuries for runners stem from weak muscles – I have really strong quads, but that means my butt and hip muscles are weaker, which means the IT Band has to overcompensate to make up for it… which has led to the issues. If you are injured, I highly recommend seeing a PT (I might be slightly biased…) because they can help you get to the root of the injury.
My motivation for running is the fact that it’s my “me” time – gives me a chance to think and relax, and step back from the chaotic life of NYC.
You are so right about being built for running. I definitely was NOT built for it, but I love the challenge. And 99% of my runs are just easy and for fun. Until I get to a race and want to beat everyone there, then I wish I would actually “train”…haha
But I’m happy just to get my butt across the finish line
i’m new to your blog and i’m loving how honest you are… it’s refreshing!
my backround is ballet and i just started running a year ago (and stopped dancing 15 years ago) but i definitely have lots of experience with injury! i don’t think my body was built for either ballet or running but i love them both! the difference with running is i know i want to be able to do it forever, so i’m trying to pay better attention to what my body’s capabilities are. that and i have an amazing ART (active release therapy) therapist who fixes me when i’m stupid and run on injuries!
SR~ I LOVE this post. I’ve been training for a full marathon (Boston Marathon) for about 3 months now and about 3 weeks ago I strained my hamstrings, glutes AND quad. My left leg loved me so much it hurt… Before I realized what was actually wrong with it I goolged “pain in quad when running” and got a whole mix of explanations… some more scary than others. Then I thought to myself “Hey maybe it’s because I joined Crossfit last week and I’m using muscles I’ve NEVER used before.” Well I was EXACTLY right. I’ve had underlying issues with my hamstrings and Crossfit was the icing on the cake. Word to the wise: if this is the first full marathon that you are training for do not add any intensive workout to your schedule. Strength training is great but when you overdo it chances are you will pull something. I’m seeing a PT right now to strengthen my leg… while it sucks that I haven’t been able to run for 3 weeks I know that I will come out a smarter and faster runner. Maybe going through all this was a blessing in disguise. After the marathon I plan on rejoining Crossfit because there are so many things I love about it BUT I will certainly not run as many miles.
So bottom line, if you a newbie long distance runner like me and you were thinking of joining Crossfit (or a similar intensive program) my advice would be to hold off until after your training. Make sure you stretch before and after your runs (like SR) and ice where needed after your runs too!
I like how you stress that everyone is different and that each individual has to find a plan that works for them.
What works for me doesn’t necessarily work for you.
AND what works for me is always changing because I get bored/burnt out easily. Sometimes its high mileage, sometimes its a lot of speedwork, sometimes its more cross training, sometimes I like to sit on my couch with a glass of wine and a gallon of cookie dough ice cream.
I think you nailed this post. It really boils down to know your own body. Not everyone was meant to run long distances or to even run. If it’s painful and something you don’t enjoy, don’t force it!
Keep on running!
thank you for this post SR. i have been wondering how you do it and do it while looking good
i wish i had more time to run more. i have to get up at 5am just to get it all in too and love when i have days off so i can run more.
I love this and I totally agree. Having been injured 24 weeks out of last year, I think I’ve learned my lesson this time…we shall see. Way to rock out those miles. Keep inspiring the blogworld!
Great post. It’s hard to relate to you sometimes because you DO have a body built for running (like my father) and you could probably just run and run and run at a comfortable pace and your body would be OK.
It’s hard for someone like me, who suffers from knee pain/injuries constantly but LOVES running as much as you do. If it were up to me, I’d log 10 miles of a nice paced run EVERY SINGLE DAY. However, I have to live/love the body I was given and my body just doesn’t support running the way it does for you.
I love reading your blog but I have to admit that I’m usually sitting here jealous of how many miles you can run a week
. Sometimes though, I think maybe I should just work on my form…arrg, what to do!
yes and its rarely helpful (at least to me) to compare myself to others, with anything. i either feel bad about myself, jealous or somehow thinking i’m hot stuff – none are things that are positive.
Great post. Thanks for admitting that not all people can run such high mileage. I’ve had a ton of injuries and its reassuring to know its not because I’m just a bad runner.
Awesome post! You’re right–it is SO okay to feel/be uncomfortable! In fact, that is where the magic usually happens….out there, outside that comfort zone
You’re amazing.
Thank you for posting this. Since I am a beginner and even three miles is like a battle for me, sometimes its frustrating to read other various blogs that mention “did an easy three mile warm up” and I think, “what the HECK is wrong with me??!?” but its posts like this that help remind me that we are all different, we all have different goals, priorities, bodies and schedules and its all about personal goals and aspirations. Thank you for the reminder AND for the tips.
I LOVE the quote “Do what you can with the body you have” – so important. I’m stuggling right now because I’ve only recently really started getting into running, and suddenly I’ve been hit with sore knees and foot pain….I’m trying to learn to determine what it means, what I should do, and what is best for ME.
I also really like what you said about how it is OKAY to be uncomfortable…goes along with my blog title “Pain Can Be Fun”….i mean, it’s not literally going to be fun, but if you learn to push through those uncomfortable moments its so worth it!
this is a great post amiga! love your insight.
you’re so right we are all so different. “the man upstairs” created us in his own special way. it’s so important to not compare yourself to other runners. just do your best. when you race leave it all there, be cool with knowing you gave it your absolute ALL on the course. you left zero in your tank. that’s what gives me satisfaction at every race. I always ask myself…”did I give it my all?” the answer is always YES!! we all experience highs & lows w/running it just comes with our sport.
I’m thankful that I’ve found new friendships through running! I love Nicole, she’s a busy mommy & inspires me!! You’re so right…”it’s just running.” have fun, enjoy it, be thankful for our ability to run one mile!!
This is an awesome post! I really like running but, like you said, some people are just not built for it. I am not. So I do it once in awhile, but try to stick with that which does not put me in my 6th cast.
Very informative and helpful info! I’ve been nursing an achy left knee for the past few weeks, so have taken a lot of rest days and really reduced my mileage. However, I have a half marathon coming up in a few weeks, so I’m trying to balance resting against losing my conditioning. You would think that resting is an easy thing to do, but it’s actually very challenging to take time off. I’ve had to fight myself not to keep training through it. I have to keep reminding myself that rest days are an investment for better health down the road! It’s also tough sometimes to draw the line between when the pain is “acceptable” pain or when the pain shouldn’t be ignored. Always a balance!
I just want to share. I started training for a half marathon in Jan. The half is in Aptil. I by no means look like a runner at all. I’m short and dumpy, took on this challenge to loose weight ofcourse (ill also add i just had my second baby 5 months ago) and to just do it! I want one of those damn 13.1 stickers on my car! Lol but in all seriousness when I started the training I was at the back of the pack (as expected) and couldn’t do the whole route of 4 miles like all the other ladies could. So a month and a half later I did 6 miles this past Sunday and actually finished the training route! The trainer that runs with me was like, “your getting faster & you don’t even know it!” which now after healing from a heel spur and numbness I am ecstatic! I’m looking forward to hitting 7,8,9,10 and the ultimate 13.1 miles in the coming weeks.
I love reading your blog it gets me pumped to run. Thanks for sharing your insight!!
Great post! And I totally agree – each runner has to figure out what works best. I hate running fast, even though I know it’s necessary sometimes
I agree, building mileage takes time and doesn’t happen overnight if you want to keep injury-free. I’m able to run 75/week now, but that’s only because I know I can handle that mileage without getting hurt and it took a while to get there. Everyone is different. I know doing a 100 mile week would result in injury for me, I’ve tested it before and wasn’t too pretty. Have you thought about doing ultras? I find running trails longer distance is the only way for me to stay injury free. Funny how I feel worse after a road marathon than I do after spending 12+ hours running in the mountains.
~Amen~
Couldn’t agree more, “do what you can with the body you have”. Before I tore a chunk of articular cartilage under my knee I was able to run farther and faster. Now, I’m just grateful that I have worked hard to recover and run at all. Everyone needs to do what works for them.
I’m doing 3 10+ runs this week instead of my weekly long run of 16 miles, which is HUGE for me. I decided to switch it up to see how my body handles it (and to fake “taper”). But I know that I could never run 10 miles everyday…WELL, never say never. Maybe I could if I actually trained sometime. But you’re right, running is just not that important so I do what I can when I want.
Cheers to a great post!
thank you! I have been wanting you do a post like this for a while. About the ice packs, do you ice after every single run? I am a big fan of ice baths, but I only do it after long runs or races.
i try to ice after every run (just sitting on an ice pack under each hip and one on each knee) but i rarely do on vacations. its like im out of my routine and i let it slide.
Great post! I think you touched on every major point. It’s all about what works for you…everyone is different.
Sometimes it’s nice to read a post where I realize you’re human
I forget that you have “off” running days and that you fight through the same mental barriers that I encounter on my *much* shorter runs.
One thing that I’ve recently found helpful is to remember how fortunate I am to be able to run. I am 29 and was just diagnosed with MS, so my balance is a wonky. I try to remember that even if I’m having a bad running day, at least my legs are still able to carry me forward. At least for now.
Thanks for all the tips and inspiration! XX
Thanks for posting this–I know I’m not alone in wondering how you can run and race so much, but it is all relative. The Nike Club runners put insane numbers too! Still in awe though! Take care of you and keep running!
Great post. I’ve run since high school (I’m now 36), and I think age plays a role – I never did anything I was supposed to like stretching and never got injured until I hit about 34. I think the body just doesn’t bounce back as well as it once did. I also have 3 kids and I think I have changed a bit biomechanically as a result of three pregnancies – all those ligament loosening hormones result in some permanent joint alignment changes, I’m convinced. I’m currently running injury free (touch wood) and am tolerating six days a week with weekly mileage of 40+. I think slow buildup is important, as is having ‘stepback’ weeks where you reduce mileage and/or intensity of runs for a week – you won’t believe how the occasional lighter week rejuvenates the body. And re motivation, I’m so glad I never have to worry about that. I am comletely addicted to running and I become a horrible person if I can’t run. I would rather get up and run at 5am than sleep in. I’ve never understood the concept of having to look for motivation to go running. Doing housework (which is what I’m meant to be doing as I type…) – now that is another matter.
It’s awesome, as a lot of comments have said, to be reassured that having a bad running day doesn’t mean you suck. I had a bad one today! I had to stop twice during a 2.5 mile run, and was sore and hurting a little bit, so I stopped early instead of pushing to do 3-3.5. I am not a fan of resting, but for me, it is really important because evidently, I am injury-prone as well. Thanks for the realistic advice and reassurance!
fab post – i’ll print this & keep with all my running info- thanks for sharing.
Well said, great post…I am finally starting to be able to put in more weekly miles by making sure the majority of my runs are as you called them “junk runs”. I’ve dealt with a lot of injuries in the past, mostly because every run was a race with myself, always pushing the limit.
I’m still trying to get my head around those mileages you clock!
This is interesting. I agree that being able run high mileage must be greatly influenced by genetics — you’ve gotta have the right legs. I don’t have dainty legs, I have high-mileage legs! But, how is running not important to you? You love it, that makes it important, right? Maybe running for a goal is what is not important…
Oh, Nicole…4:00 a.m….I remember in my late teens that was bedtime. Yikes.
i think you are superhuman. God’s gift to you, running and sarcasm. they suite you!
Awesome post…thanks for sharing your insight!
I loved this post! So much great info….THANK YOU! I agree with what some of the other comments said too: don’t compare yourself to others! That is one of my biggest things…I am ME and I know I will never be as fast as others (read: YOU…lol)…BUT, I still wish I was or could be! I just remind myself when I am out running or at a race that I should be thankful for the ability to just be out there doing it and run my pace for those that can’t do it at all! I sure do admire you though!!
I absolutely love this post! I wish I had the time to run the miles you do, but its true, we all have good and bad days. It is all subjective and I think you made very good points in this post. As much as we need time off when we’re having some real injury issues, it’s hard to do…but we always have to remember its easier to take a day (or week) off when needed to get better than taking a month (or three) off because of pushing it too far.
I run a mere 25-35 miles a week and still feel like a rock star. I have three kids, two jobs and am working on post-grad certification so I have class and homework too. I get up at 4am to get my runs in 3 days a week and I run on Saturdays and Sundays. So when people tell me they are too busy, I invite them to run at 4:30. But most people just don’t want to make the time. I popped over to your friend’s blog and I thought it was funny because at one point she remarks that she can’t get anyone to run with her so early in the morning. I, on the other hand, have THREE running friends at 4:30 in the morning. THREE!!! There are four of us out there getting our workout in before dawn.
Wow, you’re awesome. What time do you go to bed?
great post. love the “just do it anyways” and “it’s okay to be uncomfortable.” important points–awesome!
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