How far to run today?

[Anonymous]

I've been running on and off this holiday but haven't managed to get a proper schedule going. I ran almost 3k Friday and I have run 5k quite a bit earlier a month ago. Would it be too much to run 8km today or should I just do 5k?

Updates

+1 y

I did 8k in the end. I was very surprised that my legs barely ached at all. I must run faster next time!

[WelshOrigins]

Sure, it wouldn't hurt to try. If you do feel that you are struggling then you need to consider gradually building up again. Whenever, I have a bad run by over working I normally have a weeks recovery. I still run but, I call them recovery runs where I don't aim for anything but, run until I start to feel uncomfortable.

Normally recovery runs I fit in after I have had a longer run than usual when doing marathons I normally take a day off and 3 days of recovery running.

[Asker]

So how does a recovery run differ? What like changes? How much shorter?

[WelshOrigins]

A pace which you feel comfortable doing. Recovery runs aren't about pushing the limits. Don't set a distance limit either or a certain time limit. Run at the pace you feel is good and don't worry if it's only a 10 minute run.

I feel refreshed a few hours after the run. I normally do around 4 miles on average for recovery. But, it all depends on the person. I've been running for quite a while. But, your goal is achievable. We were born to run just remember that.

[Roarke]

your method of enhancing distance is actually quite conventional these days... alter days of 3k, 5kup, up to 8k even down to 1k, with a day of complete rest thrown in once a week. its kind of like tanning... a day of pushing the limits of adaptation, a day to recoup, on and on.

[soccerchick4eva]

Well did your 3k feel like it was all you could do on friday? cause if you want to push to that 8k you have to be able to get through the 3k pree easily :)

[BertMacklinFBI]

if you can handle it then its never too much. well okay not really but you know what I mean lol. mmm I say just stick with 5k for a while.

[BoopBoopBeep]

No harm in going for it. If you can't make it all, no worries. Try to estimate how far you DID make it. If you do make it (congrats on that!) then record how long it took and how you felt so you can compare metrics down the road.

I do 2-4 races per week for various charity events in the area. I do mine as ruck marches so I'm not the fastest out there by any means, but you'll be surprised how much you can do when you get in the zone, so give that 8k a shot and be proud of whatever the outcome is.

[Anonymous]

8k should be doable, it's more of a "mind-over-matter" issue. I'm not sure how fast you can do a 5K but if it's without stopping then another 3K shouldn't be impossible.

[Asker]

I can do 5k without stopping. I managed 5k in 22 minutes last year but didn't have much time after that so I haven't timed myself since. Done it without stopping since but unsure of time.

[Illusive_Man]

run as far as you can.
Don't stop at some arbitrary number that'll only stop you from growing.

[Asker]

But I want to train harder without overdoing it and injuring myself.

[Illusive_Man]

before you do , your muscles will give up first

[Asker]

Before I do what? Injure myself? I've given myself shin splints before but I only feel that the day later, not when I am running.

[Illusive_Man]

lol shin splints we ALL get shin splints sooner or later , complaining about shin splints is a bit like someone complaining about DOMS , if you ain't got shin splints you ain't training , if you ain't sore you ain't training.