How often do you run?

[TheNiftyBiscuit]

Asking partly because I’m nosey but also because I’m trying to get myself into a better routine and it’s always interesting to see what others do.

I’m 25 and have been running on and off since I was 20 and consistently since I was 24. I started off with couch to 5K over lockdown and ran on and off until 2024. Didn’t crack a sub-30 5K until 2024.

I now consistently run a weekly parkrun only missing it if Parkrun itself cancels it. My current flat course 5K PB is 22:30 and my usual on my local hilly course is between 24 and 25 minutes. I haven’t followed a formal training plan since couch to 5K but have ran a few 10k races in under an hour (between 51 and 55 mins usually).

I am still only running once a week at Parkrun and would like to increase this. I really enjoy running once I get started but struggle with motivation especially with the dark evenings. I work full time and by the time I’ve finished work and walked the dog I can’t be bothered!

My goals would be to get faster at 5 and 10K. I’d love a sub 20 5K. And also to do a half marathon at some point (although wouldn’t be fussed about speed with a half).

So back to the original question. For those of you who run, what is your running schedule and when do you fit it in?

I’m a long time runner. Run on a treadmill before work two or three times a week coupled with outdoor runs when I can. I aim to run every other day but don’t always achieve this. I generally run 5ks but sometimes do longer loops, rarely more than 10k but I have done further in the past. I log my kms and aim for about 80k/month just to keep me going really. It’s not a great deal compared to some but my aim is to keep running long into my older years and injury free.

I find having a routine helps- getting it done before work so I’m showered and ready for the day is a good feeling. Also there are pockets in the week when the kids are at activities that I have my kit on and run while they’re busy. Always have a pair of trainers and running kit in my car and if I have a spare 30 minutes between stuff, off I go.

I love running for the mental and physical health it gives me. I am in my forties and I feel powerful and fit, and it keeps me slim.

Best of luck with your running OP, invest the time. It’s worth it!

I’ve ran for almost 40 years (on and off and I’m 51 now). If not injured and relatively healthy then 5 or 6 times a week. I’ll do 2 or 3 sessions (intervals/hills/tempo), a longer run on a Sunday and easy jogs on the other days. It’s as much for my mental health as anything else. I just love running.

I aim for a set distance a week which gives me flexibility. I usually run 3x per week.

I always run on my day off (usually 8-12k) and another 7k when DC are at a club (Mon OR Sat). I like to do Junior Parkrun and will jog there with DC on bikes to top up at the end of the week if needed (2k just doing Parkrun or 5k if I jog there and back too)

Never 🤣 I don’t want to knacker my knees, get really wrinkled face or neck or saggy boobs. People who run look like they’re in agony too.

When I think the bus is about to pull away

I have runners face! It’s a thing! Butt looks great though 😆

Pilates gives me a great butt 😆

I run between four and five miles five days a week. But I'm lucky enough to live in deep countryside, so running (even in the rain) takes me out looking at nature and I can run with my dog (so killing two birds with one stone). My complaint about it is the sheer time it takes! I might only be out for less than an hour, but I have to shower and change when I get in before I can do anything else! I'm lucky enough to be retired, but keeping up a good running schedule and fitting it in with family life and work is a nightmare!

You’ve got yourself to good times considering you only do Parkrun. That suggests you’ve got a decent engine and are willing to put up with some discomfort! To get faster and run further, you need to do speed work and long runs.

I do three runs a week - an easy run, an intervals session, and a long run. Once it’s routine, I’m much better at sticking to it. It’s hard in winter - I’d quite happily go out at 8pm in summer but when it’s been dark for hours in winter it’s so much harder.

I do my long run on a Sunday, and if I can’t do my intervals on a WFH day I do them at the track or on the treadmill because it’s hard to find safe, well lit paths without traffic lights! That just leaves my easy run to do in the dark usually.

It’s not for everyone for sure. I like running once I’m doing it and you enjoy it more as fitness increases! Couldn’t imagine anything worse than going to the gym though!

You’re pretty fast! My best ever parkrun pb is 24m, 14 years ago - now at 46 I won’t ever beat that

to answer your question I try and run three times a week, including parkrun. In the depth of winter though I might only be twice

I ran my first marathon this year. I ran three times most weeks- (up to) 10k on Monday and Wednesday evenings then a long run (32k was the longest) on a Saturday morning, often incorporating a parkrun. I’m pretty slow these days.

most marathoners I know aim to run 4 times a week in training. Less than 3 would be hard.

for a half marathon you could probably get away with one increasingly long run at the weekend, one shorter faster run during the week plus a decent gym session. But if you can build in some speed work you could run a brilliant time

Do you have a local running club you could join? You’re running a pretty decent time for someone who only does it once per week and could definitely improve it with some more training

I would build up to 3 times a week, then see where to go after that. Increasing the length of one of your runs would help, as would a hill or speed session. You’ve done well on only one run a week, oh to be 25 again!! I think sub 20 would definitely be doable with more training.

I’m in my mid fifties and have been running on and off for 6 years . I aim to run three times per week. Sometimes it may be four in a week.
This week I ran my longest run at 21.5k.

Thanks all! I did used to run with a club when I was in university but nowadays it's trickier as I don't drive so hard to get to groups meeting and I don't like leaving my dog alone for long in the evenings as he's on his own for a few hours during the working day. I would love to run with him but he's 13 and doesn't do running nowadays 😂

I am pretty happy with my times but I am the sort of person who wants to push myself to my full potential with everything. And I know I can go faster 😂It's not my legs that are the problem, they are quite strong and feel fine during a run (despite being 5'0 tall so they are working hard lol), it's always my breathing that gets me! So I definitely need to increase my overall fitness I think.

At least four times a week. Any less than that and I get twitchy. I do weights or yoga on the other days.

3-4 times a week, more of I'm in training for a big race. Plodding run, intervals, parkrun, sociable Sunday long run.

I did a 1.56 half marathon when I was about your age. I then didn't run again for a long time, and three children later, started again. At age 40, this year, I have smashed out a 19 minute 5k and a 1.27 half! And a 3.10 marathon.

You'd be surprised the potential you have inside you, and you have youth on your side too.

That’s brilliant

I managed a 1.55 half 15 years ago and haven’t done better than 2.09 since

I don’t run as often as you but I totally get the “twitchy” thing!!!

4 times a week. I aim for at least 30 miles/48km.

As you have youth on your side, you have many years of getting pb after pb ahead of you. Up your frequency gradually, do a variety of runs during the week - Tempo, easy, long, intervals or hills and you will improve.

Join a running club, or find a running group on FB. Get to know others in parkrun and maybe find a running buddy there to keep yourself accountable.

I do strength training now instead most of the time. Running is hard on the body and, as I'm older now, I don't want premature ageing runners face. I'm more like to do a hike or a fast walk instead these days.

What an odd thing to say to a bunch of runners.
Running is actually good for your knees. The rest isnt even worth responding to

OP, I run twice a week. One short fast run, usually 5k, then one long slow run around 10k.

In my fifties I run at least twice a week usually around 7k each run. In between I do strength/bootcamp outdoor training . For me I do it for the mental release rather than to keep fit or any physical reasons (but I am pretty fit so maybe I just don’t value this now) I just love running gives me time to switch off and also all my exercise is outdoors even in winter as I spend way too much time indoors at work and just need to get out and running works for this

Most days unless I’m travelling or something a sometimes run more than once!

I run every day but I'm not a runner IFYSWIM. I do 6km weekdays and 8km weekends. Don't love running but it's great for weight management and fitness.

@Regularmumm stick to Zumba 👍