Fairly new runner like me : how many times a week do you run and for how long ?

[Italianmoma1983]

Hi there,

I have been running for 3 months now and have only recently ran my first 5 k. How many times a week shall I aim to go for a run ?

I go every other day.

Most recommendations say 3 times a week with some cross training (e.g. Swimming/cycling/pilates...) once a week to stave off injury.

I find I have to go out every other day as if I leave it too long I lose motivation

I started in May & run every other day plus Parkrun on Saturdays (well a whole 4 times now!). I'm starting to up my distance from 5k to 10k so am running further each week & I've surprised myself at how much I am enjoying it!
Sorry not sure if that answers your question.

Its whatever suits you, obviously the more you run the faster and fitter you'll be but life can get very busy so it can be hard. Do you have a goal in mind or just general fitness? I found it helped to enter a few races in order to keep me focussed on training but you may not need that.

Its good for you to try and to mix up the running. So say a longer run once a week where you could challenge yourself on distance or time spent running. Then maybe a shorter run where you push yourself to sprint for short bursts. Running up hills is also great for you so you could set yourself a hill challenge, time yourself once a week over a steepish hill and see if you can keep running to the top and then try going that bit faster the next time.

Some weeks you may not get a chance to run at all its not a problem you will not lose fitness over that time frame.

I go 3 times a week. Will spring for 2-3 mins for every ten, jog for 1, then spend 4 mins recovering. Not great but i can do this over 5 miles.