New to site, have a question (Read 580 times)

There will be many better and more seasoned runners to chime in on this, but I would say just increase your mileage slowly. You have plenty of time to build up your mileage on any given run. Make sure you have good shoes, be consistent in your running (I am terrible at that), and increase your mileage as your body allows you. I know that last statement sounds overly simplified, but if you feel like you can do an additional mile on a run, you probably can. If it felt good and no pain, good, if not, back off. Slow and steady is best at increasing mileage though and again, you have plenty of time to do that.

I was on a soccer team in college that had practice almost daily (3 years ago) and since then I have been running every now and the but with no consistency until a few weeks ago when I found out I'll be in a 5 mile race. And I would like to run this 5 mile as a race not a jog. Thanks for the suggestions. I will try to push myself a little further each week. Feel free to give more suggestions or advice for me. I am thinking right now 2.5 miles to me feels like 5!!! It's hard to belive that I can get there in less than 2 months

You'll be surprised at how quickly your mileage will progress as you are consistent with getting out on your runs.

That's it. Just get out the door every day. The mileage will take care of itself. A little reflection about how to make running a part of your daily routine will go a long way. You might also try slowing down--particularly in the first mile of your run. A mistake that a lot of beginning runners make is that they start out too hard. This makes the whole run painful (and shorter than it needs to be). Ease into the run, and then when (if) you feel like the pace is too slow, then speed up--but not until then. Find a training partner. Friendly competition is always helpful. Every now and then, take off your watch/Garmin/HRM. Don't plan your route, and run in a new direction. Just go out the door without a plan, a distance, or pace in mind. Without expectations. As if it were a pick-up game of soccer. You might surprise yourself.

Just wanted to say welcome to RA! This is by far one of the friendliest running sites out there, good luck and happy running!

That's it. Just get out the door every day. The mileage will take care of itself. A little reflection about how to make running a part of your daily routine will go a long way. You might also try slowing down--particularly in the first mile of your run. A mistake that a lot of beginning runners make is that they start out too hard. This makes the whole run painful (and shorter than it needs to be). Ease into the run, and then when (if) you feel like the pace is too slow, then speed up--but not until then. Find a training partner. Friendly competition is always helpful. Every now and then, take off your watch/Garmin/HRM. Don't plan your route, and run in a new direction. Just go out the door without a plan, a distance, or pace in mind. Without expectations. As if it were a pick-up game of soccer. You might surprise yourself.

See, I told you you'd be getting some excellent advice from some awesome seasoned runners like Jeff and Blaine! In the end, try and apply what makes sense to you, your schedule, your body type, present conditioning, and see what works best. It's trial and error, but be smart and err on the side of caution because you don't want an injury to set your progress back. Starting out slowly is key. My first mile today I think was a 10 minute-ish pace and then I gradually picked up. Happy running, my friend!