I’m happy. I did five kilometers (just over three miles) on the treadmill today, and I actually ran about 90% of it. I’m doing the Nike Women’s Classic 5K Run next month and my goal is to run the whole thing without stopping. Do any of you runners have training tips for me? What’s the best way to build up your endurance for distance running? (Not that three miles is much for you folks, but it’s a hella long way for me.) Should I concentrate on running the distance faster, or is it better to work on running even farther and just expect the speed to come along with it?
Tricia
May 21, 2002 — 1:41 am
Good luck with your upcoming race! My recommendation is to run more distance and not to worry about speed. Your goal is to finish, not to break any speed records, right? Speed will come with time (and you’ll end up running faster than you expect once you are in the race and the adrenaline starts pumping).
The advice that I received when I started running was to just get out moving for a certain amount of time, 30 or 40 minutes, and if you need to walk some of it, that’s fine. Just build to where the walking breaks are fewer and farther between.
Good luck with your training and your race! I’m sure you’ll have a great time.
brigita
May 21, 2002 — 2:11 am
and to pass along some of the advice trish gave me when i was training for my run, try to get out there at least every other day, if not four times a week (ideal). try to mix some road runs in with the treadmill training as well and don’t forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day! 🙂
4km Ferret
May 21, 2002 — 3:27 am
yeah when ever I tried to do running, don’t laugh ;), I always found it better to run at a steady pace rather than speed bursts. Speed bursts just really drain you a lot faster.
Frances
May 21, 2002 — 7:26 am
In the runner’s magazines I have read and in my training recently for the 13 mile half marathon I ran, it always said to work on distance. When you can run the distance easilly and all…then you can work on speed by doing some track work and sprints. Best of luck to you!
Kris
May 21, 2002 — 11:53 am
Thanks everybody! I’ll let you know how I go.