Runners: How did you increase your distance and how long did it take for you to get there

I am a healthy weight and am fit by most people's standards. I never ran before this past month and just had 2 kids in 2 years. My running goals are to 1) help me to lose 15lbs of vanity pounds 2) Increase my fitness level

I applaud you ladies because the distances you run are amazing! I run 4.0/40mins 5-7x a week and I can't believe I am doing that much. How did you get yourself to the next level or your goal/distance wise. I read on runnersworld.com that I should focus on increasing my distance, not decreasing my time. I would love to run 10miles-but how?!?! Please share with me your success story and how I can go about doing the same. I appreciate your advice.

Message edited 6/10/2011 12:56:39 PM.

Re: Runners: How did you increase your distance and how long did it take for you to get there

My only advice is slow down. The longer I run the slower I am. Im a turtle :) Thats awesome that youre running 10 minute miles. Focus on the distance not the time. If you slow down you'll run much longer. It took me 1:12 minutes to run a little over 6.2 miles .. Thats very slow but I felt great the whole way ... Good luck! Youre doing awesome!

Re: Runners: How did you increase your distance and how long did it take for you to get there

That is great running already!

I run at 5.5 and I originally started with C25k. I always stopped at 3 miles of running, but one day I just kept going and did 3.25.

I've switched to running outside which is much harder for me, but I would say maybe try to increase by .25 miles each week? That might be a good goal.

Re: Runners: How did you increase your distance and how long did it take for you to get there

ITA with Carey - runners need to embrace the slow run. Not only does it reduce stress to joints, muscles, etc, slow twitch muscles also burn glycogen (fuel) and distributes oxygen more evenly - so you can run further.

your longest run should be 1-3 min/mile slower than your other runs.

A good rule of thumb is to increase your long run by 10%. Your long run should also not be more than 50% of your total weekly mileage.

It's also good to have "step-back" weeks. After increasing your distance 3-4 weeks, have a shorter long run. It helps your body (and sometimes mind) recover.