Question for experienced runners?

Question

I have a few questions about running in general and hopefully some people can help me out.

Ive been running for a few months. (Im honestly not sure how long) Right now the most I have ever ran was 6 miles without stopping. However, Im having a hard time getting past this 6 mile mark. By the time I hit 6 miles I am tired, my legs ache, Im bored, and unmotivated to run anymore. Ive noticed my main problem is not being tired or out of breath, but rather my legs hurt really badly. How often should I be working out my legs (lifting) and what kind of exercises should I do? It is always my legs hurting that causes me to stop running.

Also, Ive noticed that some days I can run 6 miles, and then other days I have a large amount of trouble running 3. I dont understand how I can only run half my best distances on some days. What are some ways that I can improve the consitancy of my runs? I havent really been able to figure out what is causing the bad days. (different diet, times of run, etc

Just wanted to add that I stretch for a long time before each run so I dont think that is the issue.

Also, what are some ways (workout routines?) to help me improve my distance? I dont feel like Im making much improvement in how far I can run. My goal is to be able to run a marathon sometime within 07.

Answer 1

You don't need to lift weights so much for your legs as you need to stretch them; both before & after running. I used to run cross country. We did a minimum of 12 miles daily.
Pay attention to what you eat as well as your stress loads. Keep a journal & document what you eat on what days, & how you felt while running.
Also, I used to run with partners...we chatted...we shared the experience. It was more fun, as well as more motivating. We ran as a team, & practiced together, too.