I'm running 6 or 7 days a week, about 30 to 35 miles weekly. Can I maintain my stamina and endurance if I

Question

reduce my mileage to a total of 15 weekly while running only 3 times per week?

Answer 1

If you run 3 times each week and average 5 miles per run then you can maintain a reasonable level of conditioning. However, you know that your stamina and conditioning will not stay the same as it is now.

So if you are racing then you will suffer, but if you are talking about general health the shorter program will keep your cardiovascular condition in reasonable shape.

Answer 2

Of course your endurance is gonna suffer, but unless you're training for some race, then it don't even matter. As far as physical health, I'd say that won't suffer to any extent. But rather than cut out running a full 4 days a week, why not just cut your runs on 3 days to 1 mile?

What I found is that after each complete day off, I'd be really sore. Didn't have any problems running everyday, but a day off and I'd be stiff.

I would certainly take 1 day a week off. I can trace my injuries to long consecutive days of running without a break.

Good Luck

Answer 3

Your stamina and edurance will decrease but it won't be that noticeable. What happens is that your body gets used to high energized excercises that if you all of a sudden stop doing it, opposite reaction may occur. In my opinion, if you wish to decrease your mileage, do it slowly and steadily. For example, decrease by 1 mile per 3 days. and then, you could skip a day and do an extra mile the next day. in this way, you will be in the best shape, with lots of energy. Right now, it sounds like you are over exerting yourself. take it cool and everything will be fine.

Answer 4

yes, alittle bit not a whole lot.