How does your running week look?


It's been18 years since I started running.

And during those years my running rythm has changed. Usually it changed because of circumstances. Or because of a fluke. Rarely was it a conscious decision.

When I first started running, my kids were still in diapers. So I had to wait for my husband to get home before I could leave the house. And because I didn't like to run at night, this meant I only ran on Sundays.

From 1 to 2 times a week


Then one Thursday morning, when the kids were all in school, I read Amby Burfoot's book Runner's World Complete Book of Running: Everything You Need to Run for Weight Loss, Fitness, and Competition and I got all inspired. So inspired in fact, that I put on my running shoes and went for a run. And soon Thursday mornings became part of my running week.

From 2 to 3 times a week


After a while I also went running on Tuesdays. I can't remember what triggered that. But I was quite happy, because I'd finally hit the recommended 3 times a week!

I did this for years.

Then we moved to the country, and everything changed.

From 3 to 6 times a week


Because suddenly the kids had to ride their bikes to school. It was too far to walk. And I discovered I could run alongside them, and do the school run running. That meant I suddenly ran daily. And Sunday I did my long run.

Then I started to dread Sundays and the long run. I wanted to have the weekend off. So instead of running on Sunday, I started to run on Saturday. Because I knew that was the only way to give myself permission not to run on Sunday. After all, you should have one day of rest!

So now my running week looks like this:

  • Monday: running from 7:50 to 8:45
  • Tuesday: running from 7:50 to 8:45
  • Wednesday: 60 minutes of gardening which I'm going to count as crosstraining. In Winter I run.
  • Thursday: 10 mile bike ride
  • Friday: running from 7:50 to 8:45
  • Saturday: running from 8:00 to 8:45
  • Sunday: rest!

During Summer Vacation I developed the habit to finish every run with ten minutes on the elliptical machine!

Has your running week changed over time?

3 comments

Wholesome Joy said...

Hi! I am a newbie at running (I just started over the summer) do you have any tips on how to get back into running after a month break? (I had a respiratory infection and couldn't run) Thanks! <3

Nicole Orriëns said...

Hi! Were you using a training programme? If so, I would start where you left off. And if you're feeling unsure if that's too much, go a few weeks back in the programme.

Good running!

The Lazy Gastronome said...

I used to be an avid runner - but arthritis in my feet stopped that. I do miss it. I'm so glad you joined the Share the Wealth party at My Big Fat Menopausal Life. Can't wait to see what else you'll bring! Thanks.

© all rights reserved
made with by templateszoo