[Dan_R]

Do lots of miles increase your speed? Some runners prefer to get mileage from long runs, others prefer short intense speed sessions. Or maybe something inbetween?

How many miles a week do you do?

 

[Gumps]

I've currently averaging between 31-40 but this is across a 4 week period with 1 down week. On top of this I do a bit of biking, swimming, spin and weights.

 

[The Count]

I normally run 30 to 40 miles per week but in a bid to increase speed and reduce lard i've up'd it to 55+
Depends on what distance you're aiming at. Mine is marafun

 

[hammerite]

I'm about 30 per week off the back of three-four training sessions. Looking to up this a bit with marathon training getting under way.

 

[Duck Girl]

lately - about 20. bit rubbish, trying to get fitness back after layoff.

 

[Greg]

Currently 25-30, but increasing to 40-45 with marathon training.

 

[goldbeetle]

FLM looms so hopefully will hit 75 miles as max

 

[goldbeetle]

Always feel that periodisation of speed sessions are best with regular high-ish milage

 

[debbo]

Currently 20-25 running plus lots of bike miles.

 

[Dronach]

One day I'll get over 20 miles a week. That's with a long run on Sunday and 2 lunchtime runs. More frequently and my legs always hurt. I'm 43, is there hope?

 

[selectomatic]

I'm on 30-40 a week at the minute. Hoping to up the miles soon as I have a couple of half marathons targeted in spring.

 

[NFRoadRunner]

Am currently around the 70mile+ mark on two runs a day, but hope to hit 100+ by the time Belfast comes around on 1st May.

Miles make champions (Lydiard)

 

[goldbeetle]

Miles make champions (Lydiard)

Damn right should hit 62 miles this week

 

[Trinity]

Am currently around the 70mile+ mark on two runs a day, but hope to hit 100+ by the time Belfast comes around on 1st May.

Miles make champions (Lydiard)

I used to think that too, but last year my training kept getting interrupted and I didn't get my usual mileage in... then took 17 minutes off my marathon time, and then a 9 off my half time... all on less mileage than normal.

At the moment I'm hovering around 40 a week, and with a little over 5 weeks til a marathon i'm usually at about 50+

 

[steepler]

If you can fit big (80+) a week in you will get lots fitter.
Don't neglect the speed work though!

 

[Rene]

Are all those miles necessary?

Scary being around here. Currently 20-30 miles a week coming back after an injury.
Never done more than 40-ish a week but still hoping to run my first marathon late May this year. Better start moving my feet

 

[steepler]

Mileage will always help.
You need to build up to it very gradually though. What is the most you have ever run?
You must ask why you have never done more! My biggest week was 109 on a training week in Portugal, all done on my own too!

 

[Greg]

There has to be a point where more miles actually detract from your performance and your body just hasn't got time to recover. Would have thought more than 11 runs a week would be pushing it?

 

[Trinity]

Greg... I think you're right. I know people who have done mega mileage and never achieved their targets... one guy used to put in regular weekly mileage of 70 to 80 and never got a marathon time better than 4.20, and is only just coming back after 18 months off with injury.

I know of someone else who runs no more than 40 miles a week on a marathon schedule and has a marathon PB of 3.15.

I know some of this is down to natural ability but I have experienced the same myself...at the moment I can race during a half marathon at sub 7 pace quite comfortably off of 40 miles a week.

I think the crucial thing is getting the type of training right and in balance with the right amount of rest and correct nutrition.

 

[Fulmar]

Before track season up to 55 miles a week, when track season starts, down to 40/45 miles/week, more intense.