Cardio running question?

Question

How much is too much cardio. I have been doing cardio for about 6 months now and I was wondering if this would be an ok cardio............... Get up, eat breakfast, run a couple of miles maybe 9 miles an hour................Go to work, come home, rest a little while and run a couple more miles before going to bed. I know not to run everyday and that individuals vary but really my question come down to this. Is too much cardio harmful and would this routine listed above not give my body enough time to rest. I am trying real hard to improve my mile and a half time.

Thanks for any info

Answer 1

You are not going to do too much cardio, and you are not doing too much now.

I know marathon runners who do 10 miles in the morning and 10 miles at night.

Basically if  your body can hold up to the stress it is not going to harm your cardio system.

You did not say how far  you are running, so I am guessing a couple of miles each session.

If so, then running 5 miles total each day is not a lot of distance.

I would not run 7 days each week. It is good to take off at least one day each week.

Answer 2

It sounds like you are preparing for a distance race....BUT you said you want to improve your speed for1.5 mile run.  I would suggest you look at interval training.  There are some great training sessions in runners world.  

Also, listen to some great tunes on an ipod!  ie

"Ain't That A Shame," Cheap Trick: A good warmup, since it's 2:10 into the song before the signature riff kicks in.

"What Difference Does It Make?" The Smiths: Has a "bounce" perfect for quick-striding.

"Capital Radio One," The Clash: Punk-rock royalty great for summoning a high-test fuel of righteous indignation that keeps you running.

"Out of Control," U2

"Third Uncle," Brian Eno

"Back In Black," AC/DC

"Alright," Supergrass: The ultimate anthem to youthful exuberance.

"High Powered," Dr. Dre: The perfect percussive beat for speedwork.

"Breaking the Law," Judas Priest: One of the few songs that should be played while running and nowhere else.

"Seventeen," s*x Pistols: Shout the chorus on your tenth 400.

"Evil," Interpol

"Disorder," Joy Division

"The Way You Wear Your Head," Nada Surf

"Thick As Thieves," The Jam

"Jenny," Stellastarr

"Dancing With Myself," Billy Idol: So wrong...but when you need it most, still so right.