How long do you have to run, before you get over that beginner's plateau?

Question

I have started a running program and it has really been tough the past week. My friends say that there is a period where your body is adjusting to the running and it gets significantly easier after a while. Is this true? I am not overweight and other than a slight lack of physical activity am in pretty good shape.

I am running 4 days a week for about 5 miles

Answer 1

Yeah, you may want to ease up.  I'm a rookie runner myself and I ended up injuring myself.  I was running about 5 miles a day for 3-4 days.  Everything was great for about a month and then BAM, I was out with shin pain for another month.  And now, I have to ease back into it.  Just make sure you don't overdo it.

Answer 2

It's going to be different for everybody. It sounds like you've just started, and if that's true, you are already running pretty far. No wonder you think it's tough!

You should probably vary your distances a little bit. If you are just going out and jogging 5 miles, you are not developing your stride. Make sure you are running, not jogging, so I think you are going too far for this stage in your career. Maybe try three miles for three days and 5 miles or more on Day 4. I like that you are taking three days off each week. Cross train on those days — baskeball, biking, hiking up hilly ground, etc.

You have lots of time later to move up to 5-6 days a week running. I never advocate 7-day weeks.

Mix in some long intervals — like 600 meter runs with full recovery.

You'll know when it happens. It'll be the day when you go out and run and it won't matter one bit to you whether you run five miles or seven.

I've been out on hilly sundown 10 milers and just felt like c**p for the first four, but then was finally warmed up and could really roll on those last six. Liked to try to run 10 miles in an hour or less, sometimes my last mile would be under 5:00.

If you keep at it, work hard and rest well (remember this is a game of tear and repair) you one day realize you are now a runner, not a jogger.

By the way, your friend is right. But no one can say when you'll reach the next plateau. But you will be smiling.

Coach RA123

Answer 3

it will be about a month, you have to convince ur body that hurting will not stop you from running and ull get over it prety quick.