I run 9 miles a day--am I over training?

Question

I'm 16 and I just recently have become interested in running. I plan to join cross country. I began 3 weeks ago by running 6 miles a day and i've worked my way up to 9 miles a day. I am really sore but I don't know if this is normal for at first. Am I overtraining?

Answer 1

yes, you are over training from what you have stated. i'd recommend taking a break for a couple days and then start running lower miles, and if it feels too easy run faster instead, over training usually leads to injuries, and also starts to deteorate your immune system.. just lower your miles and you'll be fine. also always listen to your body it never lies

Answer 2

I don't know what cross country is like for girls today, but I know when I was in cross country I ran between 3-5 miles a day. I ran 7 at the max.

Answer 3

If you are really sore then you ARE over training. Please cut back to 2-4 miles until your body is back to normal and doesn't hurt. If you continue you can cause permanent damage to your muscles, trust me. My suggestion is to take 3-5 days off running. Then start but run 2-4 miles, not more. Then each week add another mile until you reach 9. You should listen to your body. As a runner, that's something I learned. Good luck!!

Answer 4

ya

Answer 5

Probably, especially if you have just started running. I run cross country and before each pre-season, for summer running, my coach advises beginners to run 2-3 miles, with at least one 3 mile run a week. Intermediate runners should run 4-5 miles, with at least one 4 mile run per week. Advanced runners should run 6-8 miles, with a 8 mile run once a week. Also make sure to take some days off, for example, run two days and take one off. Before each run, regardless of your level, you should go for a slow 4-8 minute warm-up run. Do this at the end of your run as well. Doing a cool down like this builds up your endurance and when you stretch after, it helps so you don't get hurt. Being sore when you start running is normal, because your slow twitch and fast twitch muscle fibers are breaking and repairing themselves: thats how you build up muscle. Hope I helped!

Answer 6

Yes, I would say it is if you are just started running. I am a sophomore and I ran varsity last year as a freshmen. I would do about 5 on average per day, and then on saturdays do a little longer runs, 7 at the longest, I'd say. At this point you may not be hurting too bad, but later in your season it could catch up with you. I didn't run quite as many miles are you during my first year of running, and by the end of my season I was hurting. Good luck with your season, cross country's the best :].

Answer 7

No you are not over training. It is normal to be sore. After 4-5 weeks this will go away.