Is running for 1 mile each day a sufficient distance?

Question

I am 14 years old and a beginner runner, I hope to start doing two sets of 0.5 mile runs per day, I can manage to run for around 0.2 miles without stopping.

Is it okay to aim for this distance each day as a beginner?

Also what time should I be aiming to do this in?

I have already been doing 200 sit ups every day for the past 6 months and I am also lifting 2kg weights for around 5- 10mins every night.

Advice much appreciated,

Thank you.

Answer 1

Yes, running 1/2 mile at a time is good. I guess it takes you about 8 minutes to do that? (including the rests).

What I often say is is it worth changing, then washing and changing afterwards for such a short exercise session? It takes longer to change than you actually run for!! Could you combine your sessions into one longer 20 or 30 minute session? For example, run your half mile then take a couple of minutes rest then run another one, rest and do another half mile, and if you are doing 30 minutes then try to do another half mile.

After a while you will be able to run a bit further before resting  - your next goal could be 1/4 mile, then 1/3 mile, then the whole half mile? When you can run the half mile without stopping then just increase the distance of each set -  what was 1/2 mile could become 3/4... then 1 mile, 2 miles..... I suspect that very soon you will be able to run the whole half mile and guess that you will be doing it in 4 or 5 minutes at the most.

Back to my point of combining sessions to a longer one each day, a single 20 minute session will take as long as 2 half mile sessions when you count changing etc, but it is a better exercise for you  - your heart rate will be increased for longer and higher, and your stamina will get better with that.

200 sit ups each day? Thats loads!! Keep it up

Answer 2

Well running one mile can keep you very active, and for a beginner that is very brave. doing two hundred sit ups everyday to, can keep your body in full shape, just in time for summer!!!

Answer 3

You have to start somewhere.  To ask if 1 mile a day is sufficient really doesn't give enough info.  If you are just trying to have a healthy lifestyle then sure.  If you are training for a marathon then you are big trouble:)

Answer 4

keep running a mile each day,and in a months time,you`ll be 30 miles away - ha ha ha !!!