I’m a Reformed Junk Mileage Junkie
The benefits of running fewer miles
When I first started training seriously for half marathons and marathons, I followed the high-mileage programs recommended by the experts.
I really enjoyed running — still do — and I thought the best way to get better at it was to run more. I was also in my 20s and didn’t have too many obligations other than my job, so it was easy enough to log extra miles during my free time.
But I didn’t really improve much as a runner during that time. In retrospect, I wish I could go back and tell my former self to run fewer miles, and focus on quality instead.
From my own personal experience of cutting down on my weekly mileage, I’ve noticed some big gains over the years, both as a runner and as a person.
Getting faster
If you’re consistently running at a very comfortable, conversational pace and rarely challenging yourself during your runs, then you probably will not get faster, no matter how many miles you run.
You can build up great endurance that way, and if endurance is your goal, then go for it.
I used to run anywhere from 30–50 miles per week and loved a good long run of 10–20 miles. Even my shortest weekday runs were at least 4 miles long. And…
