Calling All Runners *X-POST*

Okay, so just this week I got out and ran for the first time since I had my daughter. I was pleasantly surprised I can run a little over a mile (just happens to be the route I chose in my neighborhood) straight with some hills. But what is next? I enjoy running, even though it is 'hard' for me right now. How do I increase my mileage? I'm really not too worried about time at this point (I'm running about an 11:00 mile...yeah...slow) I guess I'll conquer that next. Endurance is more what I'm looking to improve now. Thoughts? How often should I run?

Before I was pregnant I would walk/run. I now do crossfit-type workouts so I do get cardio in other ways as well.

It really depends on your goals. Are you running just to run? Or do you want to participate in a race? When I started out, I ran 3 days a week and increased the mileage by half a mile every week. Once I got up to 6 miles, I worked on going faster. When I signed up for a half marathon, I added a mile a wee****il I got to 13. This is just my personal experience, so I can't say if this is "right",I do everything myself, have never used a trainer or a coach.

I agree with Jillian.  I am a "just for the fun of it" runner (I do some 5K's).  I also have arthritis in both knees so they usually dicatate how far/fast I go.  Continue to push yourself to make a new milestone (if you are running on a marked path that is easy, or if running in a neighborhood set goals like adding a few more blocks each time). 

After you can comfortably run the miles you want to run, then you can work on your time.  Remember, even interval running is very good for calorie burn!

Most of all, enjoy it!!

Kim