Running volume is a topic that is often discussed by everyone in the running circle, especially at the end of each month, the most asked sentence is: "How much did you run last month?" ”
It is precisely this kind of competition that makes many runners gradually lose their original intention of running, and even some runners start to run for the sake of running, just to reflect that the data looks better and looks more powerful.
In fact, I had this kind of mentality when I first started running, but after thinking about it a lot, I found that not only did my body feel abnormal fatigue, but even the behavior of running itself began to become stressful and burdensome!
So, as a mass runner, what is the most appropriate "monthly running volume"?
Personally, I think it depends on your running goals and pursuits, and makes corresponding adjustments according to your physical condition, as long as you don't blindly strive for the amount of running.
For example, if you are a beginner, it is generally recommended that you reach 50 kilometers per month;
For runners with health purposes, it is recommended to run 100 kilometers a month to meet the needs of physical exercise;
If you want to participate in the half marathon or improve your running distance and length, you can run for 150 kilometers;
Some runners who want to participate in the marathon will have to make sure that they run no less than 200 kilometers a month.
In short, it is recommended that the running volume of mass runners should not exceed 300 kilometers per month, after all, it is a potential injury to the recovery of the body and muscle damage, and it will also increase the probability of injury.
The key to running volume is not to have more, but to have quality.
For example, there were runners around me who ran for the sake of reaching that number every month, and at the end of the month, they were obviously very tired, and they had to run a half marathon in the morning and a 10km race in the evening.
This accumulation of running volume not only does not play a role in improving running ability, but will increase the fatigue of the body and affect the next training plan, and the cycle will only get worse and worse.
For most runners, we must be gradual in the pursuit of running volume, and it is best to cooperate with some strength training at ordinary times, so that the muscles can get full strength protection, so as to avoid damage to the body due to the simple amount of running.
In fact, many times the joy of running does not lie in how fast you run today, or how much you run this month, but the process of running makes you experience the ups and downs, which is the real charm of running!
That's why I've always told people around me that running must be enjoyable, rather than adding a psychological burden to myself every time I set out, such as not achieving the desired results, not completing the set running volume goals this month, and so on.
This will only make your running unhappy, but it will affect your mental health and lead to a "feeling of boredom of running".
No matter how fast or slow you run, you can run wonderfully, as long as you enjoy the fun of the process, don't sacrifice the pleasure of long-term running for the sake of that little bit of running volume and results.
For most of us runners, the ultimate meaning of true running is health and progress, not volume.
So, don't worry too much about how much you run, and don't think about what others have to prove, just enjoy yourself!