[QuixoticNotions]

I find I have a hard time getting out for runs less than 5 miles. I know it's bad... Better to get out and do 2 miles than see that I don't have time and skipping the chance to run altogether.<br><br>
How long do you run on average? Do you have a distance where you start to consider it "worth it"?

 

[Hippo]

Well,<br><br>
In about 20 minutes I'm leaving for an all-day 30 miler.<br><img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"><br><br>
But generally, I try to do at least an hour. If I'm pressed for time I do whatever and then make sure I get a second workout in that day.

 

[Flounder]

If I am not going to do at least 4 I don't go.

 

[Billy]

It took me awhile to get where I could do 4 miles consistently. It really bedeviled me for many moons. So, I don't want to go less than 4. I just plain old don't like 3. 2 might be OK for the day before a race.<br><br>
On the other hand, a distance shorter than 4 miles would be fine if I'm doing intervals or something that is a "hard" workout in that way.<br><br>
Cheers,<br>
Billy

 

[GaRebelRunner]

Most of my runs are at least 6 miles but if I get pressed and can only do 2 or 3 miles I make them into tempo or semi-tempo runs if I did a tempo run the day before.

 

[altoids]

If it doesn't take at least as long as the getting dressed and ready beforehand and getting showered and dressed afterward, it doesn't seem worth my time. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>
So I guess if I didn't take so long to get my act together before a run, I wouldn't have to run as far? <img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif">

 

[rhody92]

I generally don't do anything less than 10K for a training run. When I do a short race like a 5K, I'll usually do a mile warmup and a few more after.

 

[witchypoo]

anything less than 4 miles doesn't feel like a workout. unless i'm recovering, i'm not keen on shorter distances. i really feel like i've done myself some good at 6 or 7 miles.<br><br>
i prefer to cover anywhere from 10 to 20, on a trail out in the middle of nowhere. unfortunately, my work schedule prevents much of that...

 

[jebba]

3 is my current minimum.

 

[Floridaboiler]

My minimum distance is usually 4 miles and that is just because that is the course we run. With the heat and humidity it can be tough handle much more than that.

 

[Cappy]

I always like to do at least four for it to be considered worth it.<br><br>
Ultimately, 6-8 was my goal, but time constraints generally kept me under 5 miles most of the time

 

[fatmantrying]

Depends on how early I get out and how hot it is, but my normal daily minimum is 6 loops for 4.59. I'd actually like to incorporate at least one day a week of 3 mile "speed" work but I rarely ever do it.<br><br>
It's gotten hell hot here so after 6 laps now I typically just do another 2 or 3 laps of junk miles if I have the time. More walk than run but it's a few more calories burned and more time on my feet. I'm trying to keep some semblance of a long run in the non event specific training equation so I'm doing an hour and half run one week and then a two hour the next. Rinse, lather, repeat until Fall comes.

 

[runfishhunt]

Skipping a run because it's not a minimum of 5 miles or whatever is blowing an opportunity to get in some quality speed work in my book. If for some reason I only have time to fit in three miles I'll bust ass and make it a worthwhile workout.

 

[Flounder]

Depends on how you train - The only time I run less than 8 is when I am tapering to a race or recovering from a marathon. If I can not run 4 - It doesn't mean that I do not run - just that I will do it later. I don't like to do speed workouts until I get good and warmed up (4-8 mile warmup) or I tend to end up pulling something.<br><br>
We are all an experiment of 1 - we should do what works for us. I had a friend that was trying to run at least 1 mile each day - he knew if he got out there he would rarely stop at 1 - it worked for him.

 

[tigger]

That's my thinking as well! I know that if I can get out there for a mile or two the odds are good I'll stick it out for a longer run.<br><br>
Last year I averaged 63 min per day (385 hrs) and 65 min per run. (353 runs) My shortest run was 1 mile and my longest was 17.4. Warmest run was 26C and coldest was -20C.