I was a Varsity level runner for my school back in October and ran about 35 MPW. I also danced a half an hour daily during this time, but expirienced medical complications that prevented me from running and dancing for a month. After a month, I still wasn’t able to run, but was permitted to exercise. So I simply started dancing again (I was a competitve Irish Dancer, and was dancing 30 minutes daily). The type of dance I did was pretty intense, and I’d also strength train for an hour a day (simple stuff like pushups, crunches, wall-sits, and pushups).
I did this for roughly two months, and then added on 30 minutes of step aerobics to my routine. Except what I’d do is take the aerobic step (which is 6″ high) and run up and down on it for a half an hour. I stuck with this routine (in addition to the dance and strength training) from February to June.
Recently, I retired from dance, and switched up my routine a bit. I still do the same amount of strength training, but have altered my cardio. I’d do the step aerobics for 20 minutes, jump rope for 40 minutes, and then use a recumbent bike for 10 minutes.
Last Saturday, I went for my first run with a friend. We did four miles, and it felt really easy. I also joined a gym, and have access to a treadmill, elliptical, arc trainer, and more bikes (I HATE the treadmill though… so boring…)
I really want to get back into running again though. I’d say that I’m in excellent physical condition, with a resting pulse of 58 and visible abs/muscle stritations. I’m going to be running for college in August, but my coach hasn’t really given me any type of plan.
How many miles should I start back up with? How many days a week should I run? I don’t want to burn out, but at the same time, I’m in really good shape from all the Cross training I’ve done. It’s really hard to find out how to “restart” running, seeing as I’m not a beginner and have been working out.
If anyone could tell me how many miles I should run this week to start back up, I’d really appreciate it. Thank you for listening!
