[Paja]

Hello all!

A few years ago, I completed C25K and was a regular runner (usually 4x/wk), and I had just started marathon training when I was in a bike accident and messed up my knee pretty bad. I tried to start running again about eight months later, but my knee still wasn't right and I couldn't get into the physical rhythm of running; it didn't make me feel good anymore, so I decided to set it aside for a while and focus on other kinds of exercise.

My knee is (mostly, when it's not cold out) better now, and I'd sort of like to start running again (probably starting with C25K). The only issue that I'm having is that I'm now only working out 4 days per week (non-negotiable for personal reasons), and I don't really want to spend three of them doing the same thing.

Do you think that I can build back up some of my running fitness/stamina if I'm only doing it once per week (with three other days of cardio in the form of walking/cycling/fitness videos)? Or would I be better off just letting it go and waiting until I reach a time in my life when I can commit to more?

[seagirl]

Why do you want to run at all? A love of running? A desire to be able to do it again?
Just start out with one day a week and see how it goes. No need to make the decision whether to do it or not all at once. Just play it by ear. You may find once a week is enough, or that you like it so much you want to do it more.

[Paja]

I do love running, and that's really why I want to get back to it. This morning I was itching to go out on a run. I also know myself, though, and I know that I'll get bored and resentful if I do the same workout more than twice a week.

I guess the root of my question (silly me, poor phrasing in the original) is whether or not it's possible to build up a base level of running fitness without committing to the standard 3 days per week, provided that one day of running isn't my only exercise.

[delyn]

I think you should try it out and see what happens. Even though running once a week may not be as affective as running twice or three times a week, since you are planning to do other cardio activies, I'm sure you'll be able to get back to where you were eventually.

I think as long as you keep moving, it'll improve. For me personally, I used to only run one mile a week when I was just starting out. The other days of the week I would usually do the elliptical or bike ride, and I noticed that my running capabilities improved even though I wasn't just focusing on that exercise alone.

[ncuneo]

You can, it will just take longer then it did the first time. You can incorporate other endurance type cardio that would compliment and help you build up to more miles, say a spin class.

That said, there is no reason you only have to do one exercise a day. How much time do you have for a work out? An hour? Do 10-30 mins of running then use the rest of the time to lift weights or do the elliptical or whatever.

I also don't know your situation, but I run early morning when everyone is asleep before work. Then 3xs a week I hit the gym while my husband helps out with DS. If running and exercise is important to you there are ways to make it a priority.