running routine for only 30 min/day - Should I be running for more than 30 min?

Hey everyone,

I've been looking online for running routines because I don't want to injure myself by running everyday nor I want to get bored with the same routine everyday but all the routines I have found usually take more than 30 min, even for beginners, so I was wondering if any of you guys knew about a schedule or routine that would only take 30 min. I'm tempted to just do it myself but again, I'm afraid of overtraining or undertraining myself.

 

Thanks!

Well, as a beginner you should definietly take it slow and steady, and adjust according to your athletic ability.  I recommend www.runnersworld.com because they have routines for women and men, and begginers on up to expert marathoners!  You can input your times, and/or pace, and configure a program that will span from 2-14 weeks, and according to difficulty.  I love the tools on the site! 

As for running 30mins.  Is this because that' sall you have?  or you want to start out at 30mins?  When I started back runnning I couldn't run for 30mins straight, but I had to acclimate myself to longer periods.  I've found that running longer than 30mins is really when you start to benifit and see results.  Anything that's barely 30mins, is more for cardiovascular health, but increasing that time will aid better. If you only truely have 30mins, then you can try a high intensity routine.  Like intervals, using sprinting techniques and brisk walk, or jogs in between.

I do these a lot but I still go for a longer duration of exercise.  I like to burn more calories! At least at a higher intensity you will burn more in 30 minutes, than you would joggin in 30mins, but if you are just starting out, then jogging for you at 30 mins could be a great workout! 

I guess I can only recommend you check out the site, and if you can't do more than 30mins, just adjust it so you can, remember you need about 10 minutes of warm up and cooldown, not including the 30mins, so keep that in mind.

I personally alternate my running with strength training not only will this help you with your running but it will help you shape and tone your body by making it work more efficiently.

As for running routines what level would you say your at? How many miles are you running in your 30 minutes?

When it come to Running Runner's World is my Bible they have great routines on their website that are for different levels and purposes. Gaining speed, endurance, Tri training etc. check it out:

http://www.runnersworld.com/topic/0,7122,ss6-238-263-0-0,00.html

www.c25k.com

We've got a great motivational thread going as well...

Good luck!

this kind of depends on what your goals are and how long you have been running.  So... what are your goals and how long have you been running?

If you're new to it, you'll want to build up a nice base of miles before you start to push your pace.  A beginner's 5K plan might work for you, depending on your level.  And to me, the best way to combat boredom by running is not by changing your running routine, but rather changing WHERE you run.

Thanks guys! I checked the runnersworld website, the only problem is that I will not be able to spend more than 30 mins running everyday, since I only work out for about an hour and I split it between cardio and weights. i guess the max I could spend on cardio is 45 min but not more than that.

 

Couch to 5k workout is great, and only 30 minutes pretty much.  There are downloadable podcasts that are timed to do the interval runs.  I am on set 3 of week 6 of it, and it's working great.  The workout times vary from 25 min total to about 40 min.

I am always getting bored, so I understand what you mean about wanting some variety, i'd highly reccomend this workout for that.  I havn't gotten bored with it yet!

I will 3rd the C25K notion. I'm a big fan of the program, and am about 3 weeks from being a 'graduate'.

Some of them are a little bit longer than 30 minutes, but not ridiculously so. 32 minutes is the most I've seen so far. It's also great at preventing you from doing too much, too soon. It really is a great program. I've lost about 2 pounds a week for the 6 weeks I've been doing it. It's a great kickstart to the metabolism...the weeks before it was only about a pound a week. Makes a world of difference.

There's also plenty of support for the C25K program...runners really are a special bunch of people. ;]