Junk Miles? Quantity vs. Quality?

That was sure risky.  So my underwater iPod stopped working?! I need to send it back.  Anyways, after Candice left this morning I needed tunes to finish up my pool run and I plugged my normal iPod into my waterproof headphones and attached it to my headband.  I am beyond lucky that it didn’t get wet and I am sure I looked even cooler with an iPod attached to my head as it was bobbing around while running around in the deep end.

I had time after the pool to hit up the weight room for 30 minutes, I am serious about this gaining muscle thing.  

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See:)  I am trying out something new for breakfast (I turned it into a smoothie with pb and banana thrown in too).  I will do a full review on Fit 4 Her after I have tried it out for a while.   As far as taste goes, it is actually really good and way better than I was expecting.

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I am living on this sucker.  12 days until marathon day.  I will get to that starting line healthy.   PS would anyone like a ‘how to’ foam rolling video?  I had one up on my blog from 3 years ago but it doesn’t work anymore. 

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And at almost two years old she is already too cool for kisses at the splash pad.

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Everyone trains so differently.  Some people reach personal records from running a ton of miles at moderate intensity during their training cycle and some people stick to high-intensity running with lower mileage (and make those miles really good ones) and have awesome races.  

I have talked to sub 3 marathon runners that have done both—> 80+ of easy/moderate miles and also people that don’t go above 45 but each of those miles have purpose/speed/hills/tempo and the long run for endurance building.   They both reached their goals and they both swear by the way that they train.  

I love THIS article about the topic.

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Quantity vs Quality.  Which one is better?  

I don’t think there is a better.  I think it just depends on the person.  One person may do really well with high mileage while another gets an overuse injury by attempting do to so (obviously things like strength training and nutrition play a role in injuries but still, I think certain bodies can only handle so many miles).  I think it takes experimenting around for a while or having a running coach that really knows their stuff and how your body handles different workouts to figure out whether quantity or quality is best for you.  

Finding a balance between the two could also be a really good option for you.  Maybe during the winter months you choose to focus on easy running and a lot of miles but when racing season comes you choose to zone in on intense workouts?!? It’s up to you!

Find what is best for you and what makes you happy and enjoy running—> stick to that, don’t try to mimic other bloggers/runners training plans.

My first marathon was based on quality.  I never went over 35 miles in a week the entire training cycle (I did also teach 3 spin classes a week and took 2 strength training classes a week so I was rocking cross-training) and I finished in 3:20 and felt a little too good during the race…

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I also didn’t go over 40 miles per week with my PR marathon (3:04.. I was also cross training a lot too).

This training cycle I played around with higher mileage and even though my easy days were at an easy pace I think I was still doing too many miles on those easy days to truly recover for the next hard work out.  

Good thing I have a lot of years of marathoning ahead of me because I am working hard at figuring out what is best for me.  

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When it comes to your running are you a quantity runner or quality runner?

-My inner Janae wants to be a quantity runner and run a million miles a week because I love high mileage BUT I get injured that way.  I think quality is going to be the way to go for me… key workouts, long run and the other days in the pool or on the spin bike for my next marathon training cycle.  

Any almond milk drinkers?

What was your very first race ever?


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100 comments

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Little gal in the background strutting her stuff in the photo of you and Brooke at the splash pad steals the show. Hilarious!

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Bahahahaha that is awesome!

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the speed with which I run combined with the fact that I have a full time job kind of precludes me from doing really high mileage. I tend to max out around 35-40 miles and can’t sustain that for a lot of weeks. I’m also an incredibly lazy runner.

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My very first race ever was a 5K my sophomore year of college. I was SO nervous for it and was convinced that I was hallucinating out of exhaustion during the last mile. Two marathons later, it is a funny memory :)

http://nyviewsnikeshoes.com

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I am definitely quality over quantity. Like you, I tend to get injured with higher miles. I am a solid 3x maybe 4x a week runner (I cross train as well). I am still improving my times and getting better at running each year. Am I breaking all sorts of speed records? No – But that doesn’t matter to me.

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I do “junk miles.” I find like logging these junk miles not because I believe in quantity over quality but because I want to get outside. Enjoy the view and weather while running. I guess they can be considered as recovery runs but it’s nice to have runs that aren’t focused on times/pace.

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I find that I like** my post run brain is wonky! Sorry :)

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I’m way more a quality runner, I’ve never gone higher than 45 mpw. I’d really like to test the waters at 55-60 in the next year but slowly and making sure my body can take it. I’ve had good results staying low and running fast.

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I go back and forth, but generally do a lot better mentally and physically as long as I have my slow days in there. I can really only do one day of speed + one tempo a week before things start to fall apart. But I run 5-6 days a week. I’m cheering for you to get to the start line!

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I’m a big fan of “junk” miles but so far I’ve maxed out around 55 miles. I would rather run longer because it makes me happy. I don’t concern myself with speed as much. This sounds crazy but the minute I try running with cross training classes like Zumba or step in I seem I get injured. I’ve found I do best running 40-50 easy miles a week with a yoga class thrown in once a week. Anything more and I start feeling it. It really is so subjective and I envy those who manage to stay injury free :)

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Quality! Hands down. I would rather have several really good training sessions with cross-training built in between than kill myself over mileage. In my opinion, it’s a good way to get injury. My first race ever was RnR San Diego.

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Quality for me. I’m still learning what works for me but I seem to have a lot more issues with my right shin/hip when I try to run too much for my creaky body. And yes please to the foam rolling video! PS – what shoes are in that picture with the foam roller? Cute color :)

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I am all about the quality. I cut my running days down from 5 to 4 and have loved the results that I am seeing in my running. I focus on my run more and less on getting the miles. I only drink almond milk! My first race ever was a 5k at my church!

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I feel weird commenting because I’m always reading but I never comment.

:)

Yes yes yes on the foam rolling video!!!

Praying you get to that starting line healthy!

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I definitely don’t do high mileage but I also don’t do a good job of cross training and stretching so I still got injured. Overuse injury that I think will always rear it’s head if I choose to continue running full marathons.

My first race was a 4 mile race in 2006 in Central Park. I remember thinking 4 miles was hard! :)

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I tend to be a quality runner. I ran a 1:25 half on 45-50mpw all at a quality effort with a day or two completly off. That was the year after high school before I got recruited to a DI University where it was very much based on quantity. 65-70 mile weeks with 3/4 quality workouts, no days off, two a days everyday. I couldn’t hang and spent my three and a half years injured and burned out. Now I’m trying to get healthy and train how I know works best for my body. Though its hard to get out of that “miles make the champions” mindset.

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My first race was a 5k. I was still 35 lbs over weight, but I had lost 50.
My time was 27:45. I had been running for 3 months. What a great feeling, but I still felt out of place with the “real” runners.

I would say quality miles over quantity because of leg issues. I would like to run a hundred miles and not feel it. But my body is not made that way.

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I am a quality over quantity for sure. I can’t do high miles and if I run less/cross train my heart out then I appreciate those runs I do get and I don’t get burned out. I followed your first training plan and I think it worked really well for me. I will definitely use it again when I train for my next marathon (soooo looking forward to it). I am anxious for your dr apt and what he says. Fringes, toes, legs, arms, and eyes are crossed.

I drink almond milk. I usually buy the unsweetened vanilla, but the coconut almond milk is bomb. Mmmmmm.

My first race was a 5k in the hills of bear lake west back in 2002. Oh man. It was brutal. I don’t even remember my finish time, but I am sure it was sad.

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I would LOVE a foam rolling video!

I had loads of miles when I was training for the NYC half and felt AWESOME that race. Then, for my half this weekend, I under trained (mostly b/c of an injury) and kept my mileage on the lower end. I prefer higher mileage! I wasn’t sore after NYC and today my legs are achy.

I think more mileage works best for me! It just means finding more time to run with a 19 month old at home, hahaha!

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A how-to foam rolling video would be awesome! I use it mainly for my neck and back pain but I would love to learn different ways to use it.

I love almond milk and drink it almost everyday! I usually put it in my smoothies and really love the taste.

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High mileage works well for me when I plan it very carefully and don’t add too much intensity too soon. I usually try to acclimate to the mileage before I add workouts (I’ll do some trail runs or hill work to get my muscles ready for the track). Also, like you, I run with friends, so I have to be careful not to run too hard on my easy days. I have also found that I need a few weeks of easy long runs between harder long runs to help me acclimate to the training. Good luck healing up quickly!

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Nice balancing act on the foam rolling photo!

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Great post as usual! It’s definitely about finding what is best for you, not comparing yourself to others. I’m quality over quantity, for sure. I would love to run high mileage every week, but my body just can’t handle it. I maxed out at a 40 mile week during my marathon training. I stayed injury free, and was able to finish in my goal time of 3:48. I used to doubt myself and think that I wouldn’t be able to even finish a marathon unless I ran 40-50+ miles a week, but I found the best balance of miles/strength/cross-training and met my goal. I love running, but I enjoy other workouts as well, and the balance helped me from getting burned out.

My first race was a 5k three summers ago, and I’ve been hooked on races ever since!

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I feel like I kind of switch between the two, depending on whether or not I am training for a race. I have tried Almond milk and I like it with some things. I can’t drink it plain though. My very first race ever was 2 years ago. It was a 5 mile run and I LOVED it! I can’t run like you can, you’re an amazing inspiration to me!

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35 miles/week + spinning+ strength classes sounds amazing! Would you be open to sharing a marathon training plan like that?!??? I have just decided to train for my second marathon and would LOVE something like that.

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I’m not fast enough to include a lot of junk miles in my schedule while still maintaing a life, haha. I wish because there’s nothing better to me than long run day :) I think you’re right – that everyone has to find what works personally – and you can only learn through experimentation.

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I would really enjoy a video regarding foam rolling! My first race was a half marathon in 2008 in Boise ID, the Race to Robie Creek and I have run on and off since then. I am currently working on doing two half marathons this year which will be amazing and my running is getting more consistent which makes me feel great.

I have only been reading your blog for 5 months. I started training for my first half marathon of this year (okay, first in the last 6 years – okay, second one ever) and was feeling guilty taking the time away from my daughter (then about 9 months old), you really helped me feel like I was doing it for both of us and not feel as guilty about some mommy time. I also do mornings (leave the house at 515) but she usually wakes up while I am gone or sometimes before I even leave! Thanks for the great inspiration. My goal this summer is to get in some pool runs.

No almond milk for me. Our household usually supports the cows.

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For me I think I do better at a higher mileage plan because I don’t do a lot of speed. 95% of my speed work comes from various races. The rest of my mileage is relatively easy (between 8:15-8:45 pace). If I was doing faster runs daily (even around 7:45-8:15) I think I might get injured. That being said I know there will be a time I will need to change it up so we will see.

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I like the idea of quality over quantity but my competitive side always thinks more is better…I need to work on my mindset.
My first race was on the track team in high school. My high school is not even a school anymore, so sad!
My first race out of high school was the Pioneer Day 10k downtown SLC and I’ve run it almost every year since then. Love it!

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I LOVE Almond Milk. My favorite brand is the WF’s 365. It is the only one I’ve found that doesn’t have carageenan ( I read somewhere that carageenan isn’t good for you? but who really knows. there is an article for the pros and cons of everything, right?!). Once I read something thought it sticks in my head!

I wish that I could stop getting injured… I’ve tried the run less/run faster but (once I can run again) I want to try more quantity and see how that goes for a fall marathon. I find my legs feel better when running more often – like they know what to do. Where as when I only run 2 or 3 times a week my legs have no idea what to do. Muscle memory maybe?

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I do more mileage than speed work so I guess I have junk miles

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I think 60-80 mi/wk including two faster workouts + long run each week is the sweet spot for me. Up toward the higher end of that range, I start to feel like all I ever do is run, to the detriment of the other things I enjoy doing, and without the faster/harder workouts, my body feels a lot less peppy. I’m a middle-distance track runner at heart. Like you said, though, I think it’s a very individual thing.

My favorite is coconut milk! Mmm, nice and creamy. And does elementary school field day count for first race ever? That was undoubtedly the highlight of my running career. :)

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Yay for posting more running stuff!!! :D

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Isn’t that what she usually posts about?

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Quality for sure!
Fastest running shape of my life running 3 days a week!

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My first race ever was a 5k a year ago in May! Since then I’ve done 9 races including two half marathons! I can’t wait for your review on the Fit 4 Her. I want to get into smoothies and protein powder, but I’m not sure how!

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I am in the minority here in that I am not a hard core runner. I train with running, swimming and biking (and weights). For me, the balance keeps me healthier and I actually love the different post workout feelings I get from all of them (running = endorphin high, biking = strong/solid and swimming = complete body workout with all the aches and pains gone). I have tried in the past to focus more on running with higher miles and my body will just have none of that :) Finally, at 42 I am like “OK body, I will listen to you….”.

Would love a video on how you foam roll for different areas of the body.
Thanks, Janae.

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Quality runner!! You know that quote, “I regret that workout- no one ever”? I totally disagree with that. There have been MANY times when I ran because I wanted to get miles in and they were horrible runs! I’d rather run an amazing 3 miles then a yucky 10 miles.
Almond milk is my life
Yes to foam rolling video!

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I am a quality runner for sure. I currently run 5 days a week and have a purpose for every run, even if it is a recovery run there is an intention for it and this seems to be what works for me.

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I am definitely a quality runner. I find that doing too much each week makes me feel as though I am just going through the motions. I like to invest in and enjoy each of my runs. My first run was the Houston marathon and since then I have improved my marathon time by 40 minutes! The speed work and hill intervals definitely help!

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I seriously think it depends on the person. I am a coach and have learned that people experience runs in so many different ways. I NEED to have that long run and five days a week of running… at least. Other people that I know… their bodies start to break down and can only do 3 days. Which is OK! It’s all about what works best for you.

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I’m like you in that I want to be a higher mileage runner but it seems that both physically and mentally I top out around 50-55 at peak marathon training and above that there are problems! Right now I’m at around 40-45 and feeling great, trying to get more quality speed and hills in as well. As runners we have to learn the hard way!

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As far as mileage goes…I tend to have a hard time going over 50-55ish and 2 a days do not work for me for sure! I am also not so sure I am willing to want to do many more miles than that. I love running, but I try to be careful to keep a balance as far as it goes. I am not a professional runner and when I start upping the miles past 55 or so or add a second run than it really starts eating into my days and affecting my family.
I don’t mind adding almond milk to smoothies…but I also do regular milk for the protein :)

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I would love to be a quantity runner but I am definitely a quality runner. I love a good HIIT run or Fartlek!

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I am pretty darn sure I am a quality runner too. I have to do a LOT (as in, daily or close to it) of strength work to make sure I can even run a small number of miles and I while I can do more now, I doubt I’ll ever be a 50 mpw (or even 40!) person. I have super long legs that just don’t hold on to strength. BOO!

I might try the Run Less, Run Faster approach. And, not an almond milk person but I do like coconut milk. That’s what I use in my smoothies with a scoop of protein powder. I sometimes put protein powder in chocolate milk and add half a scoop in my oatmeal with almond butter. Happy you are finding motivation to strength train – you are going to be even MORE fast. WOW!

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Haha–love that iPod contraption on your headband! ;)

when I run I always do lower mileage–and it works out great for my body!

First race was SLC half marathon in 2008!

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I love high quantity running because I just always want to be running and I’d love to do ultras someday. But I know that my body doesn’t respond well to it. Instead, I’m trying to keep mileage to about 45 – 55 during marathon peak training while having some of them be fast. I’m on a break right now and am planning to work on getting faster in the half marathon before I dive back into marathon training in late July. Fingers crossed!

BTW – My son poses the same way now when I give him kisses (he’s 2). It makes the cuddly times that much better, though!

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I LOVE almond milk – especially the chocolate kind :)

My first race ever was a 500m dash for kids when I was 5 years old. It was at a race that my parents were both running and gave a chance for the kids to get involved! The whole time I was running I kept stopping to wave to my parents. The rest is history!

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I’m a quality runner all the way. I think if I had more time, I would be a quantity runner because I love the feeling of accomplishment you get after a long run, but, unfortunately, I just don’t have the time or energy to do more than one a week.

LOVE almond milk too – I wish more places (i.e. Starbucks and other cafes) would carry it.

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I’m in the quality over quantity camp mixed with serious cross training and strength training. My best races are always when I’m running 35-40 miles with a few days a week of really good strength workouts and cross training but I agree with you whats right for one person may not work for another….

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I think that I am in the middle. I don’t think I could handle (or have enough time) to do really high mileage…but I get stressed if I feel like I’m not racking up the miles. But I totally feel that without good quality (and therefore shorter) workouts are the absolute key for me to running a faster race.

Almond milk to me kinda taste like what Lysol smells like…sorry! ;)

My very first race was a half (I have never done a 5 or 10k in my life!) in Niagara Falls, Ontario….I was hooked immediately.

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Yes! Would love a video on foam rolling!

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I am a low-milage girl, too. I rarely hit 50 MPW in marathon training.

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I usually stick with 40-45 miles per week but during my last training cycle I got up to 60. I came a little too close to being injured so I don’t know if I would do that much again, but like you said nutrition and strength training can make a difference too.

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I run my best between 60-70 mpw with 1 or 2 quality workouts.

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I’ve only ever done one half-marathon… the marathon bug hasn’t caught me yet! I focused mostly on one long run a week and two shorter ones during the week. My mileage was low and I had no training plan to go off of. I’m a wing-it kinda girl ;)
However, I’d love to go sub-2 at my next half-mare (whenever that will be… I was 30secs away from it!) so I may just have to find a good quantity/quality plan and see how that works for me!

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I would love a foam rolling video. I’ve been having IT problems for the past year. Thanks :)

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I am definitely an almond milk drinker! I add it to my blender bottle with a scoop of protein powder and a big spoonful of vanilla yogurt for a great post workout shake. :)

I’d love to be the super high mileage gal, but I’d definitely get injured! I’ve never gone over 55 miles a week for any of my 8 marathons. I think that’s my tipping point. ;)

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I am a bit of a mix. When I have a goal I run mostly quality, during the fall and early winter mostly quantity just to get out and enjoy it. I don’t race between end oct and mid May, and the rest of the time I only race max every 4-6 weeks, my longest at the beginning of the season and keep everything between 1 mile and 8 miles after that.
No milk for me, I dislike any and all kinds. Just in cereal. Lots of yogurt and other foods with calcium though! Keep those bones strong.

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My first race was a half-marathon in New Zealand. My first marathon was the SLC marathon. I’m a quality runner. I love to run, but I also love lots of other activity. So my mileage is low compared to many (35 max), but I do alright with my goals, and I’m injury free.

Almond milk is my favorite!

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I am definitely a quality over quantity runner, though I secretly really want to do some crazy high mileage.

I have tried almond milk a few times, it’s good, but I’m not obsessed.

My first race ever was a cross country meet in high school. My first race that I actually raced as an adult was the Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon. It’s a beautiful course.

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I am absolutely quality over quantity. And I love almond milk. But I pretty much love all kinds of milk so maybe I am not the best judge…

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I’m definitely a quality runner – too many miles and my body breaks down. Of course, cross training will probably make a huge difference.

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I have never run more than 45 miles in a week but I really don’t know if I would say they were all “quality”. I have noticed that I’m better running longer but fewer runs midweek.
I only use almond milk (I’m a vegan.) Around Christmas I bought almond milk egg nog. It was amazing.
My first race was a 5K. I was so nervous I literally peed my running tights!

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I am definitely quality over quantity! I run 3 days/week when marathon training (sometimes 4, but just when friends tempt me in to a great run) and then cross train. I try to do one speed, one tempo, one long. I never skip my long runs.

I drink almond milk because cow milk doesn’t always like me. I like the flavor, but am always disappointed in the lack of protein it supplies.

I can’t remember my first race. I’m guessing a local 5K in my early teens?

Not to try to lecture you, but Emily on “Sweat Once a Day” recently mentioned that she was told you can foam roll too much – that it might cause inflammation. Maybe find a happy medium? Good luck!

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I struggle with wanting to do more quantity than quality. I usually don’t allow myself to go over 50 miles per week, but I think my body is happier with 35-40. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to be an ultra runner and keep my mileage low, so I try to even it out by doing longer runs one week, followed by an easy week with shorter runs.

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My first time doing a marathon I cross trained a ton and really only racewalked 3 times a week. I started out just racewalking. I did the Great Bermuda walking marathon which does not exist anymore. I placed 3rd so not so bad. By my 3rd marathon I was doing 70 miles a week along with my masters swimming and it really worked for me. I did racewalk specific events and did some sub 10 min miles. I continued this even when I was pregnant with my first and 8 weeks after she was born I did a 1/2 marathon. It worked for me. Then with a family I just could not maintain that mileage. So I had my racewalk coach design something different and go figure I got good results at 30 or 40 mile weeks. But I still think the 70 mile weeks were good for me, it worked at the time. Now with 2 kids and work and other committments I just want to get some sort of mileage!!

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I love your running posts!
I’m a quantity mileage, mainly because I don’t have the time to run more than I do now (40 miles a week), so I try to make them count.

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love almond milk! also please put up a how to video for foam rolling :)

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Wow 35 miles does not seem to be enough for a marathon. All my training plans have peaked at 45/50 and I’m old.
My first race was a 5k, Evans Run in Norwell, MA.

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For me it’s all about quality! But like you said, that’s just for me! LOVE almond milk and I use it in everything!

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Mentally I want to be a quantity runner, but I always have to convince myself that quality miles are way better haha. Coconut milk is my go-to, plus it makes cereal taste way more tropical :) My very first race was a 10k in Richmond, and it still remains my favorite course :)

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I would love a new foam rolling tutorial!

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LOVE your blog, janae! ;-)

my last marathon i did 70 mile weeks and while i pulled off a PR there- i felt exhausted and slow the whole training cycle. it was really mentally tough going into a race not feeling confident in your ability to run fast. this last training cycle i wanted to do less mileage for that reason. i did hanson’s training plan (increasing the weekend long run) and felt fast the whole training cycle and got another PR in the marathon this last week. this sold me on quality over quantity! i would love it if you did a post on your training plan you used/most important things you did during your training cycle to get the 3:04.

ps. praying for you to show up healthy on race day- i know you’re gonna kill it!

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I would love to see a foam rolling video! I’ve been meaning to get one, I just don’t know any proper exercises. Would love some pointers!

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I’ve never done any long distance race, so by default I go with “quality miles.”

Almond milk is a daily necessity over here.

My first race was a 5K last Monday (Memorial Day)! The route was poorly marked and somehow I got lost and ended up on the 10K course haha…but it was a good experience overall! :)

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I vote for a foam roll video/stretch video! I am figuring out which training is best for me so I am in between. lol

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I am definitely a quality runner. If I get my mileage too high in a week I get exhausted and am useless, but if I just do quality runs I feel better and recover better.

I went through an almond milk stage but had to do half almond half regular milk. I couldn’t get over the thick consistency.

My first race was a 10k. The farthest I had ever ran was 2.5-3 miles. It was a fun race but I remember being so dead that last mile!

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Love almond milk. Oh man, I’m the queen of junk miles. It works for now though I guess. Sending healing vibes your way!

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I Would love a foam rolling video!

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Quality, quality, quality. Your body will thank you by giving you more PR’s. WIN WIN.

I remember that video! LOL

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I am 43, have 4 kids and have been running since I was 13. I’ve had too many injuries to count and am inspired by your upbeat attitude during your recovery process. I fall into the ‘less is more’ category. I average 35-40 miles a week for marathon training and sometimes even less! But I live in South Africa where the focus is on two big ultras – two oceans (35 miles) and comrades (56m). It’s all about endurance here and slower paced runs and less on speed which I think is more of a focus in the US with its BQ goals. A PB is just that, a number, and at the end of the day it’s nice to have but it’s even nicer to run consistently and not get injured. If sticking to the low end of mileage and accepting slower times keeps me running, then that’s fine with me. Totally my opinion – I know others will disagree!

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I love almond milk… I miss it here in china… along with all other dairy products.

My first race was a 5K 2 years ago. I had been this lazy runner who did maybe 6-8 miles a week and then after I did the 5K I ended up doing 11 races within a year including 3 half-marathons because racing made me love training…

Races are awesome and I love the training process

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I am still trying to figure out what works, I just started training for my first half and am trying to up my mileage slowly!! Not really sure how many weekly miles I should have in for a half, any suggestions from anyone?

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I love almond milk. I switched from regular milk a while ago. Now I’m going completely non-dairy for the baby, so it’s a good thing I like it!

For training, I usually do about 50 miles a week, but don’t really do a lot of speed work, etc. I do do a ton of hills, though, because I have to if I want to run outside around here.

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Love this post, I think about quality miles vs quantity miles a LOT. It really just makes me compare myself to others, which does me no good. For me, quality seems more important. If I run more than 4 days a week, I get injured and burned out, so I’ve got to really make those days count! Than ks for your honesty!

PS – Almond milk is the best!

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Mostly a lurker but felt the need to tell you – try Silk **Dark** Chocolate Almond Milk. I promise it will be amazing.

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I’d love a foam rolling video! Yes on the almond milk ( silk coconut milk is amazing too), and my first race was a 5k on a vacation!

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This is a great post and great information! I think the balance aspect is key and so very important.

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Love this post! My very first race was a 5k during hurricane Irene. It was brutal but I learned straight from the beginning if I could run in a hail storm I could run in anything. Unsweetened almond milk is my go-to and yes please post a foam rolling video!

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I think I am a quality runner, in order to avoid injury but also to prevent it from becoming a chore.

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I’m not a milk drinker, I just don’t care for it. BUT when the coconut almond milk came out a few weeks ago I bought some to use in my smoothies and it is wonderful!!! My son and I pretend we are drinking fancy pina coladas every morning!

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I totally believe training load is such an individualized thing. I ran the highest mileage I’ve ever run this past winter, training for a spring marathon. I peaked at 71 miles and ended up running a 23 minute PR. I think my body responded well to the extra mileage. I wasn’t injured. Yeah I was tired on my peak weeks, but I also incorporated a few step back weeks of 30ish miles. That made a huge difference physically and mentally. I totally think it is something you have to play around with and discover on your own.

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I would like to be a quantity runner too, but I think I am a quality runner. Oh and I love almond milk. Especially when I make a protein smoothie with banana and pb. :)

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I love almond milk! It’s all I drink now. My first race was The Sticker Stampede 5K in November, 2011. Little did I know that race would get me hooked!

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yes! i LOVE silk almond milk :) i use it to make my oatmeal every morning. so good!

i knew you were fast, but i had no idea that your marathon PR was a 3:04! you need to run boston!!! :)

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Yes please on the foam rolling video!!!

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That’s so funny you posted about this. I posted about junk miles on Runnerd.com on Sunday. And we didn’t even talk about it at the pool!! We really are on the same wavelength!

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Ironically my very first race was the LA Marathon in 2008. I trained with Team in Training and it took me forever but I finished. Now I just stick to half marathons.

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I hope you make it to the marathon at 100%!!

I normally drink soy milk but I just switched to Almond to try it out!

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