04/15/2025
š Should you increase your mileageāor hold steady? Letās talk about it.
More miles arenāt always the answer. In fact, knowing when to build volumeāand how to do it without tanking your energy or risking injuryāis one of the most underrated skills a runner can develop. ā (Admittedly, itās one I had to learn the hard way when I first got into the sport.)
Swipe through this post to help you figure out:
š Whether you need to increase volumeā
ā ļø Red flags that it might not be the right timeā (yet)
š” How to progress smartly when the green lightās on:
1ļøā£ First, ask yourself why youāre chasing more. Training for a longer event? Want to build endurance or aerobic capacity? Great. But ābecause everyone else is running moreā isnāt the best reason.ā
2ļøā£ You might be ready to build if youāre recovering well, training consistently, and noticing a potential benefit from running moreānot forcing it or comparing your mileage to someone elseās.
3ļøā£ Hold off if youāre injured, fatigued, ramping up intensity elsewhere, or your current volume is already working well! Play the cost vs. benefit game wisely.
4ļøā£ The 10% rule is a solid starting pointābut not a universal law. Newer runners at low mileage (e.g., 5ā7 mi) can safely progress a bit faster. Experienced runners should zoom out and consider overall training load, not just last weekās total.
5ļøā£ Ready to go? Then build gradually:
Add frequency before increasing distance
Train by time, not milesāthis keeps effort more consistent across pace, terrain, and heat
Cross-training counts!
Respect your āeasy,ā plan rest, and stay flexible. Growth isnāt always linear.
šÆ Want help navigating your next base phase or build cycle? I offer individualized coaching built around your goals, lifestyle, and recovery needs. Or just DM me for a consultāIām always happy to take a look at your training!