Does running one mile make a difference?

[OILFIELDTRASH]

On some days I'm totally strapped for time and just getting a mile would have to be it. I'm a semi experienced runner and get anywhere from 10-15 miles a week. One mile is super easy but is it doing anything as far as building anymore endurance or cut my times down? Is it a waste of time or is it one of those every mile counts thing?

 

[chalmers]

If you are looking to cut your single mile times down, then any mile you run with that goal in mind will help cut your times down.

I can't imagine any exercise is a waste of time.

 

[YoungGun21]

I'd say if you normally run 3+ miles then a 1-mile run is nothing more than shaking your legs out. It probably helps your recovery after your harder runs, and it is certainly better than doing nothing. What I would do is run that mile at a pace much faster than normal to work on your short distance endurance.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Thanks. I agree the intensity of the mile will be key and also anything is better than nothing. A full on balls to the wall mile is no joke and maybe I can get to a 6min mile. 5 min is just a dream at this point.

 

[whistleclient]

If nothing else, it's keeping you from sliding. I've done a 1 mile run on days I really, really didn't want to run, just so I wouldn't end up going 2 then 3 then 4 days without running.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

A light jog will be good for recovery. A hard mile will help train more glycolytic processes rather than aerobic processes. Either way, yes, it will do something. Plus it gets you out, doing something, which is perhaps the biggest boost via psychology.