how long can you run without stopping?

[zCypher]

My cardio really sucks.

I started going to the gym a few weeks ago. I ran (well, jogged) for 3-4 mins then stopped, walked quickly for a min and then jogged for another 6-7 mins. That was it for my first day at teh gym, then a little bit of various weights and ab exercises. I felt a bit sore for a couple days so I figured it was a good first day.

The second day a couple days later, I ran for 20 minutes. Well the first few mins was just walking quickly warming up, the rest was more like jogging keeping my pace.. I haven't been able to do 20 mins .. well, ever.

now that I got my gym pass I plan to up it to 3x per week (I do 2x now). I always start with cardio and then do weights after, and I drink water throughout the time I'm there.

I've always really sucked at cardio so that's my main focus right now, I want to tone up and add a little bit of muscle mass but it's not really a priority right now, I'm not unhappy about my body overall so it's really more to increase my overall physical performance.

Share your experience

 

[zCypher]

Then there's also the lifestyle changes that need to come with it. No more poutine or cigars etc.. I still need to get a new pair of shoes cause these ones are worn out on the inside and start burning after 15min.

I don't plan on taking any supplements other than good food. I tried whey protein once in the past, but I don't really feel I need that or anything else. I feel the results from the gym pretty easily and I don't have uber ambitious goals ... Just want to be in great shape and feel great.

 

[TallBill]

Start with getting a good pair of shoes. Fuel your body and hydrate like crazy. You'll get used to it as you go on. If you're getting bored while running you could possibly look into HIIT as well. I've dabbled with it a little recently and was highly surprised at how it affected my endurance.

 

[M0oG0oGaiPan]

i find running while watching the office and 30 rock makes it less boring.

 

[Megatomic]

Try running outside and especially outside on trails. It's way better than treadmilling...

I am capable of doing a marathon without stopping and next year plan on doing an ultramarathon. I do this stuff for fun though, pure and simple.

 

[StageLeft]

Longest I've tried is just under 4 hours

Endurance comes quickly, especially if you're in really bad shape; adding minutes and miles on comes very fast as long as you stick to it. A person who cannot comfortably run a mile could be up to several miles under much less duress within a couple of months if they stick to it.

 

[nikonjems]

I can run 2 miles without stopping.

 

[EvilYoda]

I know I can at least make it to the fridge.

 

[gar655]

Originally posted by: TallBill
and hydrate like crazy.

This is actually bad advice. On any given marathon there are usually more issues with over hyper-hydration than with dehydration. And hyper-hydration is much more deadly than dehydration.

The general rule is to drink as needed or when you're thirsty. Even in a marathon there is no benefit to stopping at every water stop to drink when you're not thirsty.

And at the amount of distance or time you are currently exercising drinking during exercise is not needed.

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: gar655

Originally posted by: TallBill
and hydrate like crazy.

This is actually bad advice. On any given marathon there are usually more issues with over hyper-hydration than with dehydration. And hyper-hydration is much more deadly than dehydration.

The general rule is to drink as needed or when you're thirsty. Even in a marathon there is no benefit to stopping at every water stop to drink when you're not thirsty.

And at the amount of distance or time you are currently exercising drinking during exercise is not needed.

I don't claim to know the science of "drinking water", but I have found if I wait till my body tells me I'm thirsty when running a marathon (particularly when it is hot outside), that it is too late. Same with backpacking...if I wait till my body tells me I'm thirsty I end up dehydrated which royally sucks. One backpacking trip I took I screwed up badly on this and ended up having to take a 3+ hour break slowly rehydrating and lying in the shade...I felt like total shit. Was fine the rest of the trip because I properly hydrated. Since then I've been very careful to drink a reasonable amount of water on regular intervals to avoid this from occurring.

I find during marathons that my body adapts well to getting a little water at each water station. no...not a whole glass...just a couple of sips. Keeps my body rehydrating itself regularly rather than a whole glass at a time in more spaced out intervals. This has worked wonderfully for me. I also avoid over-consuming liquids before I start...just a reasonable amount to ensure I'm properly hydrated before I start.

 

[M0oG0oGaiPan]

i've only ran outside maybe 5 times this year. first time was a marathon for 26 miles... i started from running 0 miles in january. i think i started a day or two after i made my new years resolution post in the new years resolution thread. running outside can be enjoyable but it's better with a friend. otherwise i'd rather run on the treadmill while watching tv to be honest. setting a slight incline helps to keep the intensity level up.

 

[TallBill]

Originally posted by: gar655

Originally posted by: TallBill
and hydrate like crazy.

This is actually bad advice. On any given marathon there are usually more issues with over hyper-hydration than with dehydration. And hyper-hydration is much more deadly than dehydration.

The general rule is to drink as needed or when you're thirsty. Even in a marathon there is no benefit to stopping at every water stop to drink when you're not thirsty.

And at the amount of distance or time you are currently exercising drinking during exercise is not needed.

I've read plenty about overhydration, but waiting for thirst is too late. Also, where the hell did you pull marathon out of the OP? He's running for 20 minutes, I can pretty much guarantee that he's not drinking enough water. I've seen plenty of cases of dehydration, and yet to see someone overhydrated.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: gar655

Originally posted by: TallBill
and hydrate like crazy.

This is actually bad advice. On any given marathon there are usually more issues with over hyper-hydration than with dehydration. And hyper-hydration is much more deadly than dehydration.

The general rule is to drink as needed or when you're thirsty. Even in a marathon there is no benefit to stopping at every water stop to drink when you're not thirsty.

And at the amount of distance or time you are currently exercising drinking during exercise is not needed.

You have no clue what you're talking about. Ever run a marathon? If you wait til you're thirsty, it's too late.

 

[Bateluer]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: gar655

Originally posted by: TallBill
and hydrate like crazy.

This is actually bad advice. On any given marathon there are usually more issues with over hyper-hydration than with dehydration. And hyper-hydration is much more deadly than dehydration.

The general rule is to drink as needed or when you're thirsty. Even in a marathon there is no benefit to stopping at every water stop to drink when you're not thirsty.

And at the amount of distance or time you are currently exercising drinking during exercise is not needed.

You have no clue what you're talking about. Ever run a marathon? If you wait til you're thirsty, it's too late.

As someone who's ran 5 marathons, and currently registered for 5 more(woot!), Tallbill and Capt Caveman are right. You need to hydrate like crazy before a marathon, with a good intake in the days leading up to the marathon too, if you wait until you're thirsty, its too late and you're already dehydrated. Over hydrating is serious, but not as common. In all the marathons I've done, dehydration has been the number 1 problem.

For the OP, you're likely not doing the distance to even worry about over hydration. You're likely dehydrated, drink more water. Until your doing marathon distances, avoid the sports drinks too. The sugar won't do you any good, stick with plain water.

M0oG0oGaiPan, nuts to the treadmill. You run on the treadmill at the gym when its 120 degrees out or lightning out, otherwise, running is meant to be done outside.

 

[SlitheryDee]

I can run non-stop at about an 8 minute mile pace for at least an hour. Never tried for more than that.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Originally posted by: Bateluer

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: gar655

Originally posted by: TallBill
and hydrate like crazy.

This is actually bad advice. On any given marathon there are usually more issues with over hyper-hydration than with dehydration. And hyper-hydration is much more deadly than dehydration.

The general rule is to drink as needed or when you're thirsty. Even in a marathon there is no benefit to stopping at every water stop to drink when you're not thirsty.

And at the amount of distance or time you are currently exercising drinking during exercise is not needed.

You have no clue what you're talking about. Ever run a marathon? If you wait til you're thirsty, it's too late.

As someone who's ran 5 marathons, and currently registered for 5 more(woot!), Tallbill and Capt Caveman are right. You need to hydrate like crazy before a marathon, with a good intake in the days leading up to the marathon too, if you wait until you're thirsty, its too late and you're already dehydrated. Over hydrating is serious, but not as common. In all the marathons I've done, dehydration has been the number 1 problem.

For the OP, you're likely not doing the distance to even worry about over hydration. You're likely dehydrated, drink more water. Until your doing marathon distances, avoid the sports drinks too. The sugar won't do you any good, stick with plain water.

M0oG0oGaiPan, nuts to the treadmill. You run on the treadmill at the gym when its 120 degrees out or lightning out, otherwise, running is meant to be done outside.

Wow, bang on Bateleur and Capt Caveman! I agree, hydrate like crazy before the marathon.

Overhydrating (hyponatremia) is a minor risk in marathons, but most at risk are women who run for longer than 4 hours. Simply drink a cup of energy drink (Gatorade, Powerade, etc.) at every rest station instead of just water, and take at least 1 energy gel during a marathon. This keeps you hydrated and keeps your sodium and potassium levels in balance. That's what I do.

However, for the OP's workouts, plain water is fine for steady runs up to 1 hour in duration.

As far as your question, OP, the longest I've run was my first marathon (2:50:07); I could probably run for 4 hours or longer if I slowed my pace.

Edit: Oh yea, I agree, the treadmill sucks ass. I'm only on there if there's ice, hail or lightning. I've never been in 120 degree weather, but I wouldn't run outside in that either.

 

[StageLeft]

I'll throw another wrench into this hydration chat, just for good measure.

Hyponatremia (over hydration) is a concern, but most people don't have to worry about it unless they are way over board on fluids. However, most people also don't have to worry as much as they do about being insufficiently hydrated. Performance is only impacted when you lose 3-5% of your bodyweight from fluid loss. Further, it's been shown in studies that even among ultra runners, the best approach is normally to drink ad libitum, which means you drink when you're thirsty. I am rehashing what I remember from Tim Noakes' Encyclopedia of Running.

Most people do get enough water, are not chronically dehydrated, and don't need to drink until their urine is always clear.

IMO the days leading up to a marathon are light enough on activity anyway that unless you're actually dieting (silly), then your body has the food and fluids it needs. Bump them up the day before a little, but if you over do the water you may dilute your electrolytes.

Race conditions are important, too. I can run much further and easier if it's cool outside, say in the 50's. So a marathon done at 50 will require a great deal less fluid replacement than one done at 90.

 

[Maverick2002]

I've jogged for 10 miles before and then got bored. It's actually not very difficult if you stick to it for a few months. That's assuming you want to do it in the first place. Unless you're training for a marathon (and thereby running at the appropriate pace), doing endless cardio is retarded. Hit the weights. A high intensity workout will develop the same (if not better) cardiovascular condition than running. I'm not saying don't run - it has benefits as well, but "running X miles" doesn't say a whole lot. If you can run a 7 minute mile, you can easily jog 5, 10 if you don't die of boredom or get too hungry.

 

[gar655]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: gar655

Originally posted by: TallBill
and hydrate like crazy.

This is actually bad advice. On any given marathon there are usually more issues with over hyper-hydration than with dehydration. And hyper-hydration is much more deadly than dehydration.

The general rule is to drink as needed or when you're thirsty. Even in a marathon there is no benefit to stopping at every water stop to drink when you're not thirsty.

And at the amount of distance or time you are currently exercising drinking during exercise is not needed.

You have no clue what you're talking about. Ever run a marathon? If you wait til you're thirsty, it's too late.

As a matter of fact smartass, I have. Maybe you ought to take your head out of your ...
and read up on it a little.

Most of what people who run, or exercise for extended periods perceive as dehydration is not.

Read all about it. Try runnersworld or runningtimes or just use google. And waiting untill you're thirsty is not too late for someone who is properly trained. And you should be properly trained BEFORE attempting a marathon. If you are properly trained you will know the signal your body gives to tell you if you need to drink, need to slow down etc...

You can still be a victim of heat exhaustion while being well hydrated.

 

[Bateluer]

Originally posted by: gar655

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: gar655

Originally posted by: TallBill
and hydrate like crazy.

This is actually bad advice. On any given marathon there are usually more issues with over hyper-hydration than with dehydration. And hyper-hydration is much more deadly than dehydration.

The general rule is to drink as needed or when you're thirsty. Even in a marathon there is no benefit to stopping at every water stop to drink when you're not thirsty.

And at the amount of distance or time you are currently exercising drinking during exercise is not needed.

You have no clue what you're talking about. Ever run a marathon? If you wait til you're thirsty, it's too late.

As a matter of fact smartass, I have. Maybe you ought to take your head out of your ...
and read up on it a little.

Most of what people who run, or exercise for extended periods perceive as dehydration is not.

Read all about it. Try runnersworld or runningtimes or just use google. And waiting untill you're thirsty is not too late for someone who is properly trained. And you should be properly trained BEFORE attempting a marathon. If you are properly trained you will know the signal your body gives to tell you if you need to drink, need to slow down etc...

You can still be a victim of heat exhaustion while being well hydrated.

Once again, I have trained properly for several marathons, and am currently training for my first Ultra in November. If you want until you are thirsty, you have waited too long. You'll be dehydrated for the duration of the race and never become fully hydrated until a few days after the event.. Runners World and Running Times, as well as Ultrarunning Magazine and TrailRunner, agree on this simply fact.

 

[TallBill]

Originally posted by: gar655


As a matter of fact smartass, I have. Maybe you ought to take your head out of your ...
and read up on it a little.

Most of what people who run, or exercise for extended periods perceive as dehydration is not.

Read all about it. Try runnersworld or runningtimes or just use google. And waiting untill you're thirsty is not too late for someone who is properly trained. And you should be properly trained BEFORE attempting a marathon. If you are properly trained you will know the signal your body gives to tell you if you need to drink, need to slow down etc...

You can still be a victim of heat exhaustion while being well hydrated.

OP is not properly trained, hence the first line of his post "my cardio really sucks". My response to him was spot on. You are being an ass.

 

[Capt Caveman]

nvm

 

[zebano]

I ran 9 miles earlier this summer and it's further than I like to run. My training was just minor lifting and playing sports.

 

[RagingBITCH]

I haven't really timed out how long I can go without stopping. I've run 3 full marathons and will run 4 & 5 in 1 & 2 month's time, respectively. I take frequent walk breaks at regular intervals. In all reality, short of being an Olympic caliber "elite", there isn't much bragging rights to be had for running without stopping. You could easily slow your pace down and be able to run for a longer period of time than you did at your faster pace.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Longest I've tried is just under 4 hours

Endurance comes quickly, especially if you're in really bad shape; adding minutes and miles on comes very fast as long as you stick to it. A person who cannot comfortably run a mile could be up to several miles under much less duress within a couple of months if they stick to it.

Exactly.

I started running 1/4-1/2 miles, walking that much, running, repeating. After that, 1/2-1 mile increments, then 1-2 miles, then 2-3 miles, and you'll find that it won't take all that long before you can do 5-6 miles a day as a regular workout, without stopping.

Just get going, stick to a workout routine, and you'll see a benefit very quickly.