Is it advisable to run twice in one day? Like, one 2-mile run in the morning, then a 4-mile run in the evening? Will it be helpful in building up my endurance and speed, or is it bad to run twice a day?
Answer by Dominique:
Hi there,
Thank you for your question.
There is nothing wrong with running twice a day.
You need to consider your motivation behind doing this. Many runners run twice a day even when it is not really necessary. It is good though that you are critical about this. I can imagine that you ask yourself "Is it bad to run twice a day?".
Here are some pros and cons about doubles:
It is better to run six miles in one day when you are looking to establish your base and increase your endurance, as opposed to breaking it up in two separate runs. But for high-mileage runners, it is more beneficial to run twice a day. Elite runners run 20-30+ miles per day regularly. With that kind of mileage your body would simply break down if you'd run it all in one go. You need to give your body some time to recover.
Shorter doubles allow faster training. Two 3-mile runs are easier than doing a one 6-mile run.
If you prefer doubles, add them gradually to your training program. A general principle that every runner should know is that you should increase your mileage safely. So in doing doubles, you should do the same and gradually add your second runs.
Avoid two tough runs in one day. Do not combine a long run in the morning with a tough session in the evening. Begin your double runs with an easy-easy combination. Later on, when you are well and truly used to running twice in one day, then you can do a hard-easy combination on one day as well. The whole key of good and safe running is to avoid putting too much stress on your body.
I hope this will guide you in your running sessions. Some runners prefer running twice a day, while others don't. Whichever your preference, be sure to take extra caution and do not put too much stress on your body.
Hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Dominique
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