running once a week

[rEdShawks]

I myself run all the time, usually 3-5 days a week, and like to think i know a little bit about running. for instance i know it is extremely important to be active otherwise if u dont run for awhile then run once, u are susceptible to many injury's. i am not asking this for myself but for a friend, who runs on average once a week. is it safer that he doesnt run since he is mid 50's and running infrequently is dangerous. or is more dangerous for him not to run at all.

Of course the safest way is to build up slowly and then p your days per week and miles. but this guy is either only gonna do once a week or nothing.
what you guys think?

[Mooney]

Id say do the once a week. Anything is better than nothing. Im no expert on the being succeptible to injuries tho

[pliftkl]

Running once a week isn't infrequently. He'll be fine as long as he isn't cranking up the mileage or the pace too quickly. At his age, letting his body recover for a week between runs may be ideal (not from a cardio perspective, but from an injury prevention perspective).

[EndoGlo]

I think 3-4 times a week is okay. Depending on distance, five sounds like too much IMO. I think, depending on level of intensity and distance, five runs a week could cause more problems than infrequent running.

Once a week is often enough for him. As stated above, he shouldn't be over doing what he is capable to make up for not training several times a week. Once a week is long enough for a good recovery but short enough for him to stay able. Eventually he should be able to run more then once. Until his body is used to running LSD once a week, I wouldn't go more than that. Give him a couple weeks doing it once and when he feels ready, he can add another day.

[mikehmike]

It's all about what your body is used to, there are plenty of soilders who run 6-7 days a week and are putting down lot's of miles.

But truthfully unless running is something you do for sport/work then 3 times a week is good, at least that's my thoughts.