Running Distance: What You Need to Know About Distance, Shoes, and Training

When you think about running distance, the total length covered during a run, whether it’s a quick 5K or a full marathon. Also known as running mileage, it’s not just a number—it’s a measure of effort, endurance, and recovery. For senior athletes in Nottinghamshire, running distance isn’t about chasing personal bests alone. It’s about staying active, managing joint health, and finding joy in movement—even if it means walking half the route.

Running distance connects directly to running shoes, the gear that protects your feet and knees over miles. running footwear wears out faster than most people realize. A pair that’s been used for 300 to 500 miles loses cushioning, even if the tread looks fine. That’s why worn out running shoes, shoes that no longer support your stride are one of the top causes of injury among older runners. You don’t need the latest model, but you do need shoes that still absorb impact. And if you’re training for longer distances, like a marathon distance, the standard 26.2-mile race, your shoes need to last through hundreds of training miles.

Then there’s pacing. Running distance isn’t just about how far you go—it’s about how fast, or slow, you go. The marathon pace, the average speed you maintain over the full race distance varies wildly. Some finish in under 3 hours. Others take 6, 7, or even 8 hours. What matters isn’t the clock—it’s finishing. The slowest marathon time that still counts isn’t written in rulebooks—it’s written in determination. And that’s what senior runners know better than anyone.

You’ll find posts here that explain how to tell if your shoes are done, what the real cutoff times are for marathons, and why Oprah’s marathon time still inspires people decades later. You’ll also see how Hoka shoes helped older runners stay on their feet longer—not because they’re flashy, but because they reduce pain. There’s no magic formula. Just smart choices: the right shoes, the right distance for your body, and the will to keep moving.

Whether you’re logging your first 5K or preparing for your tenth marathon, the stories below are for runners who don’t need to be the fastest—just consistent. What you’ll find here isn’t theory. It’s what real people in Nottinghamshire are doing, mile by mile, year after year.