Quote (themime @ Mar 23 2020 09:40am)
i just started running.
took a jog down my block and back without
stopping. when should i stop?
my goal is to strengthen my heart without
damaging it.
running can be broken into different segments, sprinting distance and endurance (they are different)
the most important thing about running is preserving your body so that you can accomplish your goals without incurring common injuries such as hurt knees, hurt feet or respiratory injuries.
to go to your question, you should run as far as you can keep proper running technique. You shouldn't push past how far you can run with really good technique, doing things such as: upright posture, flowing leg movement, easy breathing and non tense movement.
Things to watch: do not stomp your knees (your stride should push off the ground not stomp the ground), keep your spine straight (don't sloutch or lift your head back), and do NOT push past injuries.
Things to do every single time: ALWAYS warm up prior to running (i recommend doing at least 20-100 jumping jacks, push ups, crunches and navy seals) this will pump your heart prior to putting stress on it, when running keep your eyes focused on where you are going and relax, ALWAYS stretch afterwards especially the legs (plenty of info on youtube/google)
Sprinting involves an elongated stride, heavy arm movement and a forward posture for a fast pace for a short period
distance involves a simple stride, conservative arm movement and an upright posture for a relaxed movement for a long period
endurance involves a hyper efficient stride, hyper efficient arm movement and a posture that has been analyzed by many coaches to maximize energy consumption to endure many hours of unbroken stride.
good luck