Training... Mixing it up

For several years I have only run 3 days a week. I am a runner and running is my passion. I have found I am just as fit and competitive as when I ran 6 or 7 days a week. I cross-train the other days by swimming and cycling. This has given me another sport to participate in... triathlons. With this routine I run no junk miles and run between 20 and 30 miles a week. I can extend it to between 30 to 40 when I train for ultras.

I run a hill interval, tempo, and long run each week. The long run is my favorite and it is between 12 and 20 miles. Usually I use the long run to increase my weekly mileage. The tempo run is my yard stick to check progress and fitness (6 to 8 miles). The hill interval is my least favorite (5 to 6 miles). It is the hardest run of the week, but I derive the most benefit from this run. I bound up the steep part and this suffices for speed work.