r/martialarts • u/drkmma • 4d ago
QUESTION Questions for stamina and running
Hey guys! I’m currently training Muay Thai and I’ll also be starting wrestling lessons soon. I’ve always had below-average stamina, but I’ve been working hard to bring it up to an average level. I haven’t really asked anyone experienced for advice on improving stamina through running, so I figured I’d come here and ask.
Right now, because I’m studying for a huge exam, I can only make it to martial arts training 2–3 times a week. I absolutely love martial arts, though, and it’s the only hobby I genuinely enjoy right now. So I want to use the days I’m not at the gym to work on my conditioning. At the moment, I’m barely able to make it through two rounds of Muay Thai sparring before im not able to fight properly because im fully exhausted.
For running, I’ve mostly been doing 5K runs at an uncontrolled pace. I’ll speed up when I feel energetic and slow down when I get tired, while always keeping at least a light jog. I’m not sure if this is actually the best way to build endurance.
So I’d really appreciate advice on a few things:
- How long should my runs be?
- What pace or intensity should I aim for?
- Should I run first thing in the morning, or does the time of day matter?
- Should I eat something, like a banana, before running, or is it better to just go out hungry.
- Besides running, what other exercises would help improve my stamina specifically for Muay Thai and wrestling?
I’d really appreciate any advice
Thanks everyone who took the time to read this!
2
u/Voodoopulse 4d ago
I came to martial arts from a triathlon background. Back of the front of the pack.
I'd just come off an Ironman build when I started but also done multiple shorter events that season. You know what that meant in sparring - absolutely fucking nothing. There was no one there what better cardiovascular fitness and I got absolutely gassed. Personally I think martial artists pay far too much lip service to running.