Too Much Too Soon?

So how much training is too much? And how much is too much for someone who isn't even  really training to be competitive in a race?

I like running lately as one can glean by reading the intermittent posts about me jogging or running or something in between here. I think I'm borderline crazy about it even. I can spend the day thinking about running routes I'd do once I go off from work.

I was lucky that I didn't have any injuries for the past 5 months I've been doing this but I somehow got some shin splint injuries earlier and the pain has yet subsided. That got Zaini commenting about my overzealous enthusiasm. He's been basically telling me I've been overdoing it for such a novice.

I've been reading a lot and I tried to do my workouts properly; well, as proper as someone doing it completely alone can. I do admit I have a hard time sifting through all the info I've been reading online about running.

Before I got my Nike Sportband (which I bought in mid-July), I just gauge my distance by the loops I ran around my apartment or at the park. 1 loop = 1km so I started with a couple of loops of walk/run workouts; then gradually make it to running 2 loops non-stop, and increased it week by week. Basically I try to adhere to adhere to the 10% increase each week.

Zaini's been telling me that my total mileage of  290+K for my 9 weeks of running wearing the Nike Sportband is too much for me and my body will feel the toll soon. Will it?  Or has it? He admonished me for comparing my mileage with more seasoned runners who logged in at Daily Miles too. I know I totally shouldn't compare myself to guys like Nick, Jamie, Neoh or Kah Yen. Doc Julin would also totally leave me in the dust! They do sick miles with totally sick timing too!

I can be quite hard-headed when it comes to listening to my husband's advice especially when it comes to something I love doing even though I know that he is perfectly right about it and yet I loath to agree with him.

The problem is, even when I did that "measly" 14K run, it didn't feel like I was pushing myself too much. I always kept my pace real slow and manageable and I think I don't really push myself too hard even. I'm a wuss. I never let myself be too out of breath or push myself that hard when I run. I don't want to keel over and faint, you know. Especially since I almost always run alone.

So how does one know when it is too much? I'm still having fun doing it now. I'm still able to do chores after my workout on weekends. So, am I pushing myself too hard? I don't think I am but maybe I was. 

I tried to lessen the mileage I do these past couple of weeks so as not to overstressed my body but not going out for a workout is sure no fun for me! Cross training just got me itching to put on my running shoes.

But how does one know if one is doing too much? Will all these running shenanigans be bad for me in the long run?