MarkBrooks.TV Vlog Episode 5.3 :: How far should you run? I prefer to run short distances as fast as I can. It saves time, and really, the biggest health gains are between doing nothing, and doing something. So how far do I run? See the video. Its enough to do the job. Fresh air, stretch the legs and lungs, and catch a change of scenery. Its not necessary to run 10-20 miles. For most people, that's just not going to happen anyway. So, moderation is the key, IMHO. Actually, the term is Minimum Effective Dose. This refers to drugs usually, but it works equally well with food and exercise. You be the judge. Please comment. After the run, I try and score a client, and then party it up with our good friends.