Problem counting calories for my run

SZY0006
SZY0006 Posts: 23
in Fitness and Exercise
I've been working out 5-6 days a week for the past four months, but I've only started running in the past three weeks. I live in a rural area with a lot of hills. They're obviously pretty hard for me, since I'm a complete running newbie. I can run a mile in ten minutes here, but I have no idea what my time would be on flat land. My endurance isn't great, but it's MUCH better than in high school, during my 13 minute mile on the track days.

To give you an example of what my question is, I can run about 1.5 miles before I need to slow to a walk. Then I pick back up to a run, then a walk, then I finish of my 3 miles with a run. If I COULD run the full 3 miles without having to take breaks, I would. But my endurance just isn't there yet.

I use the Runtastic app to keep track of my distance and calorie burn. However, I know that walking only burns a portion of the calories that running does. When I slow to a walk, the app still thinks I'm running, albeit slowly. Is there a way for me to account for the times when I walk? I'll pick up an HRM when I have the money, but right now I'm broke!

Is what I'm doing similar to interval training? Can I use this system to get a better idea of how many calories I've burned? Usually I run until I feel like I'm going to die, then I walk until I feel like I can run again. The distances that I run and walk can vary, though the first 1.5 miles is usually a complete run. I always go 3 miles. I'll increase it once I can actually RUN three miles.

If anyone has advice on how I can accurately count my calories here without an HRM, I'd greatly appreciate it. Again, complete running newbie here, so sorry if I'm doing or asking something stupid.

Replies

  • jogglesngoggles
    jogglesngoggles Posts: 362 Member
    Obviously the HRM is going to be the most accurate for you! I actually got mine off of Amazon for $25, and it's worked great for 2 years now! I also use the map my run app on my phone to log my runs, it does show you calories burned based on your run..I've noticed that it's usually about 80-100 calories higher than what my HRM monitor says, so if by chance I don't wear my HRM, I go off of that and subtract 100 calories. You can actually log into it online and it will break down your run for you so you can get a better idea. When I'm running on an average day based on past runs that I have worn my HRM for, I typically burn 60 calories per 10 minutes of running at a 10min/mile pace, but that's also based on my weight so that obviously wouldn't be completely accurate for you. After all of my rambling, I'd say try to guess the best you can until you can get a HRM, but get one as soon as you can :) Best of luck!

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