Do the miles matter?

Danielamarie4
Danielamarie4 Posts: 5
in Fitness and Exercise
So I love running. I really do. But I do get bored of it if I don't switch it up. Lately I have been running and walking about 2 miles up and down the street. I have gotten really extremely bored of it too. Then, I ran around the lake in my backyard which isn't even a mile and I found my self huffing and puffing like crazy and my heart rate was really up! Does it matter how many miles you actually run? I feel better running the shorter distance than the longer one! Its a lot more of a challenge due to the fact its a bumpy area and it really works your legs too. Anyways thanks guys:)

Replies

  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
    Depends on your goals. If you want to improve cardiovascular fitness or burn lots of calories, absolutely, yes, miles matter.

    Any of the C25k programs will get you to reasonable mileage in a short period of time.
  • BlakeMotivation
    BlakeMotivation Posts: 38 Member
    Yes...
    That's the simple answer. It could be running, or biking or whatever you'd like... but you need to spend the time at a high intensity level if you are going to see improvements.
  • WalkingAlong
    WalkingAlong Posts: 4,926 Member
    I think the minutes and the intensity matter more than the miles, if you're talking calorie burn. But it all depends on your goals. Want more leg strength? Stick to the 'harder/shorter' run. Want more calorie burn? Figure out which is highest on that scale.

    If 'overall fitness' is your goal, you're probably better off alternating things all the time. Run the lake sometimes, the street sometimes, go to a Crossfit class, ride a bike, etc.
  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
    I think the minutes and the intensity matter more than the miles, if you're talking calorie burn.

    Nope. Body weight and miles are what matter. Whether you run that 5 miles "intensely" or casually, you're going to burn at nearly identical rates.
  • Slrajr
    Slrajr Posts: 438 Member
    The answer really depends on what your goals are, but I say do it the way you want! Speed and / or miles matter greatly to some of my running friends. I just run beacause I like to and my goal is weight maintenance, and building some strength. The time and length of my runs has pretty much stayed the same for the last five years and I like it that way:)

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