Running

Bootzey
Bootzey Posts: 274 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
A question for all the runners here....

Are 2 short runs equal to 1 long one if done on the same day?

Replies

  • iluvprettyshoes
    iluvprettyshoes Posts: 605 Member
    Good question! I think it depends on what you're trying to accomplish. As far as calorie burn it would be the same. For endurance training it isn't the same.
  • confettibetti
    confettibetti Posts: 405 Member
    Good question! I think it depends on what you're trying to accomplish. As far as calorie burn it would be the same. For endurance training it isn't the same.

    agree with this! :)
  • nikkicarter13
    nikkicarter13 Posts: 231 Member
    I have trained for half and full marathons that way. It really depends on your preferences and what fits into your schedule.
  • jagar07
    jagar07 Posts: 266 Member
    Good question! I think it depends on what you're trying to accomplish. As far as calorie burn it would be the same. For endurance training it isn't the same.

    this one makes sense to me. I haven't tried doing two in one day, but if that what you schedule allots, and you are aiming for calorie deficit, go for it!
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    From a training perspective, no. There are adaptations that occur only after a certain point in a run is reached. Double, however, have their own benefit. A short, easy, second run can help to speed up the recovery process. It also gets the body used to running sooner, teaching the body to recover faster. Recent research demonstrates that the optimal time to do a second workout is between 4 to 6 hours after the first. After 6 hours, there is no benefit to waiting any longer, but also no drawback.
  • muddyventures
    muddyventures Posts: 360 Member
    From a training perspective, no. There are adaptations that occur only after a certain point in a run is reached. Double, however, have their own benefit. A short, easy, second run can help to speed up the recovery process. It also gets the body used to running sooner, teaching the body to recover faster. Recent research demonstrates that the optimal time to do a second workout is between 4 to 6 hours after the first. After 6 hours, there is no benefit to waiting any longer, but also no drawback.

    I like this answer, and will add that when I started, I wanted to burn a certain amount of calories (after all that is why I started running), and because I couldn't make the distance, I would run twice (two shorter distances.. 2 and 2, then 2 and 3 etc). Things have changed drastically for me... I am running not just to burn those calories, but because I LOVE it... and my miles creep up and my times are getting better, and my body is changing. I am hovering at 30 miles a week and am trying not to exceed that at this point because I am still in my first year of begin-again-ing. I find it hard sometimes because when I'm out.. the world is mine and it is quiet and it is beautiful and I just feel really good when I run around that last corner to my house all sweaty. I am finding that 'to run' is to evolve.. it changes as you progress.

    A piece of advice I'd give you (I neglected for a bit), is watch your total weekly miles, if you are a beginner or a begin-againer, be reasonable and stretch, take care of your body, eat and drink and take a whole body, mind and soul approach to running. You don't want to wear yourself down and have a set back. Good luck and keep on going!
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    I like this answer, and will add that when I started, I wanted to burn a certain amount of calories (after all that is why I started running), and because I couldn't make the distance, I would run twice (two shorter distances.. 2 and 2, then 2 and 3 etc). Things have changed drastically for me... I am running not just to burn those calories, but because I LOVE it... and my miles creep up and my times are getting better, and my body is changing. I am hovering at 30 miles a week and am trying not to exceed that at this point because I am still in my first year of begin-again-ing. I find it hard sometimes because when I'm out.. the world is mine and it is quiet and it is beautiful and I just feel really good when I run around that last corner to my house all sweaty. I am finding that 'to run' is to evolve.. it changes as you progress.

    A piece of advice I'd give you (I neglected for a bit), is watch your total weekly miles, if you are a beginner or a begin-againer, be reasonable and stretch, take care of your body, eat and drink and take a whole body, mind and soul approach to running. You don't want to wear yourself down and have a set back. Good luck and keep on going!

    This is almost poetic. :smile:
  • Bootzey
    Bootzey Posts: 274 Member
    I love these replies.. THANK YOU!

    i am training and I want to lose weight.

    This morning I didn't have the time to do me regular 3 miles and I feel guilty. So I had planned to run again this evening to make up for it. This gives me much to think about

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