question about running, thanks!

meghangg

i'd like to get your feedback on something. I run usually 2-3 times a week for a little less than an hour. Usually, it comes out to be between 8 & 9 km. I recently got to thinking that maybe I could do less, but more often. Say, run for 40 minutes 3-4 times a week instead. Thoughts? is it better to run longer and have more break days in between, or better to run more often for a shorter time? Of course, goal is to be more successful losing weight. Any ideas are greatly appreciated! Thanks!

TylerJ76

The key to becoming a better runner, is running more..

runningforlife68

Personally I like to change it all up so that it keeps it interesting, keeps my body guessing, and allows recovery time.

KittyViolet

I've read that for marathon training, it's considered good practice to run 2-3 weeks at your regular pace and increasing as you get better. But for the 4th week, you should run 15%-30% LESS than what you can do. It's a break without actually taking a break.

Deipneus

I'm sure there are varied opinions on this. There is a school of thought that intensity is more important than time when doing any kind of activity. Personally, I have come around to that practice, running hard for 5k instead of a slower 10k, at least on most days. I run every other day and lift weights on the non-running days.

I am not a competitive runner and don't want to be. I run purely for fitness.

meghangg

thanks everyone for the input. i think i'm going to try to alternate 1 short run 1 long run etc and see how it goes. i really think i'll be able to run more often that way, which will be beneficial, especially since i stopped going to pilates! have a great week everyone!

aswearingen22

Do you wish to increase the distance you can run? If not, I don't think it really matters and I'd do whatever you want during the week, and maybe mix it up a bit, one week do two runs of 5 miles and the next week do 3 runs of 3 miles. Then on the weekend, do one "long" run and if you want, increase that run by 1 mile or so each weekend. I think it just depends on what your goal is. I don't think there's a weight loss advantage to either way you proposed if the total mileage per week (and thus calories burned) is the same.

scottb81

If you are trying to maximize aerobic fitness the ideal per week is 2x2+ hour runs, 2x90 min runs, and 3x60 min runs, all generally at an easy pace, around 75% max heart rate and lower.

SInce that is probably more than your current fitness is ready for you could scale it back in roughly the same proportions to something you could handle and over time increase as desired.

The amount of time spent on individual runs is important in stimulating the body to make the desired adaptations. Longer is better. Speed/intensity is also important because if you run too hard you undermine the process.

tkillion810

If you are running purely for weight loss - here are two things I would consider. When you are running you will burn a certain amount of calories. That burn essentially stops when you stop running. Strength training however is different in that you will continue to burn calories beyond the time spent doing the actual strength training. I guess the short of my answer is, it isn't always about running more.