When distance running, is it better to jog a few miles without slowing down, or run and take walking breaks?

Answer 1

Depends on your running goals. I've been a Long distance runner for over 20 years and have tried every conceivable training regimen. What works for me may not work for you, listen to your body, it knows best. There are however a few important guidelines you should follow. Firstly, wear appropriate running shoes for long distance running! Many runners injure themselves by cutting corners in this area, don't do it! Secondly, create a schedule for yourself, track your progress, otherwise how will you gauge your training success? Third, diet is very important for long distance running, hydrate your body well, before and after running. When I first started running I wore a heart rate monitor to leanr what running at my "target heart rate" felt like. After I could tell without consulting the monitor, I took it off. It's very important to train at your THR, otherwise you're not getting the maximum cardiovascular benefit. Too many runners start out right, then get over confident and start running anaerobic, beyond their bodies ability to provide adequate oxygen for muscle tissue. Knowing your THR helps prevent this, so pay attention to this. naturally when you start running you walk, not run at all. I walked for the first month, slowly increasing my speed and distance on my walks. The second month I started jogging half the distance I was walking, it's more work on your body. That's why goals are so very important in any fitness training, you need to track everything. Remember, start slow, listen to your body, eat right, get plenty of rest, you'll be fine.

Answer 2

There is nothing wrong with taking walking breaks. If you can work out for longer and go farther with walking breaks, then do that.

As others have said, how you train depends on your goals. If you are trying to increase your distance, you want to work on going for long periods without stopping to walk. If you find that you have to walk frequently, it might be that you're running too fast. Try running at a very, very slow pace.

If you are trying to increase your speed, then you probably want to do "fartlek" or interval training. That's where you vary your speed, running extra fast for a few minutes, then walking or jogging slowly to warm down for a few minutes. You repeat that several times.

A lot of people give up on distance running, because they go for ten minutes and get winded. They think they can't do it. So if you need to slow down or walk, go ahead. You'll find that, over time, you'll be able to go longer and farther without stopping to walk.

Answer 3

better for what? cardiovascular fitness? fat burning? speed?

if your heart rate remains elevated, then even if you take a quick walking break (i.e., you can walk, but walk at a pace where you keep your heart rate up), you're still getting a good cardivascular workout.

if you want to be speedy, then taking walking breaks will kill your time.