A question about running...?

Question

I like to run to stay in shape, usually I will run about 5 miles in or around 47 minutes. I'm just running for overall health, not for speed. Is this a pretty decent training method, or would it be better to run for a longer period of time (an hour or more) but at a slower pace? Should I try to run faster and stay around 45 minutes, or should I train more frequently but run a shorter distance.

Answer 1

Jog at your own pace. You build stamina and strengthen your lungs that way. You experience initial constrictions in the abdomen and burning of lungs in the first 15-20 minutes but it will pass. Around 45 minutes, you feel tired... keep at it. You may notice that after that fatigue, you feel you're strong again to jog for another distance. THAT'S YOUR SECOND WIND! Have fun after that.

Answer 2

If you can run 47 minutes and maintain it the way you have then keep it up. If you are just running to stay in shape then speed is not as important as consistency. The important thing is to keep a consistent schedule you can maintain over the long haul. If you can build up to longer distances then that would be more beneficial to building up your endurance and also burning more fat since your body takes a while to metabolize it and you are in "the zone" longer per workout than if you are running shorter distances more frequently.

When you increase your distance though, make sure you build it slowly no more than a 5 mile increase per week. This way your body gets a chance to acclimate rather than jumping from 45 to 60. It also reduces your chances of injury.

Answer 3

for better weight loss you should run less mile more frequently this is also good for overall heath (less chance for injury). but to become a better runner you must run longer distance. more distance at a slower pace makes you faster in the short distance. also for overall heath running at a slower pace burns more calories because you are doing it over a long period of time. for an example if i run two miles in 12 minutes i burn about 200 calories but if i was to walk two miles i might burn 250.
i also find that running is the best exercise to get in shape and stay that way.
keep running

Answer 4

I was always told to go with a faster pace because it actually gave you a better cardio workout. I was also told that if you run farther distances at a reduced pace your joints take more of a pounding because the full weight of your body is hitting the joints for a longer duration. Don't know how true these are but they have worked for me. I have been running for 20 years and my knees and hips still feel great.

Answer 5

If you run the 5 miles at least 3 times a week, you should be in good shape. You can also do some resistance training, exercise to strengthen certain 'core muscles', to keep yourself strong. Muscle building (not to be confused with hardcore 'body building') also keeps you burning calories throughout the day.

Answer 6

your dumb