Does a hard short run or a long easy run burn more calories?

Question

I have been varying my runs with some being 2 miles with a 8 mph pace and some bein lik 4 with a 6 mph pace. Which one will burn more calories?

Well I guess what I mean, is which is more beneficial? I feel more tired after the hard short run but i get more sore after the long runs. So which benefits me more if im just lookin to lose a little weight and tone up?

Answer 1

Shorter, harder runs burn more calories per mile than a longer, less intense run. But obviously you can't burn as much running short and hard because you get too tired. So it is better to go for the longer runs at an easier pace. This way you can run farther thus burning more calories. But it all depends on what your goal is. The longer your runs are the more calories you will burn. It would be beneficial to do a combination of both short and long runs. You will build both speed and endurance this way. Plus you won't get too exhausted from running only long runs. And have 1 or 2 rest days a week if you get too tired.

Answer 2

You could try alternating, do the long steady one day, and the hardcore the next. Both have their benefits. I usually opt for hardcore, but thats just to save time. I also do the program on the elliptical that has the long hill that continues to go up to the max, and then slowly lets back off. I try to average about 6-7mph. I can usually do about 2.5 miles in 30 minutes. Then I go lift weights and use machines until I'm ready to pass out. I started off at the gym a few months ago - I'm 6'3" male 230#, I lost a lot at first, and then started leveling off and gaining some back. The difference is - it's all muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat, and since you aren't a small girl - you shouldn't concern yourself with weight as much as overall appearance. Got some extra padding on the hips, butt, or stomach? Get off the elliptical and go do some situps, crunches, leglifts, etc. Target your problem areas, and keep doing your thing - you'll feel great, and look great too!

Answer 3

I would say a long run would be more productive because you tend to sweat more in a longer span which burns good calories. However, it is best to mix up both together to get a good efficient run. For example, do a jog for about 10 minutes then do a faster run for about 5 minutes then go back to the light jog for about 10 minutes, then to finish off go for a sprint with the remaining time.

Answer 4

Its actually better to mix up your workouts.Each workout has benefits. Longer slower runs are less taxing on the body and help build endurance. The shorter faster runs help condition your body to run faster(like a tempo run).Great way to train.Maybe run 1 tempo workout a week. You will burn on average 100 calories per mile, doesn't matter if you run it in 8 mins or 10 mins.

Answer 5

I would think short long runs because they make you tired a lot and it feels like your burning more. My recommendation is that you go to a place with a basketball court. Run a suicide (Start baseline. Run to foul line back to baseline. Run to halfcourt and back. Run to the other foul line and back. Run to the other baseline and back.) Once you them once. Do a double (run it twice) suicide in less than a minute and 10 seconds.

Answer 6

long runs, the more miles you run the more calories you burn

Answer 7

long runs.
you're body starts to burn stored fat after 20 minutes of constant activity.

Answer 8

You could try something like the link below. It will help you calculate the calories.. then you could compare the two.



http://www.healthdiscovery.net/links/calculators/calorie_calculator.htm

Answer 9

hard to say...but with how your putting it 4 miles with a 6mph pace will burn more.

Answer 10

long and easy. your active longer