Is it really true that if you run 3 miles that you will get better at running 2 miles? If so, why?

Question

I always thought that running 2 miles would help run the 2 MILES better...what's the difference?

Answer 1

Well think of it this way, if you lifted weights and got stronger and stronger and could eventually bench press 400 pounds dont you think that bench - pressing 300 pounds would be a piece of cake? It is the same with any other type of physical training. However, most marathon runners last run before the race is much shorter so that they do not tire out their muscles.

Answer 2

Your body improves itself through training because you put stresses, pushing your body harder than it wants to go, and your body adapts to deal with those stresses.
By runinng longer distances, your improving yoru ednurance. It helps you to not get tired towards the end of the 2 mile race, which translates into being able to run 2 miles faster without ending up more tired.
Likewise, running shorter distances faster can help your 2 mile too. Faster work can lead to better finishing kicks and being more comfortable at your 2 mile race pace. (If you run speed workouts at 3:50 mile pace, but only run your race at 4:30 mile pace, the 4:30 pace will be very comfortable.)
To properly train for a 2 mile, you really should regularly be doing runs of at least 5 miles a few days a week, and a few days of workouts involving distances of 2 miles or less, done as repeats or part of a set of different distances at different paces.

Answer 3

Running involves two major things: speed and stamina.

A good runner works on both of those. If you just go run the exact distance you want to race (in this case, 2 miles), you are only working on each one slightly.

Therefore, it is better to focus on one or the other in a training session. That is why you do longer training runs. To be a good two-miler, you should be able to run at least 5 miles at a pace a little slower then your race pace. This will increase your stanima.

Likewise, your training program should include things like intervals, where you are running shorter distances at a faster pace. This will increase your speed.

Then, on race day, you put the two together.

Good luck.

Answer 4

It makes perfect sense. That's how you're supposed to train. Run longer, stamina/endurance grows... If you ran all out at 3 miles as training and didn't leave anything after the run, don't you think if you put that effort into 2 miles and didn't leave anything at the finish line you'd be alot faster???

Heck ya.

Don't you think a marathoner who runs 26.2 miles finds it extremely easy to run 1 mile? 1 mile to a mrathoner is probably nothing!

You should be running 3-5 miles in preperation for a 2 mile sprint!

Answer 5

Running longer than your goal will help you in many ways, one of which is endurance.

Try it - run further than 3 too, 5-10 mile runs once a week at a fairly slow pace 2min/mile slower than your 2 miles pace. In about 8-10 weeks you'll really see the difference.

Answer 6

What do you mean by running better?

1? Faster - not noticably
2? Easier - yes, the overdistance will make the 2 miles seem short plus you will recover quicker

Answer 7

Running a longer distance is part of your training to build up endurance. However, you also need to do speed work like 800m and 400m repeats. All together this will get you better at the two mile.

Answer 8

not impertically if you run three miles everyday then you will be ready for a three mile racer and a three mile pace if you run two miles everyday then yoyu will be ready for a 2 mile race as you know what the pace is

Answer 9

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