What is the difference between running fast for a short distance and slow for a long distance?
May 4th, 2008 | by DistanceRunner |Martin S asked:
Sometimes I go running with my sister, and she runs pretty slow but for up to 7 or 8 miles. It usually take over an hour (and if we walk or rest, up to two). I always complain that it takes too long and would rather run two or three timed miles (in, let’s say, about 20 minutes). What are the physical differences between the two different styles of running?
American Express Rewards
Sometimes I go running with my sister, and she runs pretty slow but for up to 7 or 8 miles. It usually take over an hour (and if we walk or rest, up to two). I always complain that it takes too long and would rather run two or three timed miles (in, let’s say, about 20 minutes). What are the physical differences between the two different styles of running?
American Express Rewards
7 Responses to “What is the difference between running fast for a short distance and slow for a long distance?”
By Antibiotic Void on May 4, 2008 | Reply
The difference - endurance. Running fast for short periods of time is cardiovascular, which burns fat and works your heart, and helps strengthen it to pump more blood and pump blood efficiently, while also training speed.
Running slow for a longer time builds muscle mass and endurance, meaning you’ll be able to endure longer running periods, and it’ll become easier for you to run that distance.
Long/slow = endurance
Short/fast = cardiovascular
By esmvp400 on May 5, 2008 | Reply
well you’ll burn about the same amount of calories
but doing long, slow runs makes you a long, slow runner
By Gina M on May 8, 2008 | Reply
Either way you end up being tired.
By G88 on May 9, 2008 | Reply
when you run fast for short distances, you are training your speed.
when you run slow for long distances, you are training your resistance.
By mysteryman on May 13, 2008 | Reply
Running at a steady pace for long distance builds endurance and is extremely good cardiovascular excercise. Running at a sprint for short distances, (akin to “race pace” as described by runners) requires more muscle strength and builds your ability to run faster in shorter amounts of time. The key to becomeing a well rounded runner is balancing your speed work and distance runs. Your sister may be in overall better shape than you and as a runner because of her long runs, as doing distance runs on a regular basis is more beneficial to your body than speedwork.
By fakemoonlandings on May 16, 2008 | Reply
literally, you could get there faster if you run faster.
but i know there are two kinds of leg muscles. a sprint type allows a person to run faster but can only endure on a short distance. while a slow type has a muscle with more endurance but only capable of speed below that of sprint.
By SexyTrojan on May 16, 2008 | Reply
Running is an endurance activity, and it goes against all common sense.
When you go farther, you slow down.
You will still get the positive health effects from either.
Keep up the good work, regardless of which route you take.