Friday, September 19, 2008

Running: strength v. fat burning

So, thanks to the example set by the rest of this board, I re-started what I hope will be a more constant running program today.  The thing is, the route that I usually do around here is only 2 miles, but there are two really good hills (one at about the half-way point, and one right at the end), and the reason I run such a short course (aside from being out of shape - ideally the course will get longer as time goes on, but...), is that I go at it pretty hard - I have a problem with this (in regard to running) - I'm not comfortable running at a slower pace.  I average the two miles in about 12-13 minutes.  So my question is, what is it gaining me?  Is it mostly aerobic at that distance and pace?  Am I building strength (definitely "feel the burn" on that last hill)?  Am I burning fat?  Am I wasting my time?  Should I slow down and go longer?  Keep it at this pace and increase the length as I get stronger with it?
Anybody?

1 comment:

Molly Neuman said...

Well my opinion is that anything is better than nothing. I'm personally trying to build my endurance and running bit by bit to get a better pace and be able to go for longer. I think you're probably already pretty far along! If 30 minutes it 2 miles-ish then when you feel like going longer you'll know and everything will be awesome-r.