Better to run short every day, or longer runs less often?

[Anonymous]

which is better and why?
Running a couple miles every day? or maybe 14 miles 3X a week?
I personally prefer shorter distances. I think it is better healthwise.
Even better still would be to run a series of 400 meter sprints.

Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

I would say run more, but less. Running is hard on your body, and it needs time to rest/heal. Or crosstrain and do something different on those non-running days.

[Anonymous]

Isn't 30 minutes 3 times a week the "proven" beneficial amount? So says my Couch to 5K program!

[Anonymous]

I think it totally depends on your fitness goals, your overall condition, and what you are training for.

If you are trying to lose weight - running for 45 minutes four times a week is better than running for two hours once a week.

If you are training for a 5k, shorter distances with speed work are important.

If you are training for a marathon, consistent runs during the week with long runs on the weekend are typical.

The most important thing for any runner is the ability to recognize signs of overuse/injury.

[Anonymous]

I've done both and short distances daily has been easier on my body and easier for me to keep a routine.

[Anonymous]

^ by short, I mean 3-5 miles.

[Anonymous]

Short and more often. For best results, build in some sprints.

[Anonymous]

I run every other day, because it gives your body a chance to recover a bit. I've had very few injuries in many, many years of running many, many miles.

My run schedule is typically M/W/F/Su/Tu/Th/Sa, etc. I only run consecutive days on vacation or when I need to adjust my running schedule for some reason.

I do a longer run on the weekend and a track day once a week or once every other week. I wouldn't do the sprints more than once a week - it takes a lot out of you.

[Anonymous]

Recent studies show that even 10 minutes a day (!) is beneficial.

[Nicodemus]

I saw better results when I started doing more often shorter milage. When I was trying to lost weight longer miles worked wonders because I was burning stupid amounts of calories.

End result is now that I am close to the weight I want to be I have been able to taper back the miles and make sure I maintain frequency to help maintain healthy weight while also being able to recover better.

~N~

[Anonymous]

I'm going to join the consensus: shorter runs more often will be easier on your body, and give your muscles and bones the opportunity to develop more strength than infrequent but very long runs. I run about 25-30 miles/week, and rarely do a run longer than 8 miles unless I'm training for a marathon.

[Anonymous]

What everyone else said -- I find that I have better results with my 5 miles a day, every day schedule than when I try to run longer runs less often. Longer runs take up more time, and I can't really get the speed work in.