A Different Approach to Running

If you sit on the corner of Mt. Vernon and Del Ray avenues at 6 a.m. (or probably most any time of day), you'll see a parade of runners. Tons of people, maybe even you, are out logging their miles with water belts and reflective gear. But just because running long distances at a slow pace is popular right now does not mean that it is best for your body.

Here are a few reasons to think twice about those long runs: Running faster for shorter distances is healthier for your body and results in bigger changes in your speed, endurance and physical appearance.

Why is it healthier for your body? Long-distance runners have knee and joint problems much earlier in life than people who run shorter distances. The constant impact catches up to them.

How does it change your body? Scientifically speaking, running short, fast distances actually speeds up a person’s metabolism and creates faster weight loss. My analogy to long, slow distance runs is the human body goes into cruise control. The human body fine-tunes to be efficient in everything it does and running long distances at a slower pace allows the body to become efficient in that effort.  

Running short distances at a fast pace creates a fight-or-flight response in the body. The body has no idea why you are running so fast, but knows it needs to provide energy to the muscles to keep going. The body wants to survive more than be efficient. The energy pushed is carbohydrates. Carbs fuel the body and become depleted much faster than in the long distance runs at a slow pace.

The body is not efficient when energy usage of this magnitude is called upon. The fight-or-flight response kicks in and energy is automatically called upon. Keeping your metabolism fired up by this type of running will last all day. Therefore, more calories are burned while you are at work sitting down or generally being less active and weight loss is achieved.

There are plenty of reasons why some people like distance running, and plenty of reasons to train for a long race. It could be for the medals or sense of satisfaction for enduring and finishing such a grueling race. These are all valid reasons.

Next time, try a shorter race like a 5K or 10K. Set a time to beat. Train for it with 400m and 800m interval runs or other recommended training programs for those races.

Not doubt running is good for you. Keep your distance to a healthy, manageable level. Life is long. Ensure you are training for the right distance to ensure you live an athletic life for years to come. Go out there and run fast!