Interval running vs. Long distance
 

I've been trying to read up about losing weight while running. What's the best approach to take? I love distance running but it sounds like from what I've seen that it's not the best approach because your body gets used to the constant pace? How often do you have to shake things up a bit using interval running to get the best weight loss? I'm also normally pushing a jogging stroller while running so it makes interval running that much more annoying!!! Could interval running be replaced by strength exercises/weights? Assuming I just always try and increase the distance that I do run?

I'm no expert, but can share some recent experience. My SIL is a runner - pretty much her whole life, and really enjoys long runs (6+ miles).

This summer, she (and I) incorporated some strength training using the Jillian Michael's DVDs. I still do the "30 Day Shred" a couple times a week, she really loves the "No More Trouble Zones", which is harder & longer than Shred.

My niece, who is a HS Cross Country runner, also started doing the same strength training with her mom. Both have commented on how much the additional strength training has improved their running - both in terms of stamina and form. I know my SIL also looks incredible. Really tone & her arms are SMOKIN' hot from the additional training. She looked great before, but I can see a noticable difference.

We don't talk about weight in my family for several reasons, but I wouldn't be suprised if she had either dropped some pounds (which she totally does not need to do) OR stayed the same, but reduced her body fat even further.


So, a long winded way to say that I think you could incorporate strength training instead of sprints/intervals to help mix up your routine, which would help keep your body guessing. I think that whenever an exercise gets comfortable, it probably isn't challenging your body any longer to create the change you want. Still good for you, for sure! Just not as effective as when you are taxing new muscles in different ways.


Good luck to you! I wish I had a jogging stroller, too. My kids are just about out of that stage, though, so I don't want to make the investment.

I think you should have everything included in a well rounded exercise regime. Long distance training, intervals, and most definitely weight training. If you possibly have time after all this :lol: Yoga and swimming too... All are important in my point of view.... Giving your body a boost of change weekly or bi-weekly keeps it guessing also prevents plateaus...

Keep up the great work...

HITT (High Interval Intensity Training) is supposed to be excellent for weight loss. You can read about it here or you can google and find a lot of info.

Thanks, I'm actually a big fan of the 30DS and we have the DVD already. I like to use it as my back up if I can't go for a run. I haven't tried No More Trouble Zones but I'll check that out, normally I do Level 1 & 2 of the 30 DS because 20 minutes just doesn't seem to be enough for me.

OH, and we're really happy about the jogging stroller. We really lucked out! We wanted one for awhile but couldn't afford a good one. Well, then one day we were walking around downtown and saw a small random clothing shop that I'd never noticed before, and they had a really good used one that just glides for 1/3 of the normal price for sale! We bought it right away and are so thankful we found it. :D

Thanks. I'm actually interested in yoga but have not yet found a good DVD that clicks for me yet (the classes where I live are too expensive :( ). I was actually thinking of signing DD up for a swim class too. :D

That's an interesting link and helpful. I'm trying to push myself more during my runs now. I actually ran 2 miles under 20 minutes yesterday (running a 10 minute mile or less has been a goal of mine for awhile) so I was really happy! :)