Should I run a mile or two for a workout?

[Anonymous]

I've been running a mile at least 1-3 days a week for over a month. I've cut over 10 minutes off my mile time and have got it around 12 minutes. For the first time, I ran two miles yesterday and it took me almost 30 minutes. Should I continue to run two miles or go back to running a mile?

I'm trying to lose weight. I've already lost 25 pounds in the last 4 months by just eating better and staying active.

[Anonymous]

well you should be able to maintain and even lose weight from simply diet alone and normal daily activities! however, exercise can help speed up the process to some extent and help tone, gain muscle mass etc.

so its up to you how much exercise you want to do..too much exercise can hinder your progress sometimes though. for example your body goes into stress thereby producing cortisol in your body which causes weight gain! especially stomach fat! that is the same if you drop your calories too drastically it can cause your body to go into stress.

Also too much cardio unless you are significantly over weight can actually not be the best approach because you start to lose lean muscle mass. maybe do a mixture of cardio and weight training. which will fire up your metabolic rate so that you burn more energy with less exercise!

[THE_Godfather]

WOW you've done great!

IF you have the time I'd go for a 5K (3.12) miles. I would run the 2 miles you've worked up to & start adding 1/4 of a mile a month. If anything it will improve your cardio & heart a lot.

It's always nice to add resistance training. With that said I have never seen a heavy runner, have you?

Keep eating right & stay motivated. Keep a pair of your biggest pants. Look at them & think "look how far I've come & I'm not going back there!"

You should be proud of yourself.

[WeaponZero]

It depends on your goal.

If your goal is fitness or fat loss oriented, you need to be supplementing your cardio with a higher intensity form of resistance training. If your goal is to improve running performance, then alternate days where you focus on speed and days where you focus on distance, taking rest days after your speed days.

[madhatters4]

absolutely sounds good. the only thing I warn is increasing distances significantly. I doubt there is any worry in one mile to 2 miles but I've had a lot of friends recently with knee issues due to over exertion with increased mileage...

congrats on losing 25lbs in four months. that is really awesome!

[Anonymous]

Good job. I'd alternate between one mile and 2 miles for awhile, then bump it up to 2 miles all the time. Congrats on your weight loss. I've been doing a mix of jogging and walking for an hour each day personally (I started out at 335 so I wasn't in good shape and am still not in good enough shape to do all jogging) and I've lost 50 pounds in 4 months now.

[Paullus]

Increase the distance you run every week. Try increasing it by .25 - .50 miles each week. Your body and metabolism will adjust so go for it! Also, you don't want to get stuck doing the same routine because your muscles will adapt and you've got to push them. Especially if you're trying to lose weight.

[yaddayaddayadda02]

Yeah, 2 miles is great. Just like you beat your time slowly on one mile, beating your time on 2 miles will come to you.

[Anonymous]

I recommend biking, or swimming. They don't damage your joints like running does.

[Anonymous]

Keep it up!

[Anonymous]

that's great

[Anonymous]

Look into HIIT.