Losing Weight with Running

by Michaelein
(USA)

I am a pretty new runner. I am trying to lose weight with running.

Is it best to alter speeds during each workout or have each workout at a different speed?

Thanks.


Answer by Dominique:


Thanks for your question.
The important thing is that you run.

Running is a great way to lose weight.
If done regularly, results are pretty much guaranteed.

For beginning runners it is definitely wise to engage in a lot of longer, slower runs to avoid the risk of injuries.
One or two faster, more intense workouts per week are fine and can be incorporated, but the risk of injuries is higher.

Burning calories is all about the distance you cover, not so much by intensity.

So run far, not fast as a number-one rule.

A good resource is the following article on my site, which tries to explain the above a bit more elaborately, but also points out that there is a place for faster running in your running training :

Running For Weight Loss

Hope this helps.
You have chosen the right sport to lose weight.
Do it consistently and good things will happen.

Enjoy your running !
Cheers,
Dominique