Does it matter if I run/jog for an hour straight or if I break it up?!
Question: Hi everybody!
I have been doing very well on my diet and exercising, but find it VERY difficult to run for an hour straight (It almost kills me, lol). So my question is, does it matter if I break it up into three 20 minutes sessions throughout the day or do I get the best results sucking it up and running the full hour?
Answers: Hi everybody!
I have been doing very well on my diet and exercising, but find it VERY difficult to run for an hour straight (It almost kills me, lol). So my question is, does it matter if I break it up into three 20 minutes sessions throughout the day or do I get the best results sucking it up and running the full hour?
The best is if you take this down a notch. Run until you are out of breath, walk until you catch it, and then run again until you are out of breath. Then walk to complete. Do this for at least 30 minutes in a session.
Gradually, you will be able to run for the whole hour, going a little further naturally each day or every other day, until you won't have to stop to walk to catch your breath.
It's the principle of "how do you eat an elephant?" - one bite at a time. That means take it easy, don't give up, and before you know it you will be running an hour straight, if that is your goal.
You should be able to cover about 6 miles in an hour with an easy pace. Be sure to run on a flat surface (not horizontally tilted) to avoid injury to your knees and feet. Up and down hills is ok, but just not on the side of a hill or a steep beach. That is called excessive pronation and that is where injuries can occur.
Good luck and have fun! Don't forget your water.
Like the first answerer said, do some intervals. Alternate between running and walking. As you get more fit, the running intervals can be lengthened..until you are running for the full hour.
Don't try to push yourself too hard, or you'll end up burnt out on exercise.