Long distance running

[sickboi]

For overall health would it be better to run long distance or be better to run short distance but sprints like on a track?

 

[SteveMobsterG]

Define long distance. 10k - fine. Marathons aren't healthy.

 

[stevesmi]

both are effective.

long slow distance running at a light pace on a soft surface is going to put less strain on your body than doing high intensity interval training

i actually found that when i was training as a runner i stayed healthier doing 40-50 LSD runs vs. doing interval training on a track, and i also improved my endurance far better. also nobody who trains for endurance just does interval training, so it isn't like i am some weirdo.. they might throw that in once or twice a month

if time is an issue you can do 15 minutes of HIIT, then stretch out. just don't over do it or you will end up with injuries and invest in good shoes

 

[SteveMobsterG]

Either way try grass or track. Hard ground is not good.

 

[RoySimpson]

Depends what your goals are really. Also which do you prefer doing?

 

[muskate]

Long distance running isn't healthy. Marathon runners usually drop dead of heart attacks in their 50s.

Anything in excess is unhealthy. Running for 60 minutes - that's healthy. Running for hours every day - that puts a lot of stress on the body