Is it the same to run twice a day 3 miles each time or 6 miles one time?

[es]

treadmill is sooo boring! 

Thanks and Happy Holidays

E

Moderator edit: format

[WendyB]

If you want to Run twice a day then do so.

You need to enjoy what you do. Its doesnt sound like you like the treadmill so Why do something you dont enjoy?

You will stick with exercise longer if you enjoy it

[sharebear]

You'll get more out of a 6 mile run once a week than breaking it up. It's beneficial to becoming a better runner (see here http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/general/in-the-long-run/163.html).

If you aren't interested in long runs or whatever, it's not detrimental to run twice in one day, and could be good for you once in awhile...but it might be more beneficial to split it into something like 4/2.

Any reason why you are stuck on the treadmill and can't go outside?

[es]

just the cold and the short days during the week days in winter... 

I run outside long runs during the other seassons (30 miles a week), and just got the treadmill to run indors during the winter. I run almost every day but after 4 miles I'm so bored. I stoped and started again a few hour later.

my question is: Do you burn the same, more or less calories but spliting the run compared to continuos running when you run 6 miles?

Thanks for your help and Happy new year!

[LionLady]

I listen to audiobooks on the treadmill.

Get something exciting or engrossing like Into Thin Air .audible.com runs free trials nearly all the time.

[sharebear]

That's a good question. I don't know. I would lean towards no, but that's also because I'm a firm believer that long runs are very beneficial to a runner overall.

I wonder, though, since on one hand, you're taking your heart from resting - to working - to resting - to working - to resting; vs just from resting - to working - to resting, once. Does that burn more calories, assuming you keep your heart rate in the same zone during the run? Curious. 😃

My advice is if you have an HRM to do an experiment and get back to us.

I like to listen to podcasts while I run but I also find it harder to zone out on a treadmill than on the road. My other suggestion is to suck it up and get outside! I find that hard to do too. I did get a pair of UA coldgear tights, though, and I have a headlamp, so I don't mind going out there if I can talk myself into it.

[Doug]

I think whether or not it is "the same" depends on your goals and reasons for running.  If you are training for or keeping in shape for a 10k or longer race, then you will likely get more benefit from a single, longer run to help keep endurance up.

If you are running just to burn calories, then IMHO splitting it up is fine and perhaps even better.  In general, your calories burned during the run are more a matter of distance than pace or single vs dual workout session.  If you go the same distance, you'll probably burn a similar amount of calories.  However, they say your metabolism stays higher for a period of time after a workout.  So from that standpoint, splitting it up into two sessions may give a boost to how many calories you burn *after* your run because the metabolism will be higher for two sessions.

I think.  🙂

Regarding boring, as others mentioned try an audiobook.  Sometimes I will put a tablet on my treadmill and watch a video or longer podcast.

[kflannery]

I love being outside and find it a temptation to shorten my runs on the treadmill...i end up doing one long run in the morning outside then a shorter run on the treadmill after dinner....weather can force you inside but if at all possible i go out..bundle up you will warm up fast...

[Healthyliving38]

I know as an avid runner, I love running outside than on the treadmill although I am unable to get run outside in the Winter. I live in the NorthEast so it's very cold therefore I do have a treadmill. I don't want to lose my stamina but I workout with DVD's 5-6x week to replace running outside. 

Danielle K.

[Dominique]

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@es wrote:

just the cold and the short days during the week days in winter...

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 Where do you live? I live in Finland: it's cold (though we have had a mild winter so far) and the days are short, but I still spend 1.5 to 2 hours every day outside. I'd hate to use a treadmill, it's much more enjoyable walking / running outside. It's just a question of using proper gear.

[Healthyliving38]

I live in Massachusetts and our Winters are not very mild although the last month hasn't been too bad. I've lived here all my life and want to move towards more warmer weather. Not sure if that will ever happen but looking forward to that day.

Danielle K.

[mtnryder]

As others have said, it depends on your goals.  Studies have shown that shorter more intense workouts result in greater loss of fat, than longer less intense workouts.  That being said, to become good at long distance running, one needs to work up to those long distances!

I would say that if you are doing shorter distances than what you feel you could do, do them at a faster pace. This will help your weightloss, if desired...