Running 1.25 miles at 5 MPH effective?

Question

I run 1.25 miles at 5 mph, is this going to do me any good in trying to get rid of the extra weight around my midsection? or do i need to ramp it up?

Answer 1

any amount of running is going to help, but instead of "ramping it up", try increasing it to 1.5, then straight onto 2 miles.  Don't fall into a slump by doing the same distance over and over and over.  You need to increase your distance, and eventually you'll find that you're running faster without even trying.  You should at least be able to run 3 miles within 2-3 weeks, running everyday.  It sounds worse than it really is.  Start out tommorrow with 1.5, and time it.  the next day do the same thing.  the third day, do some intervals.  Sprint 1/8 mile, then jog 1/8, then walk (briskly) 1/8.  Then start over again with sprinting.  Do this for the entire 1.5 miles.  The next day run 2 miles.  then keep doing this distance for 3 or 4 days, then do the intervals again (1.5 mile).  After interval day, one more 2 mile, then 2.5 for a couple of days.  You can break up the 2.5 with pushups and situps every 1/2 mile.  Do about 25 pushups and 50 situps or crunches.  Don't do the same type of crunch twice, meaning do one set of 50 with your knees bent, the next time do them with your feet up in the air, the next time do them 25 on each side.  3 sets should be enough.  BE SURE  STRETCH WELL, each and everytime before AND after you run, especially during the interval sets of pushups and situps!!!you'll be up to 3 miles before you know it. good luck

Answer 2

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You've heard good advice about increasing the distance you run, and here's why:  it takes about 40 minutes before our bodies switch over from burning glucose (stored in our bloodstream) as a source of energy to burning fat (stored all over . . . and frequently in our midsections).

The good news about losing weight around our midsections is that this is where so much fat is stored that when we do begin losing weight, we notice it here first.

The bad news is that if we reverse the trend and begin gaining weight, here's where we notice it first!

Keep in mind that our bodies resist "spot-reducing."  To lose weight in the midsection, you need to lose weight across your whole body, which for most is a good thing!  The point is, exercises that target the abdominals, or even better yet, all the core muscles, will strenghthen and enlarge those muscles - but not burn off the midsection fat any faster than other exercises.  

Do not NOT work the abs, or all the core muscles.  But do build up your running time, or your total cardiovascular system stressing time, so that it goes up to 40 minutes and beyond each day.  

If it's only running that you are doing, keep the 5mph speed, for now, but gradually build up your daily running time.

For example, right now you are running 1.25 miles in about 15 minutes.  Presuming that you are healthy,  make sure you have the habit for running.  Then increase this time 5 minutes a day per week til you reach the 40 minute (or more) mark.

So, week two - 20 minutes running (same 5mph pace) per day.

Week three - 25 minutes running per day.

Week four - 30 minutes running per day.

And so forth.

Regards,

Running_Dad

P.s., and if you go the running route (a good one to go), be sure to get good running shoes.  The number one reason folks have foot and joint and leg problems is improperly fitting shoes.  Go to a running specialty store, talk to the folks working there, tell them your situation, and let them help match running shoes to your running needs.

P.p.s., people run for different reasons - weight loss is one of them, and one of the primary reasons.  And no wonder!  Running is minute for minute the best exercise for cutting weight!  This is a running-related forum, which includes addressing questions about making the most of running for weight loss.

Answer 3

if you run a mile and change speeds every minute would be more effective for fat loss.  example.  jog at 5 speed for one minute and then sprint at 10 speed for another minute.   keep alternating different speeds and time.  

Start slow to see what you can handle.

Answer 4

first off, going 1.25 miles is completely worhtless.  I'm tired of you people asking if running 1 mile is going to help you lose weight.  If you really want to lose weight, shouldnt you actually be dedicated and not go outside for 10 mins.

Secondly, you have got to go faster than 5 mph.  People(me included) walk faster than that.

Finally, STOP POSTING WEIGHT LOSS QUESTIONS IN THIS SECTION.  There is a section for "Diet and Fitness" in Health, and 1.25 miles at a 12 minute mile is NOT RUNNING.  If you were in shape would you go running? No, you would not, and running is not just a means to lose weight, it is a sport.

Added: My point is this, 9 out 10 times, a person asking this question would not be running if they did not need to lose weight.  This means they are running for "Health" and not for "Sport."  Now, if the Asker is actually seriously thinking about getting into running for real, good for them.  But I'm tired of seeing 10 questions a day about how many calories/pounds/whatever you burn running.