Should you jog fast or slow?

Author: Maybell Schiller  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Even if it's less efficient than running for speed, running low and slow has major cardiovascular benefits. A study from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that slow runs for even just five or 10 minutes a day greatly decreased the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Is it better to jog fast or slow?

Improved Speed: Can help develop speed and anaerobic capacity. If your goal is to increase endurance and enjoy a longer, more relaxed workout, slow jogging is better. If you're looking to improve speed, cardiovascular fitness, or have limited time, fast jogging may be more suitable.

Is it better to jog slowly or walk fast?

One key difference between the two is the intensity level. Slow jogging is a higher intensity exercise than fast walking and can be more effective at improving cardiovascular fitness and burning calories. However, it can also put more strain on the joints and may be more difficult for beginners.

Does speed matter when jogging?

Going slow will not develop your speed, but it will improve your aerobic endurance. ``Slow'' is very relative. What's the goal distance? Any running will make you faster overall, but only to a certain point where you must add speed-specific workouts to improve.

What is the 80% rule in running?

This method advocates that 80% of your training should be easy and the remaining 20% should be hard. The exact split of easy to hard runs depends on several factors, including the number of runs you do each week, your personal fitness level and any training you do outside of running.

How To Run Longer (without getting tired) – Ultra Marathon Training Tips

Is zone 1 running too slow?

Zone 1 is Warming-up. Zone 2 is Easy (pace) Zone 3 is Aerobic. Zone 4 is Threshold.

What's a good pace for a jog?

Speed. For many people, jogging is simply a slower version of running. Many experts say that an average jogging pace ranges between 4 to 6 miles per hour (mph), while running is defined by a pace that exceeds 6 mph, or faster than a 10-minute mile.

Who runs faster, taller or shorter?

A lot of people assume that being taller makes you speedier—but that's simply not true. We chatted with Peloton Tread instructor Matty Maggiacomo about the myth that taller people run faster and how you can become both a better and faster runner no matter your height.

Is it better to run faster or longer for weight loss?

On pure calorie burn, he says: “You use more calories on a steady run, but consistently in studies, high intensity wins on fat burn.” So, the final answer to the question of short runs vs long runs for fat disposal is short and fast every time – both experts agree.

Is a 10 minute run better than a 30 minute walk?

If you're trying to lose weight, moderately paced running can burn calories twice as fast as walking. If you're just trying to promote a base level of health and fitness, then walking will do the job just as well. Running delivers more health benefits more efficiently than walking.

How to jog properly?

7 Keys To Proper Running Mechanics
  1. PULL YOUR TOES UP. Most running injuries occur by running with your toes pointed down toward the ground. ...
  2. DON'T OVERSTRIDE. ...
  3. KEEP YOUR TORSO ENGAGED. ...
  4. RELAX THE IRON FIST. ...
  5. KEEP YOUR SHOULDERS BACK AND DOWN. ...
  6. LOOK FOR AN ANGLE. ...
  7. EYES UP.

How many miles is 10,000 steps?

Based on an average step length of 2 1/2 feet, 10,000 steps is roughly equal to 5 miles. However, due to factors such as your height and walking speed, this number can vary. Online calculators can help determine how many miles you'll cover in 10,000 steps.

Is it better to jog or fast walk?

You can burn more calories running than walking per minute, which can add up to a significant difference over time. For example, if you go on a 30-minute run, you'll burn more total calories than if you went for a 30-minute walk. Some estimates say that you burn twice as many calories running vs. walking.

How to breathe properly while running?

As you're running at a steady pace, try to match your inhales and exhales to each stride, breathing deeply into your diaphragm. You could try an inhale for two steps, and an exhale for two steps, or a similar pattern that works for your breath and pace. Try to maintain this steady rhythm through your run.

What speed should a beginner jog?

Beginner runners often fall around the 12-minute per mile mark or slower. This can change based on the distance a person is running. Consider the below ranges for a 5 kilometer, 10 kilometer, and half-marathon distance. The beginner range stays the same because the focus is on completing the distance comfortably.

Why are some people naturally fast runners?

When combined with the right training and a myriad of other environmental factors, carrying the right variants of certain genes can give some individuals an edge. The so-called speed gene, or ACTN3, is a gene that encodes for alpha-actinin-3, a protein expressed only in fast-twitch muscle fibres.

What is 5K in miles?

Doing a 5K run can add a new level of challenge and interest to your exercise program. A 5K run is 3.1 miles. Don't be afraid of the distance. A 5K run is a great distance for a new runner.

How long is an ideal jog?

Begin with a walk-jog or walk-run combination running for about 10 to 15 minutes to start. If you have been running occasionally, you can probably go slightly longer, for 20 to 30 minutes. The important thing is to listen to your body so you don't overdo it.

How many miles is a 30 minute jog?

If you're able to run for 30 minutes, the typical next question is: How far should I run in 30 minutes? Beginner runners should aim to run 2 – 3 miles (3.2 – 4.8 kilometres) in 30 minutes. Even if you're taking regular walking breaks, you should be able to run this distance in half an hour.

Is running at 7 mph fast?

7mph is a speed a lot of people can't run. Those are 8 1/2 minute miles. It corresponds to a speed of 26min for a 5k.

What is the 80 20 rule in running?

It's called 80/20 training—essentially, doing light workouts 80 percent of the time and pushing yourself at a challenging level 20 percent of the time.

Why is Zone 3 running bad?

She says Zone 3 is still aerobic, meaning your body uses oxygen to produce energy, but it's less efficient than a lower-intensity effort. Specifically, these runs burn more glycogen (your body's quick energy reserve) than fat, making them more fatiguing and requiring longer recovery time compared to Zone 2 runs.

What is the best zone to burn fat?

The 'fat burning zone' is where you are working out at about 70 – 80% of your maximum heart rate, also known as your fat burning heart rate. If you're looking to lose weight and keep fit, the general rule of the game is to increase the intensity of your workouts.

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