Long distance running vs. interval runs?

[Syringer]

I've been mostly trying to gain muscle mass this summer, and feel I've gotten along far enough that it's time to start cutting..

Which kind of running is better though? I've heard both sides of the stories, of running a few miles everyday being beneficial..but interval (or HIIT) running being better for shedding excess fat. Or should I just do a combo of both?

 

[SWScorch]

HIIT is better for burning, I believe. Long runs build endurance, but the intensity of interval runs burns more calories and fat. Maybe a combo of both would be best though; as with long runs your body would be forced to burn fat as fuel (this is like 10 miles plus)

 

[filmmaker]

Originally posted by: SWScorch
HIIT is better for burning, I believe. Long runs build endurance, but the intensity of interval runs burns more calories and fat.

True

I enjoy long runs for the most part and love to do a couple of sprints before and after I run for long distances.

 

[Rogue]

I personally find that alternating days works best to build endurance and keep the weight off. I would run long distance (3-4 miles or more) one day and then run telephone pole sprints the next for about 2-3 miles.

 

[filmmaker]

Originally posted by: Rogue
I personally find that alternating days works best to build endurance and keep the weight off. I would run long distance (3-4 miles or more) one day and then run telephone pole sprints the next for about 2-3 miles.

Good idea

 

[Syringer]

What are telephone pole sprints?

 

[SWScorch]

sprint from one telephone pole to another, then jog to the next, sprint to the next, etc etc.