I find swimming to be better than running.

If your only goal is fat burning, then I agree that for the time invested, HIIT is the way to go. However, there are benefits to long distance running for overall conditioning and cardiovascular adaptation.

HIIT is far more beneficial when you are just starting out than it is when you are already trained and fit. In trained athletes, the muscular systems and energy pathways are affected for about three weeks (up to 6-8 in untrained subjects) and then they stop. However, with distance running, the changes in the muscle/energy systems go on for years.

As for the cardiac adaptations, for sprinters, the left ventricle usually becomes thicker and stronger, resulting in a much greater pumping force. For distance runners, it becomes larger, resulting in a greater volume of blood pumped. It makes sense to mix up the training style for cardio, just as you would for lifting weights. Staying forever in only one zone is only going to make you more efficient in that particular zone. However, adding new stresses forces new adaptations that will have a beneficial effect for every part of your training and conditioning.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20473222

Damn! That sucks. Still going to play this fall?

Nice and easy 5 mile run this morning.

That is the plan. I have played with a pulled groin, broken foot and strained shoulder all at the same time in the past. Why stop with just a single injury? ;)

Yeah, I know that feeling all too well ROFL

Good thing I'm healed now!

I understand the dislike for distance running by some but I choose it as my main form of exercise because I can see myself continuing to be running 30-40 years from now but not lifting weights or doing other forms of intense strength training.

It is.

Don't get me wrong, I think it's great that people are doing something/anything. It just wouldn't be my first choice for making big fitness gains. Just speaking for myself, I went through a running phase for a couple of years and found myself disappointed with the fitness level I achieved with it.

Well, it's just like anything else: Focus on it solely, and you won't achieve a good balance. Just like relying solely on sprint training for your cardio will make you fast, but you will be very disappointed if you need any kind of endurance for sports.

I have found that distance running with a pace of a mile per 8 mins to help a lot with my weekly soccer games. Am I imagining things?

I run for 40-50 mins then concentrate on another part of my body, either chest, abs every other day.

Sometimes I'd just do uphill running and call it a day.

I know for sure that a few months from now I'll change my routine by adding swimming or some weight lifting.

Is this a good or a bad or a no difference maker thing? The constant change in routine that is.

I agree. Just doing something is actually good. Sweating one's balls off every day working out is a good feeling. It actually makes my day.

mmmm 4 tacos from cancun fiesta fresh

Nope, you're not imagining things at all. I just wrote a blog post on this subject, inspired by this discussion.

http://fitexcellence.com/2010/08/5-m...rval-training/

Constantly changing can be bad, but only if you lack focus. This is generally a result of not having a goal. There may not be a linear path to the goal you set for yourself. But generally, you cannot just do things one way for maximum results. If you want to get stronger, you do need to do primarily low-rep, high weight work. However, it's also incredibly beneficial to mix in a few high-rep, lower weight sessions, too.

Mmm... water. Fasting.

:(