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I would like to find any studies that show advantages to increased frequency of workouts. There seems to be a lot of information floating around suggesting 7 runs per week burns for calories than 4 runs of the same mileage - or better yet 14 runs. Does anyone know of any original research out there I could read? Thanks!!
No original research, but I have heard the same things. There are two basic reasons behind the theory - the first one I suspect is subject to more disagreement.
1.After running, your metabolism stays high for a period of time, so that will happen twice a day instead of once, burning some extra calories.
2.Your body burns more calories for the same effort earlier in a run. Studies have shown for instance that if you do a short warmup and then run ten miles at marathon pace, you burn a few more calories in the first mile than in the tenth mile. One reason why the first 5-10 minutes of a race where depletion is a limiting factor (longer than 2 hours for most people) should be done easier.
Personally, I have my doubts that splitting your run into two runs burns enough extra calories to make much difference. If you burn an extra 100 calories a day and leave everything else the same, it's a LONG time before you lose an extra pound. I rarely have done regular double runs because I don't think it's the most effective way to train for longer races, plus I work 12-8 which makes it tougher. But I actually enjoy two thirty minute runs more than an hour run, so during the challenge I've done a few doubles and will continue to do them. It allows me to run a bit faster for the same effort and I always "feel" like I'm getting in shape faster when I do them.
Once you arrive at the race, deposit your excuses in the same location as last night's pasta.