May 24

Are short runs, e.g. less than 20 minutes beneficial?

Category: FAQs

Yes, short runs are beneficial.

This is notably more so when beginning or returning to running. Or when preceded by a period of heavy training, or in preparation for a subsequent one.

From a health perspective, running as little as 5 minutes per day at slow speeds (10 min/mi / 6:15 min/km) is associated with markedly reduced risks of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease. And the benefits tail off quite dramatically and even begin to reverse as duration increases. Similar benefits are also realised with running only once per week.

Furthermore for trained individuals, such short runs continue to help promote cardiovascular benefits and neuromuscular reinforcement. Consequently, they are a great way to instigate relative rest. Aiding recovery and helping to avoid injury, whilst still having a positive impact on your training.

About The Author

Dr. Sean Radford, the Founder & CEO of TrainAsONE, is a medical doctor, IT expert, coach and podium finisher in international endurance events. He has dedicated more than 20 years to the research of health, fitness and social well-being of the general population. He has been developing Artificially Intelligent (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) tools to help tackle some of the world’s leading health issues. Dr Radford is a Tech Ambassador for the UK, considered a leading expert in his field, and is a regular speaker at key events, as well as an author of numerous research publications.