Aerobic VS Anaerobic

Aerobic running is done during long runs. Aerobic means “in the presence of oxygen”. This is the type of running you do when you feel “slow” and comfortable. When running aerobically, your muscles can get enough oxygen from the blood to process the energy in the cells (burning fat in most cases). The minimal waste products produced during aerobic running can be easily removed, with no lingering build-up in the muscles.

Speed training gets you into the anaerobic zone: creating an oxygen debt. Anaerobic running involves going too fast or too long for you, on that day. At some point in the workout, when you reach your current limit, the muscles can’t get enough oxygen to burn the most efficient fuel, fat. So they shift to the limited supply of stored sugar: glycogen. The waste products from this fuel pile up quickly in the cells, tightening the muscles and causing you to breathe heavily. You have encountered a condition called an “oxygen debt”. If you keep running for too long in this anaerobic state, you will have to slow down significantly or stop. But if you are running for a realistic time goal, and are pacing yourself correctly, you should only be running anaerobically for a short period of time, at the end of each workout and race.

Jeff Galloway Resources: www.jeffgalloway.com Visit the E-Shop where you will find “Galloway’s 5K/10K Running” and other books for your running library. You will also find training tips, training groups, running retreats and more. 

Join us in Atlanta for the 2017 Jeff Galloway Race Weekend! To register or find out more information on the JG 13.1, The Double G, Barb’s 5K, Fit Kids Run and other weekend events go to: https://jeffgalloway131.com

Jeff Galloway smiling near a lake with city skyline in the distance.
Jeff Galloway

Jeff Galloway, US Olympian and creator of the Run-Walk-Run method, has helped over 350,000 runners achieve their goals through his innovative training programs. As Runner's World's monthly columnist and author of North America's best-selling running book, Jeff has spent over 50 years sharing his expertise and continues to conduct running seminars worldwide as runDisney's Official Training Consultant.

Jeff Galloway Coaching

Coaching Support and Training

Jeff’s proven training method has helped hundreds of thousands to achieve their goals and stay injury-free. Over 98% of his participants have finished marathons, and similar success rates have been achieved at other distances. Our programs help you reach the finish line for your personal goal/race.

  • Based on your current conditioning
  • improve Your efficiency and speed
  • For All Levels, Including Beginners
  • Achieve Progress While Having a Life
See Coaching Options

Run Smarter, Not Harder:

Join Jeff’s Inner Circle

Get exclusive running tips, training plans, and motivation straight from Jeff Galloway to your inbox. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned runner, our newsletter will help you achieve your running goals with less effort and zero injuries.