3 Reasons Long Distance Running Isn’t Helping Your Sport Performance

Still running laps to get in shape for sports? It might be time to rethink your approach.

Reason 1: Wrong Energy System

Most team sports are played in short bursts, not long-distance grinds. Distance running trains the aerobic system but neglects the anaerobic systems your sport actually uses.

Reason 2: Doesn’t Mimic Game Demands

Games are stop-start, chaotic, and reactive. Long slow runs are none of those things. You need interval-based, sprint-repeat efforts to match what your body experiences in real competition.

Reason 3: Increases Risk of Overuse

Too much steady-state running can lead to overuse injuries—especially in young athletes who already have demanding practice schedules.

Want smarter ways to condition?

Try this:

• Tempo runs
• Shuttle sprints
• Aerobic intervals with planned rest

We break this down step-by-step in our free 3-day off-season conditioning guide. DM “Conditioning” and we’ll send it over!

Train smarter. Play faster. Stay healthier.