Running is an aerobic workout but it is also a strength workout in some ways. For one thing, your legs are actively pushing you forward, so your leg muscles are working throughout the motion. You arms and shoulders help to propel you forward, and if you place a hand against your abs, you will feel how tight they are when you run (the faster you go the tighter they become). One way in which running burns fat is by getting your muscles to make a concentrated effort during the entire workout.

The main way in which running burns fat is that it forces your body to use a lot of energy. Running can be quite intensive and requires a lot of energy to perform. Naturally, the amount of energy required and used depends a lot on the speed you’re running at and the angle on which you run. Two of the easiest ways to make any running workout burn more fat is to increase your speed and to run at an incline. Naturally, you can’t just do a hundred yard sprint and wait for the fat to melt away. You do need to make the workout longer than that.

One of the best ways to increase the fat burning from any running workout is to do intervals. This is a workout style that has been proven as very effective in fat burning and one which more and more people are doing these days. Doing intervals requires you to change your running speed every once in a while changing every minute or few between high speed and intensity and low and medium intensities. The idea is that you’re pushing yourself hard on one interval and then lowering the intensity and allowing your body to catch its breath so to speak in preparation of another high intensity interval.

If you are planning to join the half marathon, then you will need a certain training plan. In this article you will find three main principles of training plan for that kind of marathon.

Pay attention on long distances: You cannot be ready to half marathon running 5-10 kilometers, losing weight or riding bicycles. During a half marathon training that could be from one to three months it is necessary to run distances of at least 16-19 kilometers. Running for long distances will make you fatigueproof as well as it will test the willpower and readiness for competitions. It is recommended to have long running trainings on weekends so that you will be able to give them the necessary consideration.

Do not forget about the rest: The important part of half marathon training plan is rest. After focus weekly workout or especially after long running your body deserves some rest. However, it is necessary to understand that days included into half marathon training plan are needed right for the rest, but not for playing football with your friends, cleaning or help your relatives and any other activities.

Try to diversify your workouts: Half marathon training plan could be quite monotonous and that is why it is recommended to diversify it by following exercises:

Speed training: Especially it is recommended if you want to improve your own half marathon time. For speed training it is better to choose short distance and run it faster than what is planned on the competition. In this way you will be able to strengthen your cardio and total stamina, develop the energy saving ability and be psychologically ready for the competition.

Jogging: After long and high speed workouts there is jogging in significantly lower speed that what is planned on competitions. During light exercise, you can talk or look around yourself. Even if you feel that you can and want run faster, try to relax and remember that your high speed and long lasting workouts are waiting for you in every case.