Why a Simple, Consistent Pace May Be the Most Powerful Fitness Tool You’ll Ever Use
When people think about fitness, they often picture sweat-drenched boot camps, intense sprints, or grueling HIIT workouts. But there’s a quieter, more sustainable form of exercise that has helped countless people build lifelong health without burnout: steady state running.
Chad Pratt of California is a shining example of this approach. For more than three decades, Chad has chosen the steady road—literally and figuratively. He doesn’t run for competition or personal records. He runs for health, focus, and peace of mind.
“It’s not about being the fastest,” Chad says. “It’s about being consistent. Steady running has carried me through every stage of life.”
What Is Steady State Running?
Steady state running involves maintaining a consistent, moderate pace for an extended period—usually 30 minutes or longer. It’s the kind of running where you’re working hard enough to feel it, but not so hard that you can’t hold a conversation.
This aerobic zone—where your heart, lungs, and muscles are all operating in harmony—is where long-term benefits are built. It’s not flashy, but it’s incredibly effective.
Why Chad Pratt Chooses Steady Over Speed
Living in California, with its mild climate and endless variety of running routes, Chad Pratt has made steady running a daily ritual. Whether it’s a quiet jog through his neighborhood or a coastal run at sunrise, he values the predictability and simplicity of his routine.
“I’ve tried other things,” he admits. “But I always come back to steady running. It’s honest. It’s calming. And it works.”
Here’s why Chad believes steady state running is one of the most underrated practices in fitness:
1. It Builds Fitness You Can Actually Maintain
Fast results often fade fast. But steady running builds endurance, strengthens the heart, and improves lung capacity slowly and sustainably. That’s why Chad has been able to run consistently into his 50s without major injury or burnout.
“The secret isn’t intensity,” he says. “It’s consistency.”
2. It’s a Form of Moving Meditation
For Chad, steady runs aren’t just physical—they’re mental and emotional too. The rhythmic motion, deep breathing, and solitude allow his mind to unwind.
“There’s clarity in the repetition,” he explains. “Some runs, I solve problems. Other runs, I don’t think at all. Both are valuable.”
This built-in mental health benefit is one of the most overlooked advantages of steady state cardio.
3. It Enhances Fat Metabolism and Energy Balance
Unlike short bursts of intense exercise that rely on carbohydrates for fuel, steady running encourages the body to use fat as an energy source. That means better blood sugar regulation, steady energy throughout the day, and a healthier metabolism.
“I’ve never needed to diet,” Chad says. “My weight stays stable because my body knows what to expect. It’s not being shocked every time I exercise.”
4. It’s Easy to Start—And Even Easier to Keep Going
Steady running doesn’t require fancy equipment, apps, or an expert trainer. It’s accessible to anyone with a pair of shoes and the willingness to move forward.
“You don’t need to run far or fast,” Chad says. “Just run at a pace you can keep. Let it become a habit.”
That simplicity makes it easy to fit into a busy life—and hard to find excuses not to do it.
5. It Promotes Longevity in Body and Mind
Many people burn out on extreme fitness programs. But steady state running can be done well into your 60s, 70s, and beyond. It strengthens the heart, protects the joints when done properly, and improves cognitive function.
“I plan to run for as long as I’m able,” Chad says. “Because every run I take now is an investment in who I’ll be 10 years from now.”
How to Start Your Own Steady State Practice
Chad recommends the following tips for those looking to begin their own steady running journey:
- Start small. Even 15–20 minutes at a light pace is enough to begin building endurance.
- Run-walk if needed. “There’s no shame in walk breaks,” Chad says. “That’s how I started too.”
- Focus on time, not speed. The goal is to run at a pace you can maintain, not break records.
- Run often, not hard. 3–4 days a week is plenty to start building real progress.
- Stay patient. The benefits compound over time. Trust the process.
Final Thoughts from Chad Pratt
In a fitness culture obsessed with doing more, faster, and harder, Chad Pratt of California has built a life around doing something truly radical: going steady.
His runs aren’t rushed. They’re not timed. They’re not done for likes or stats. They’re done for health, for peace, and for the simple joy of movement.
“Steady running taught me how to pace not just my workouts—but my life,” he says. “It reminds me that progress doesn’t have to be dramatic to be real.”
So if you’re looking for a healthier, calmer, and more sustainable way to move, take a page from Chad’s book. Lace up your shoes. Find your rhythm. And take the steady path forward.