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If your body is an engine, calories are the fuel. Here's what you need to know about how it all works.

CALORIES MIGHT BE among the most misunderstood aspects of our health and the ways our bodies work. Are calories an enemy to be abstained from at all times? Why is there so much fixation on "burning" them? Do you even need them at all?

Make no mistake, calories—the units of energy that power every single one of your bodily functions—are essential. How many you need and the way you use them depends on a confluence of factors, primarily, your age, height, weight, gender, activity levels, and exercise routine. One pertinent question for anyone who has spent any time around popular fitness culture: How many calories you should burn a day?

To find a concrete answer to this nuanced question, we consulted Leslie Bonci, RD, a sports dietitian and owner of Active Eating Advice, whose clients include the Kansas City Chiefs. The good news for you is that finding out how many calories you should burn isn’t difficult. Once you have the answer, however, it’s up to you to work toward your goal.

How Many Calories Should You Burn?

You're constantly burning calories, just by existing. How many calories you should burn daily depends on your body weight, goals, and activity levels. The short answer, depending on the most basic goals, will be…

To lose weight: Create a daily caloric deficit of 350 to 500 calories. For most people, this means you should aim to expend more energy.

To maintain weight: Eat at your maintenance levels (see How to Calculate Your Calories below to understand what this means for you) and keep your activity levels about the same.

To gain weight: Create a daily caloric surplus of 250 to 500 calories and either decrease or maintain your current activity levels.

Bonci suggests losing half a pound to three-quarters of a pound per week if your goal is to decrease your body fat. “It is important to understand that weight loss is not continuous,” she says. “If one is too restrictive, it is too hard to maintain; consistency, awareness, and aiming to be 70 percent compliant [on your diet] is more sustainable.”

How to Calculate Your Calories

Calculating your caloric needs is fairly easy and can be done in three quick steps:

Find

Based on the steps above, a 180-pound, 5’11” man who trains five times per week needs 2,650 calories daily to maintain his weight and would eat 2,275 calories per day to lose three-quarters of a pound weekly.

How to Estimate Your Calorie Burn

Determining how many calories you're burning isn't an exact science. Everyone's body is different, and multiple factors contribute to the way your body uses fuel. But there are some methods to estimate how many calories you'll burn for specific types of exercise and common types of movements, like household chores.

Understanding your basal metabolic rate is the first step. The second is to understand metabolic equivalents, or METs. These are a measure of your working metabolic rate versus your resting metabolic rate. METs are scaled.

<3 METs for light activity,

3 to 6 METs for moderate activity,

and >6 for vigorous activity.

One MET is the amount of energy you expend at rest, which equals one calorie per kilogram of body weight per hour. Our 180-pound (81-kilogram) man burns 81 calories every hour he just lounges around.

Your METs will multiply based on the activity you’re engaging in. Different forms of exercise performed at different intensities yield different METs. You can find an exhaustive list of these estimates for different activities here. Once you know your MET estimate, you can determine the total by using this formula: METS x 3.5 x BW(KG) / 200 = kcal per minute. So, if the 180-pound man were to go on a jog (7.5 MET value), that would look like this: 7.5(3.5)(81kg)/200 = 10.63 kcal/minute.

To make things even simpler, you can also use tools like this calculator to get an idea of how many calories you burn during

Protein: (2,275 x .25) / 4 = 142 grams

Carbohydrates: (2,275 x .5) / 4 = 284 grams

Fat: (2,275 x .25) / 9 = 63 grams

Tips For Managing Your Calories

Whether you’re gaining, maintaining, or losing weight, these four tips can help you stay on track and expedite your progress.

Increase your NEAT

“Non-exercise activity thermogenesis is calories burned over the day [unrelated to their planned workouts],” explains Bonci. “Say someone works out for an hour but then sits on their ass all day; their body is not very efficient versus walking more over the day.” The solution is simple: “move more”, says Bonci. “Through walking, fidgeting, dancing.”

Let’s stick with walking as an example. If you’re already accumulating 5,000 steps daily, try increasing your daily step count to 10,000. Our 180-pound man would, theoretically, burn roughly 225 extra calories per day by upping his daily step count from 5,000 to 10,000 daily. That means he’ll burn half a pound of additional fat per week or the same amount of body fat while allowing himself to fuel his body with a more comfortable amount of food while still reaching his weight loss goals.

Lift Weights

If you want to build muscle, then

Live a Little (Within Reason)

As long as you eat your prescribed number of calories, you’ll gain, lose, or maintain weight, regardless of the foods you consume. Pizza, burgers, and chips aren’t off the table. That said, because these foods pack a lot of calories and do little to satiate you, they’re not the best daily options, especially if you’re eating in a deficit.

Instead of planning a cheat meal where you sit down to gorge yourself on an entire pizza, Bonci suggests letting your “off-plan” meals occur naturally, whether you find yourself at a company happy hour or a friend’s birthday party. “Be in the moment when you choose those higher-calorie foods; slow down and savor them,” she says. Yes, you’ll need to exhibit discipline to reach your goals, but it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing affair. “One meal does not derail a consistent eating pattern, so rather than thinking ‘I blew it, so I may as well eat everything.' Enjoy it and move on.”

Ethiopia’s Fotyеn Tesfay Haylu delivered one of the most remarkable women’s half-marathon performances ever seen on American soil on Sunday, powering to a commanding victory at the 2026 Buenos Aires Half Marathon in Argentina in 1:03:57.

Running with exceptional confidence and strength, Tesfay took control of the race and produced a superb solo performance to rewrite the event record. Her breathtaking run also carried historic significance, as she became the first woman to break the 64-minute barrier for the half marathon in the Americas, producing what is being celebrated as the fastest women’s half-marathon performance ever recorded on the continent.

The Ethiopian star was in a class of her own, crossing the finish line more than a minute clear of Turkey’s Nevin Can, who finished second in 1:05:06. Another Turkish athlete, Selin Can, completed the podium in third place with 1:05:11, as the leading trio all produced strong performances on the fast streets of Buenos Aires.

Kenya also featured prominently in the top positions, with Irene Jepchumba Kimais taking fourth in 1:06:04, followed by Sheila Chepkirui in fifth with 1:06:13. Magaret Akidor Ngathike finished sixth in 1:06:46, while fellow Kenyan Deborah Samum claimed seventh place in 1:08:32.

Brazil’s Nubia de Oliveira Silva was eighth in 1:11:13, while Argentina’s Sofia Luna and Dahyana Juarez rounded out the top 10 with times of 1:11:21 and 1:11:28, respectively.

Top 10 Women – 2026 Buenos Aires Half Marathon

1. Fotyеn Tesfay Haylu (Ethiopia) – 1:03:57

2. Nevin Can (Turkey) – 1:05:06

3. Selin Can (Turkey) – 1:05:11

4. Irene Jepchumba Kimais (Kenya) – 1:06:04

5. Sheila Chepkirui (Kenya) – 1:06:13

6. Magaret Akidor Ngathike (Kenya) – 1:06:46

7. Deborah Samum (Kenya) – 1:08:32

8. Nubia de Oliveira Silva (Brazil) – 1:11:13

9. Sofia Luna (Argentina) – 1:11:21

10. Dahyana Juarez (Argentina) – 1:11:28

For Tesfay, it was far more than a race victory. Her 1:03:57 performance was a statement of extraordinary quality, combining speed, endurance and remarkable solo running to produce a landmark result in Buenos Aires. In a race that will be remembered for years to come, the Ethiopian did not simply win—she redefined what was thought possible for women’s half-marathon running in the Americas.

Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha produced one of the most extraordinary performances in road racing history on the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina, reclaiming the half marathon world record with a sensational 56:51 performance at the 2026 Buenos Aires Half Marathon.

The former world record-holder delivered a breathtaking exhibition of speed and endurance to take 29 seconds off the previous pending mark of 57:20, set by Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo and takes a huge chunk from his own former official world record. Kejelcha's new performance is pending the standard ratification procedures, but if officially ratified, it will return the world record to the Ethiopian star and mark another remarkable chapter in the evolution of the event. 

Kejelcha's achievement is particularly significant because the 57-minute barrier had already been broken before. Jacob Kiplimo had previously run under 57 minutes, clocking 56:42 that was not ratified demonstrating that the once-unthinkable barrier was possible. Kejelcha, however, has become the second man to run under 57-minute barrier who now returns to the top of the all-time rankings with another historic performance in Buenos Aires.

The Ethiopian's race was remarkable not only for the final time but also for the way he built his performance. He covered the opening five kilometres in 13:44 before reaching 10km in 27:18. Rather than slowing, Kejelcha accelerated through the middle stages, passing 15km in 40:39 and 20km in 54:02 as he continued to push the limits of elite road racing.

By the time he reached the finish line, Kejelcha had completed the race at an extraordinary average pace of approximately 2:42 per kilometre, producing one of the most astonishing sustained efforts ever witnessed in distance running. His stunning run sent a powerful message to the athletics world and further strengthened his status as one of the most formidable distance runners of his generation.

Behind the record-breaking champion, Ethiopia completed a dominant clean sweep of the men's podium. Tadese Worku Gebresilase claimed second place in 59:18, while Bereket Nega Batebo secured third in 1:00:17, giving Ethiopia a memorable one-two-three finish in the Argentine capital.

Kenya’s Jonathan Kipkoech Kamosong finished fourth in 1:00:20, followed by compatriot Simon Maywa in fifth with 1:00:55. Argentina’s Ignacio Erario gave the home supporters plenty to celebrate with an impressive sixth-place finish in 1:00:57, breaking the one-hour barrier in front of an enthusiastic local crowd.

Dillon Kipyeko of Kenya finished seventh in 1:01:07, with Robert Kiprop Koech eighth in 1:02:01. Mexico’s Julio Ortiz Ponce took ninth place in 1:03:17, while Colombia’s Jimmy Gómez completed the top 10 in 1:03:34.

The Buenos Aires Half Marathon will now take its place in the history books as the scene of a truly extraordinary breakthrough. For Kejelcha, this was more than just another victory. It was a spectacular return to the top, reclaiming a world record he had previously held and once again rewriting the limits of the half marathon.

The 56:51 performance remains pending ratification, but Yomif Kejelcha's run has already delivered one of the defining moments in the history of road racing.

Kenya delivered another commanding display of distance-running excellence at the Antrim Coast Half Marathon, with Isaia Lasoi leading a memorable Kenyan clean sweep of the men's podium in a race packed with world-class performances.

Lasoi emerged victorious after a thrilling battle at the front, crossing the finish line in a superb 58:26 setting a new course record. His winning performance underlined his strength and speed over the half-marathon distance, but he was made to work all the way by fellow Kenyan Daniel Mateiko, who finished just three seconds behind in 58:29 after an electrifying duel for the title.

The contest between the two leaders produced one of the standout moments of the race, with both athletes pushing deep into elite territory as they fought for victory. In the end, Lasoi found just enough to secure the win, while Mateiko's narrow defeat highlighted the remarkable depth and quality of Kenya's leading distance runners.

Vincent Kipkorir completed the Kenyan sweep, taking third place in 1:00:38 to ensure that all three places on the podium belonged to Kenyan athletes. Samwel Chebolei added further Kenyan strength to the results, finishing fourth in 1:01:01, while Amos Langat was also among the leading finishers.

The international field featured several prominent names. Australia's Jimmy Whelan produced a strong run, while Ethiopia's Yismaw Dillu featured among the front group. American marathon star Galen Rupp also delivered a notable performance, clocking 1:01:29 in another competitive outing for the experienced distance runner. Former world-class track and road athlete Edward Cheserek was also among the top finishers.

Lasoi's 58:26 victory, however, was the defining performance of the day. Together with Mateiko and Kipkorir, he gave Kenya a perfect podium and another emphatic reminder of the country's extraordinary strength in elite road running.

The Antrim Coast Half Marathon once again provided a fast, competitive stage for some of the world's finest distance runners, but when the decisive moments arrived, it was Kenya that owned the podium.

One of the most iconic milestones in the history of ultramarathon running is drawing closer, with entries for the historic 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon set to open on Tuesday, 25 August 2026.

The Comrades Marathon Association has officially announced a detailed entry process for the 2027 race, which will unfold in three stages and give runners around the world the opportunity to secure their place in what promises to be one of the most significant editions ever held of The Ultimate Human Race.

The announcement followed the official launch of the 2027 Comrades Marathon on Wednesday, 19 August, when the centenary campaign, “The Greatest Story Ever Run,” was unveiled alongside a special logo created exclusively for the landmark 100th edition.

The launch also revealed several major highlights for the Centenary Race. The historic event will take place on Sunday, 13 June 2027, and will be a Down Run, with 28,000 places available. The entry process will include a ballot, while the race will offer a record R8.919 million in prize money. Organisers have also set an ambitious goal of raising R10 million for the Amabeadibeadi charities, adding an important charitable dimension to the centenary celebrations. One of the defining moments of the launch was the unveiling of the special Centenary mark, created to commemorate this extraordinary milestone in the history of the race.

The entry process begins on 25 August at 10:00 a.m. SAST, when entries open for Green Number runners, Yellow Number runners and Amabeadibeadi charity entrants.

The next phase follows on 2 September at 10:00 a.m. SAST, when entries open for Comrades Marathon Association members. This window will remain open for 72 hours or until the available entry allocation is filled, with places offered on a strictly first-come, first-served basis.

For general entrants, the process will move to a ballot system. General entries open on 9 September at 10:00 a.m. SAST, with runners able to enter the ballot until it closes on 22 September at 4:30 p.m. SAST. The ballot draw is then scheduled to take place on 23 September.

Several other crucial dates will shape the road to the historic race. The substitution period will run from 15 to 31 March 2027, while 3 May 2027 is the final deadline for runners to submit their qualifying performances, seeding information and other required entry details.

To qualify for the 2027 Comrades Marathon, runners must complete a 42.2km marathon in under five hours between 15 June 2026 and 3 May 2027.

The journey will finally culminate on Sunday, 13 June 2027, when thousands of runners are expected to line up for the historic 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon.

The 2027 race will represent a remarkable moment for the legendary South African ultramarathon. For more than a century, the Comrades Marathon has captured the imagination of runners and spectators with its extraordinary test of endurance, determination and human spirit. Its centenary edition will celebrate the generations of athletes who have faced its demanding roads, conquered its challenges and helped build one of the world's most respected endurance events.

For runners dreaming of becoming part of this historic occasion, the road to Comrades 2027 is now clearly marked. From the opening of entries in August 2026 to race day in June 2027, every deadline will matter.

The Greatest Story Ever Run is preparing for its most historic chapter yet.

American sprint standout Sam Blaskowski is taking steps toward an international future with Poland after uncovering a powerful connection to his family's ancestral homeland.

The 23-year-old sprinter, who has established himself as one of the fastest Americans of his generation with a personal best of 9.89 seconds in the 100 metres, has begun the process of obtaining Polish citizenship with the aim of eventually representing Poland in international competition.

Blaskowski's connection to the country traces back through his great-grandparents, Franciszek and Julian Błaszkowski, who emigrated from Poland to the United States in 1905. Their journey more than a century ago has now opened an unexpected new chapter for their descendant, whose athletic ambitions could soon carry the Błaszkowski name back onto the international stage under Polish colours.

The sprinter has already received support from the Polish Athletics Association as he works through the citizenship and eligibility process. Should his transfer of allegiance be completed, Blaskowski could become a significant addition to Poland's sprint programme.

His credentials certainly make the prospect an exciting one. In addition to his sub-10-second speed over 100 metres, Blaskowski owns a personal best of 19.93 seconds in the 200 metres, demonstrating the kind of versatility that could prove valuable both individually and in Poland's 4x100m relay squad.

For Blaskowski, however, the move is about more than simply changing national colours. It represents an opportunity to reconnect with his family's heritage while pursuing his ambitions at the highest level of the sport.

With his sights set on becoming part of Poland's international sprint team and competing for relay medals, Blaskowski's journey from discovering his Polish roots to potentially representing the country of his ancestors could become one of the most fascinating allegiance stories in world athletics.

A century after Franciszek and Julian Błaszkowski left Poland for America, their family's story may now be coming full circle—this time at full sprint.