Runners prefer the same pace, regardless of distance
phys.org
phys.org
https://news.stanford.edu/2022/04/28/runners-prefer-pace-reg...
The full report is also available, the main point of interest to the casual exerciser hoping to lose weight is this:
> "Overall, when we go for a run, although a goal may be to burn calories, we move at a speed to minimize them. This is consistent with free-living preferences of other, nonhuman, animals for energy-optimal locomotion, be it walking, flying, or swimming."
One conclusion might be that if weight loss is the goal, when out exercising it's a good idea to occassionally push the pace well beyond the comfort level (although this in turn increases the risk of injury, so keep that in mind, i.e. warm-up first).
Humans are surprisingly efficient at minimizing calories spent on exercise. Exercise is great to optimize other systems in the body, but it shouldn't be used as the primary method of losing weight. Calories In Calories Out is the golden rule when it comes to changing weight (either up or down). To lose weight, I recommend intermittent fasting and consuming less empty calories.