Interval Running vs Nonstop Running

tgmichelleee

Hey guys!

So I'm trying to train for my first Tough Mudders in October and my first half marathon (hopefully also this year?) and was hoping to get some opinions.

I can currently run 4-6 miles comfortably and 9 miles doing intervals (3 mile run 2 minute walk).
As you can see, distance wise I am able to do more if I do intervals.
I plan to continue doing both, but if I had to focus on one (doing intervals or just running straight non stop) which would you pick?

Also for those of you who have run half marathons and marathons (and iron mans?), how long did it take for you to get to that level and also what additional tips do you have?

So far my routine is running 2-3 times a week and I run in a fasted state (I live an intermittent fasting lifestyle and I've found many benefits of working out in a fasted state). I also do some other accessory exercises to help with strength (ie cycling, rowing, some weight lifting).

Thanks!

rduhlir

I pretty much Galloway a lot of my runs. I have no issue with doing run/walk splits. However, I will do steady state runs (tempos, shorter runs, etc...). But all of my long runs are run/walk intervals. With the half marathons, I am slowly cutting back on the walk periods...I walk every 2 miles for a minute vs every mile. It is what I like and what works for me at my current level.

As far as how long did it take me to complete my first half...I started running in Jan 2013 and completed my first half in Oct 2013.

Nutrition wise...I dont' do IF so you will have to talk to distance runners who have had success with that and distance running. I do think though...for your longer runs you will just have to really focus on what you are filling your tanks with as if you aren't careful IF may cause wall hits once you get in the longer distances.

My biggest tip will be to find a training plan that will work for you. I like the Hal Higdon plans.

greypilgrimess

I just started using Hal Higdon too, I like the look of his plans and I hear great things about them.

I did a Tough Mudder before my first Half, I did my running training without walk breaks because that's how I prefer it. I was only running 6-7 miles comfortably when I did the TM, and I managed the course, though I would have benefited a lot had I built a better base. Since during the TM you'll never run more than a mile at a time, and there are often queues for obstacles, you won't have any problems if your training is run-walking!

Half marathons are probably more a preference thing. Lots of people use the Galloway run/walk method, and many say it makes their overall time faster. I prefer steady running but that's me, I imagine you get benefits from both methods.

tgmichelleee

I pretty much Galloway a lot of my runs. I have no issue with doing run/walk splits. However, I will do steady state runs (tempos, shorter runs, etc...). But all of my long runs are run/walk intervals. With the half marathons, I am slowly cutting back on the walk periods...I walk every 2 miles for a minute vs every mile. It is what I like and what works for me at my current level.

As far as how long did it take me to complete my first half...I started running in Jan 2013 and completed my first half in Oct 2013.

Nutrition wise...I dont' do IF so you will have to talk to distance runners who have had success with that and distance running. I do think though...for your longer runs you will just have to really focus on what you are filling your tanks with as if you aren't careful IF may cause wall hits once you get in the longer distances.

My biggest tip will be to find a training plan that will work for you. I like the Hal Higdon plans.

Thanks for the reply, and that's so encouraging to know that you started running and completed a half marathon within the same year!
I have no training plan I'm following atm, so I'll definitely look into Hal Higdons plan

tgmichelleee

I just started using Hal Higdon too, I like the look of his plans and I hear great things about them.

I did a Tough Mudder before my first Half, I did my running training without walk breaks because that's how I prefer it. I was only running 6-7 miles comfortably when I did the TM, and I managed the course, though I would have benefited a lot had I built a better base. Since during the TM you'll never run more than a mile at a time, and there are often queues for obstacles, you won't have any problems if your training is run-walking!

Half marathons are probably more a preference thing. Lots of people use the Galloway run/walk method, and many say it makes their overall time faster. I prefer steady running but that's me, I imagine you get benefits from both methods.

I keep hearing that about TM, but I was watching Shay Carl (who did the TM this year) and apparently the TM in Cali this year was like 8-9 miles running then they hit you with the obstacles all at once But definitely good to know that I'll be fine even if I do stick with intervals for TM training
And that's where my conflict is for half marathon training. On one hand I love interval training, but at the same time I feel like I should be in the habit or running consistently
But thanks for the reply!