Running/Jogging -- Speed or Distance?

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Replies

  • kevin3344
    kevin3344 Posts: 702 Member
    If you've just started running there's no need to worry about your speed. I would set a goal to complete a 5k, 10k, something like that and you can always make it a goal to beat your last race.

    I've run 5ks, 10ks, and half and full marathon and haven't even worried about speed until now. I have my second half-marathon coming up and want to beat my time from my first! IMO speed will come with endurance...
  • fitbum19
    fitbum19 Posts: 198 Member
    body changes = speed endurance = distance
  • scullyuk06
    scullyuk06 Posts: 34
    I follwoed the couch to 5 k program me to build up over 9 weeks to a duration of 30 mins non stop. I have no idea what distance I cover, but now I have completed the programme. Yesterday I did 5K in 45 mins with 30min jog and 15 min walk (5 at beginning and usual 5 at end to cooldown but I kept going to reach the 5k mark.

    My plan now is to keep doing the 5k distance and see if I can improve the time. Today I am "resting" my running legs so have just done a 1hr walk at 3mph.

    Do what feels right for you but do not get upset or frustrated by what you are doing. I got really upset when I realised how slow my jogging pace was but I got over it... someone said to me - no matter how slow you are going you are still lapping the couch potatoes!

    Good luck
    -x-
  • lds72
    lds72 Posts: 12
    I agree with the others and focus on distance. Over time you will get stronger and stronger and your speed will naturally increase. I started running 1.5 yrs ago and my first mile was a 14 minute mile then I focused on running a 5k so I slowly built up my distance to that and once I mastered that distance I slowly increased my 5k runs. I am now running my 5k's under 30 mins and couldn't be happier. Now I'm focused on my 10k runs and 5k's are a piece of cake. I never thought I would love running so much.
  • lastchance2010
    lastchance2010 Posts: 494 Member
    I'm glad I read this. I have started walk/jogging and when I first started...again I could barely run a minute straight. Today I ran 4:31...the length of the song that just made me laugh and was fast enough to keep me moving...ironically the song is called "shake" but n e ways.. I was so proud of myself and now I'm thinking if I put a couple more songs together maybe I'll be able to run that whole mile!! Good read and oh. I run S L O W...4.3mph for now cuz that is what "feels right" . when I did increase my speed...I was in SO MUCH PAIN so i backed off cuz I'm a big baby..oh and I don't want to hurt myself. Great tips all! :flowerforyou:
  • cyclerjenn
    cyclerjenn Posts: 833 Member
    Start working on the distance. worry about the speed later.
  • Sox90716
    Sox90716 Posts: 976 Member
    Go for distance. The speed can wait.
  • Sugar_Junkie
    Sugar_Junkie Posts: 366 Member
    BUMP
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Another vote for endurance first, worry about speed later (you'll probably find as you get fitter that your speed improves a little without much conscious effort)

    The keys to success are consistency and controlled increases in distance (try to keep it to no more than 10% week over week) and before you know it you'll be running a lot farther than you ever dreamed possible - and enjoying it!
  • runningfromzombies
    runningfromzombies Posts: 386 Member
    Distance! Become an endurance runner before you even think about speed. When you first start running, your body needs to adjust to the rigors of the road--pace can come later. Cheers! :flowerforyou:
  • ludgerclay
    ludgerclay Posts: 95 Member
    Go for distance. If you can get your distance up, the speed will come along. I think of it this way: I started running at age 43, there was no way I could get my speed fast enough to be competitive in races, buty with perseverence I could run FARTHER than most people. I ran my third 100 mile race last September, and will attempt 140 miles in August this year.
  • ajp913
    ajp913 Posts: 100 Member
    I like to mix it up because they present different challenges. Some days I'll go in and say "my goal is to run a mile in under this amount of time" and other days I'll say "I'm going to jog two miles no matter how long it takes." I figure it's like mixing power lifting with endurance lifting.
  • katscoots
    katscoots Posts: 255 Member
    Can i say both - but until you work up your speed, go for distance.
  • CallistaRobbins
    CallistaRobbins Posts: 2 Member
    I found that when I do other strength training exercises like Jillian's ripped in 30 and running I was ably to run faster for longer.
  • bltrexler
    bltrexler Posts: 180 Member
    I would go for distance, you'll build up endurance then the speed will come.
    Good luck I love to run!
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Go for distance. If you can get your distance up, the speed will come along. I think of it this way: I started running at age 43, there was no way I could get my speed fast enough to be competitive in races, buty with perseverence I could run FARTHER than most people. I ran my third 100 mile race last September, and will attempt 140 miles in August this year.


    A little OT but.......100 miles! I'm not even sure I have a full marathon in me, maybe I'll find out next year.
  • katcod1522
    katcod1522 Posts: 448 Member
    Distance :)
  • Articeluvsmemphis
    Articeluvsmemphis Posts: 1,987 Member
    so I have a question then to add to this, do I lower my speed back down to 4mph and go longer? I can do about 1/2mile on 4.5-4.7
  • momofJandA
    momofJandA Posts: 1,035 Member
    I'm just jumping in to agree with just about everyone else- distance first. Your speed with naturally increase the more you run and the farther you run.

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