Running/Jogging -- Speed or Distance?

kevin3344

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

body changes = speed endurance = distance

scullyuk06

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

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

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

Start working on the distance. worry about the speed later.

Sox90716

Go for distance. The speed can wait.

Sugar_Junkie

BUMP

BrianSharpe

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

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

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

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

Can i say both - but until you work up your speed, go for distance.

CallistaRobbins

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

I would go for distance, you'll build up endurance then the speed will come.
Good luck I love to run!

BrianSharpe

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

Distance

Articeluvsmemphis

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

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.