Running Time Vs Distance !

BeccaKay96
BeccaKay96 Posts: 77 Member
edited November 21 in Fitness and Exercise
I've been looking into ways to get on top of my game with running, so I think I am going to start running a certain amount of time instead of a certain distance! I have read a lot of things about how that is a good way to not overwhelm yourself and then you can really see your progress as you go further in that amount of time! I'm going to try running 45-60 minutes at least three times a week then do my long run on the weekend. I greatly value any opinions on this!!!

Replies

  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    I run generally by time also most of the time. Your plan sounds pretty solid. If you make one of those mid week runs a tempo run you will get great results. For that, run faster than normal (comfortably fast, 85 to 92% max HR) for 20 to 30 min in the middle of your 45 to 60 min run.
  • G8rRay
    G8rRay Posts: 89 Member
    edited July 2015
    I agree with scottb81 re: tempo run; however, I would revise the tempo part to multiple 10 minute intervals (same effort that scott suggested) with 5 minute easy pace between the intervals; e.g. 10' WU+[2x(10' TP + 5' EP)+10' TP]+10' KD=60' training run. My reasoning is that the shorter intervals at TP allows for quicker recovery time, while giving the same overall time at TP; i.e., less physical stress on your skeletal muscles.

    WU=warmup (at easy pace), TP=threshold pace (per scottb81, 85%-92% HRmax), EP=easy pace (70% or less HRmax), KD=cool down (at easy pace or walking).
  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    edited July 2015
    G8rRay wrote: »
    I agree with scottb81 re: tempo run; however, I would revise the tempo part to multiple 10 minute intervals (same effort that scott suggested) with 5 minute easy pace between the intervals; e.g. 10' WU+[2x(10' TP + 5' EP)+10' TP]+10' KD=60' training run. My reasoning is that the shorter intervals at TP allows for quicker recovery time, while giving the same overall time at TP; i.e., less physical stress on your skeletal muscles.

    WU=warmup (at easy pace), TP=threshold pace (per scottb81, 85%-92% HRmax), EP=easy pace (70% or less HRmax), KD=cool down (at easy pace or walking).
    That's a good plan too. If it's the first time you have done tempo runs it will be easier to handle and will give the same training effect.

  • yusaku02
    yusaku02 Posts: 3,472 Member
    I prefer to run for distances instead of time. If you half-*kitten* a workout then you might only go 6 miles in 60 minutes instead of 8 miles. Whereas when you're going a set distance you can't cheat yourself out of the extra miles.
  • svirds
    svirds Posts: 57 Member
    I do a mix - specific miles for tempo run and speed work (intervals at the track). Then specific time (not miles) for long runs and recovery runs and walks. This balance has worked really well for me.
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    edited July 2015
    yusaku02 wrote: »
    I prefer to run for distances instead of time. If you half-*kitten* a workout then you might only go 6 miles in 60 minutes instead of 8 miles. Whereas when you're going a set distance you can't cheat yourself out of the extra miles.

    While I also run for distance and not time, wouldn't you be completely aware that you half-assed the workout by the simple fact that you didn't run as far? You only get out what you put in and it's only your overall training that is going to suffer if you aren't working as hard as you need to be, it's not like you're cheating on the bar exam or something.
  • yusaku02
    yusaku02 Posts: 3,472 Member
    SueInAz wrote: »
    yusaku02 wrote: »
    I prefer to run for distances instead of time. If you half-*kitten* a workout then you might only go 6 miles in 60 minutes instead of 8 miles. Whereas when you're going a set distance you can't cheat yourself out of the extra miles.

    While I also run for distance and not time, wouldn't you be completely aware that you half-assed the workout by the simple fact that you didn't run as far? You only get out what you put in and it's only your overall training that is going to suffer if you aren't working as hard as you need to be, it's not like you're cheating on the bar exam or something.
    To each their own. Distance works well for me except that one time my Achilles tightened up 6 miles into a half marathon... that was a fun walk home.
  • UltraRunnerGale
    UltraRunnerGale Posts: 346 Member
    Most of the ultra and trail runners that I know run for time in the winter and distance in the summer. B)
  • WhatMeRunning
    WhatMeRunning Posts: 3,538 Member
    I find that no matter what, I always run both time and distance. I might not be answering as intended though.
  • jrline
    jrline Posts: 2,353 Member
    For me it depends on the day how I am feeling. I sometimes cut it short if I am not feeling it or go to my distance slower than I had wanted.
  • mwyvr
    mwyvr Posts: 1,883 Member
    I think it is time for me to go run the distance.
  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
    mwyvr wrote: »
    I think it is time for me to go run the distance.

    :drinker:
  • 7lenny7
    7lenny7 Posts: 3,498 Member
    The problem for me regarding running for time is that I like to run in loops rather than out & backs. If I'm faster than expected, that's fine, I can overshoot my loop and do a short out & back to finish. If I'm slower, however, I still have that loop distance to travel and I'll travel it faster if I run.

    In the end I don't think it really matters. It's your run, run it in any way that suits you.

  • BeccaKay96
    BeccaKay96 Posts: 77 Member
    Thanks everyone for all the opinions!!!! I'm always excited to get better and try new things B)
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