When running do you train for time (speed) or distance?

2015-09-28T07:37:23-04:00

Some argue you can do both....I argue one is secondary to the other.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 7:46 AM

2015-09-28T07:46:21-04:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member Even though I do not run (I'm a swimmer), when I train in the pool I could swim for hours. So I pretty much have the distance thing down already. Now I aim more at trying to push myself faster and faster each leg and lap. Then there are days where I just want a nice steady pace over a period of time or I work on form. Sometimes my workout incorporates all three. I always finish with a hands-free treading water exercise, it also helps with the breathing. :)

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Sep 28 at 2015 7:52 AM

2015-09-28T07:52:30-04:00

And when I do run in a race, I like to follow this principle:
Start out slow, then back off...

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Sep 28 at 2015 7:57 AM

2015-09-28T07:57:08-04:00

To avoid being run over by a bus, or to get a fresh beer during a commercial break.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 8:38 AM

2015-09-28T08:38:34-04:00

Years ago all of my runs were for speed, but these days my body doesn't allow that. Now on longer runs I try to keep my pace around 8:15 and things below 5 miles I try to keep at 7 if my legs cooperate.

Response by SPC Jillian O'Malley made Sep 28 at 2015 9:32 AM

2015-09-28T09:32:05-04:00

Both, I run a variety of distances races and the training for different distances is dramatically different, i.e. training for a ultra marathon is going to be a lot different (slower and longer runs) than training for a fast 5k (lots of speedwork intervals)

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 10:58 AM

2015-09-28T10:58:09-04:00

I agree you can do both, but only when you are pretty bad off to start. At some point you have to focus on one or the other. If you want to improve both, you need to go in waves of training where you either work on distance or speed. Right now I'm working on getting back to distance first, then speed.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Sep 28 at 2015 11:37 AM

2015-09-28T11:37:49-04:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member Sir, as much as I wish I could, I just thought about running and things started to hurt. When I ran I did both. I ran some days for time and other days for distance. I found for APFT purposes running for time worked better.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 2:39 PM

2015-09-28T14:39:39-04:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member, I try to mix it up as best as possible. I like to get in fast timed 2-3 mile runs at least 3 times a week. I also try to get in at least 2 long runs of 5 miles or more. I just started incorporating ruck marches back into my training regimen too. Every once and awhile I will run on a track to at varying speeds for 1/4 mile speed work.

Response by CPL Brendan Hayes made Sep 28 at 2015 7:53 PM

2015-09-28T19:53:08-04:00

Depends on what I am training for. Half marathon or less speed. Anything north of 13.1 I train for distance. Right now I have a marathon in three weeks and I'm not sure if I'm trained enough. Going for one last long run (17-20 miles) on Thursday at a really easy pace (about 8:45/mile) and hoping for the best. I'm sure I can finish the 26.2, but I don't think I have the legs to PR this time around. Man I need to get my butt into gear and start doing real races again.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 8:43 AM

2015-09-29T08:43:40-04:00

One thing I regret from school was not being in long distance and cross country but I did well in the 100 yard dash (9.8) AND that was not in minutes.. hahaha

Response by SSG Jackie Todd made Oct 16 at 2015 11:38 AM

2015-10-16T11:38:07-04:00

I train for distance first. As my body gets used to the distance it becomes easier and my time improves.

Response by Col Edward Holland made Dec 20 at 2015 1:46 PM

2015-12-20T13:46:56-05:00

You can do both, but I think one must be the "main effort" for each training session. I'm a distance guy. Most of my runs, especially the main one each week is a push to increase distance. That said, at least once a week I have a speed day. I run a shorter distance and try to drive down my minutes per mile time. So while I'm training for distance I want to be faster in my next distance race.

Response by MSgt Nathan Krawitz made Jul 6 at 2020 5:47 PM

2020-07-06T17:47:05-04:00

I accidentally discovered the best technique. You train at 3/4 effort, which translates to 90% max speed. Don't worry about your times, just the effort. You should be breathing fairly heavy, but can talk. Since this was before heartbeat monitors, such a monitor will aid you in maintaining a good pace. As you get faster, the same speed will take less effort, so you will have to run faster.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2020 7:17 PM

2020-07-06T19:17:52-04:00

Distance is a human construct, the body doesn't understand it. We just made it up. The body understands intensity and time. Try a tempo run. Everyone runs at the same intensity based on their ability for the same amount of time, everyone receives an equivalent workout, everyone completes a different distance, everyone SHOULD finish at the exact same time.
12 min out at 85% of your last apft 2 mile time and then 12 min back.