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Runner's Training Tips: More Important Distance or Time??

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    lovemonkey16
    Hello all, I am a newbie to running, and looking for a little help getting started. I have a goal set out of being able to run in a little 8k race that is generally held in the end of April. I have never run more then 2 miles at a time in my life. Now I know that is not that long (I am looking at it as my first stepping stone into longer races) but I also, being a little bit of a competitor I have the goal or first and foremost finishing, and second of beating my uncle who runs it every year. Last time out he ran 37:48, but obviously he is aiming for better next time around. So my goal that I am shooting for is 35 or under. Anyway sorry about the tangent. My question is in my training should I be more concerned with my distance or my time, or maybe which one comes first?? Should I be more concerned that I ran 10 miles and not how long it took me to run those 10 miles or that I ran for 60 mins but I don't know how far I ran in those 60 mins? Anything would be a great help, and thank you in advance for all the help you provide.
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberp00n3r
    • CommentTimeSep 4th 2007 edited
     
    p00n3r
    I have always found that if you focus on distance, you will naturally decrease your time overall. I am training to run my second marathon, and like my first, I must train for distance running. During my "off" season, I do not run more than five miles at once and have a usual time of around 55 min. (yes, I'm slow Tongue out) But once I'm in marathon training and run that distance on a "light" day, since I'm so used to running long distances I have more energy and can finish under fifty minutes without overexerting myself. I think if you are aiming to run an 8k, you should perhaps train as if you're doing a 12k, that way when race day comes, you'll be prepared mentally and physically to tear through an 8k. Good luck!
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberWardogg
    • CommentTimeSep 4th 2007
     
    Wardogg
    I'm going to agree, distance is better than time.  Unless of course your trying to win the whole thing.  I.E. a dead sprint for the entire distance.  If you run longer than 8K on your training days, then when the time comes for the actual race you will be well prepared and able to run a little faster on race day because you wont have to go as far.
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberGaucho
    • CommentTimeSep 5th 2007
     
    Gaucho
    I am back into training for a half marathon next year, I concentrate on distance I took for an 8k race would be aiming at running 12k comfortably then as 12k feels ok push yourself on time but retaining the same distance, the best thing is that you are out there giving it a go, bloody marvellous well done
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberkaciehare
    • CommentTimeSep 5th 2007
     
    kaciehare

    I am also going to agree that distance is better than time for two reasons:

    1)  Your confidence will be greater knowing that you have already run longer than 8k in your training, thus giving yourself a mental boost of confidence

    2) Come race day, you will have an added adrenaline surge and will also be motivated by the crowd and your fellow runners (not to mention your desire to beat your uncle!)  Because of these factors, you will run much faster on race day than during your training- I promise!

    Also, try not to start out too fast- you can always push yourself further into the race, but you will want to make sure to not deplete your energy levels early on.  GOOD LUCK!

     

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    lovemonkey16
    I just wanted to thank eveyone again for your comments and tips. It has really given me a good starting point on how to train for this race, and also just my running in general. I am definatly going to put all your advice into practice and just start worrying about my distance, and not so much about the time of my runs. I would also just like to say how amazed I am. Not only  by the people in this tread but through out the whole site, of how supportive you guys are of each other. I have participated in a lot of different sports over my years, many of them team sports, but never have I ever seen or experienced the backing and support that you all offer one another. It really does help, and makes me want to contiune to run and get better. So thanks again guys.

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