I just started marathon training. For now, should I run for speed or duration?

Question

Today I did 3 miles in 30 minutes, including walking breaks. I can run longer if I run slower, but would that be helpful?

Answer 1

yes that would help

duration is all you need to do for marathon training

if you have extra time, put in some speed work

but, stamina is most important to build up right now

Answer 2

Hmmm my answer to that would to actually do both. 3 miles in 30 minutes is pretty good. I can run slightly faster than 6 minutes to a mile and I do distance running.

Answer 3

You should run for duration.  Try to build your strength and longevity up.  After you get this in order, then work on your time.  Here's a link to a marathon you might want to consider running one day:

http://blogs.zappos.com/blogs/running/20...

Answer 4

Yes it will definitely help, build the duration up first and you will build speed along the way/after, hopefully with your fastest time coming in the final race!

Answer 5

Duration.  Very little speed is required for marathon running.  The marathon is all about running for several hours.  Any pace you can maintain for this long has to feel completely relaxed.  

Are you planning on racing or completing?  If the latter then you do not really need any speed training. But really, get yourself a marathon training schedule and follow it.

Answer 6

You should start with duration to build up the endurance to finish the race. After you can complete that number of miles, then work on your speed.

Check out http://www.mapmyrun.com You can keep track of your training and map your own runs or find new ones. Pretty cool tool.

Answer 7

Stick to the schedule. If it has you run for distance, run for distance. If it has you run for time, then run for time. You need to focus on building endurance for the race. Being able to run a 9:00 pace won't do you much good if you can't get past mile 14.

Speed training can (and probably should) be incorporated one day of the week with drills focusing on repeats, quick foot turnover rate, and accelerations.

But for something like a marathon, especially your first one, endurance and covering the distance should be your primary focus. On race day you'll find plenty of folks who are walking parts of each mile. Plus you're better off incorporating walking earlier into your runs rather than waiting until you need to walk as it'll help your endurance in the long term. Many marathon programs have you do run/walk in intervals...like run 5 minutes, walk 1 minute and repeat until the distance is covered. It's a great way to save your legs for the end of a distance race.