Is it better to increase training in respect to mileage or minutes?

Question

When increasing physical acitivity towards a goal (training for a race: 5k, 10k, and half-marathon), is it better to increase mileage over time or increase my minutes over time? I know that mentally I prefer setting a timer and running until it ends, but is it bad that I don't know how far I am running? Will it hurt me in the end if I'm just running and not working on a set pace (minutes per mile)?

Answer 1

it's better by minutes......and yes you should set a pase as your time decreases for the pace you choose i would add a little more distance

Answer 2

Time is always best as when setting programs, a 1 hour run is the same for a beginner as it is for an experienced athlete. One may run 6 miles and the other 10 miles. However it probably is useful to have one run a week over a known distance so that you know what pace you are running and this helps when you come to races and know what time you are likely to run. It also can work as a measure so you can see if you improve or not, which is good for you mentally. Given that you are looking towards racing then doing a time trial each week or fortnight over 3 km or 5km distance will help your training in a lot of areas.

Answer 3

My opinion (and my experience) is that for the 5 and 10K distances it is better to train by keeping track of your pace and distance rather than to just simply run for for some given span of time with no regard to how fast you are going. This is provided you are already in decent shape by putting in longer slow runs at a slow pace as a base for a few weeks before practicing (training) at race pace. Pace (minutes per mile) is critical in 5 and 10K racing because they are shorter and faster and knowing how fast you are going is far more important than just having the endurance to run the distance.



However for a half or full marathon I would suggest getting in nice long runs with the only thought to pace is that of keeping it slow! I always felt it more much important to get in 75 minutes worth of slow pace running on any given day than running at a "race pace" for only 40 minutes in preparation for a marathon. Many people even advise to not have any regard for pace in marathon training and only concentrate on long SLOW runs because endurance wins over pace in ones first couple of successful marathons - which most people regard as just simply to FINISH!

GOOD LUCK

Answer 4

I prefer running by minutes.  This allows me to set the tempo for the day, and since I always know the time I will be running, I don't need to rush as I realize that "x" miles are going to take longer than I thought.  I've found running by miles mentally affects how fast you think you should go, while running by effort and time gives you leeway for days you aren't feeling up to par, and as such, doesn't make you as susceptible to injury.

In short, go for time.