Should You Run For Time Or Distance?

[@gtn]

Do you run for time or distance? Let us know!

[@aryanasdf3424]

I usually don't really like doing too long distance, i am mostly focusing on 5k, but whenever i do my slow runs, i do much longer runs. But if i have a goal, its mostly fast intervals at goal pace, or going for a time trial for 5k

[@joshmoody2077]

Mainly Time as it is constant and doesn't change based on the terrain, but I do a few distance workouts on the track.

[@martinbarabe4643]

I rarely go for time but i am no either stuck on a distance. I usually go by feel and adjust upon that. I seems to do the job for me with 6 marathons and over 100 half marathons. New objectives for me. A full IM within the next two years battling a very rare blood cancer.

[@pezza3146]

Time. Just so I don’t do junk miles in my training plan

[@KartGuy76]

I always ran for distance. Beginning this year, I changed to running for time. It's made a huge difference on my easy runs; I find I feel less rushed to finish and hence am much more compliant in sticking to zone 2 HR

[@ObesetoBeast]

When I trained for my marathon all of my runs were for distance, now that I am training for a triathlon, my sessions are normally for time. I personally really like the “for time” runs because it helps me feel less stressed out on each run!

[@sanjoybanerjee8090]

Same. Also, heyy! I'm starstruck

[@brucemurray3350]

So that explains it. I follow you on strava, and I’ve noticed you start to swim and bike as well. That’s awesome. Hopefully if racing ever returns to SoCal, I can see ya at the start.

[@phildo6371]

I agree! Running for time makes things less stressful and more enjoyable!

[@robg109]

Sometimes time, sometimes distance, sometimes miles, sometimes km. I just really enjoy it👍🏻

[@Miguel_Sacraaa]

That's the spirit!

[@corinbertrand]

gotta say I generally run to distance but this running to time thing is sounding pretty appealling

[@kurtverheyen5317]

I run for time - easier to schedule some runs between meetings at work. And while training on HR, I often don't get bother with my pace/distance as the duration of my run is set.

[@DmitryRudoy]

I usually run for distance, and the reason is simple. I run on streets and hate to run the same one over and over. So I plan routes on a map, and since I have to get back to my car/ home it's a fixed distance. I run for time on a track though

[@line2zee]

I run for time. I use training plans with time. It works for me. It got me to a 2.05 half marathon from 0km in 8 months. I'm a 40+ year old female.

[@neilreynolds432]

During the years that i have been running, if there is one thing I believe in is, that you should run for the pure enjoyment of running. Most of us will never win a race or be a professional so the only time we should worry about is will I still be running and enjoying it when I am 60 or more. The only distance should be. will I complete a 100 or more marathons in the time I run. I kept a detailed log book for years and wrote everything I thought I wold need in it. It became a beast of its own and eventually I lost the love of just running. I threw the log book away with the watches and heart rate monitors and all the gadgets. I run because I love running and the way it makes me feel. I started to enjoy races again because I was running with people that actually chatted about this and that. I made great friends. This is not a rant it is just for a lot of folks like me that run just because we can and we love it. It does not determine who I am but that I am..... a runner. No matter how fast or how slow or how far or short I run.

[@aliasgharkhoyee9501]

+1, I don't understand we tend to make things so complicated... just listen to your body and enjoy.

[@BethanyBlount]

I've found that when I run for time, I often switch to distance mid run. Depending upon how I'm feeling, I'll either go up or down to round out my mile. This is especially true if I'm keeping a pace I'm pleased with and think I can attain a certain time for a set distance (I.e. 5K, 10K, etc).

[@RunAllTheMiles]

Personally whether im running up a mountain or on the flat i just run for distance, that way when I race I know I can cover the distance on the terrain im racing on 👍

[@ckokomo808]

I’m a runner by time. This is because I use HR. For me, it’s about spending time in a certain HR zone. If I’m feeling good and HR is low (leading me to run faster), then I get in more miles. If heart rate is high (leaving me running slower) I run less miles that day, usually allowing for more recovery for the next few days. As fitness increases and HR drops, running the same amount of times usually leads to more miles anyways. For me, it’s a safety mechanism to train smart and run injury free rather than try to push to get a nice round number or a bigger mileage number.

[@williammorris7895]

I mix it up :) Coming back from injury I'll use time more, i.e Take a gentle gentle 30min effort, walk/stretch if neccessary and no pressure about reaching a certain distance. I also run loops close to home, so I can abort the run if I feel too much pain.

[@DavidTucker85]

I've always been obsessed with distance and a few weeks ago started a training plan that is really focused on time. It's been really refreshing to focus on a workout and not worry about the distance. I still care about mileage on casual runs but overall it's been nice to mix it up

[@marioherker4962]

I usually just run by route. I know that i'm not fast enough to compete and i just want to finish my target races. I just love the trails and don't want any thoughts to distract me while i'm out there. Sometimes i cut off my planned route, sometimes i go longer. I just listen to my body and let my watch track it.

[@gary6514]

When I took up running my objective was endurance rather than time. Now I consider time to be as important. When I set a time to complete a run I tend to try harder to finish my run hence I run faster than I would have had time not been involved. This has improved my fitness and resolve. Great video GTN.

[@jcolumbiap]

I have got my best results by teaching myself to relax on the runs. There are some great relaxation techniques.

[@nicmarlow6388]

I do both and they both have their benefits depending on where my head is at that day. Knowing at 28 mins that I only have 2 more mins to give makes it a bit easier than knowing I still have a further 0.5 of a mile or something. But on the flip side, shorter distances knowing I only need to get to 3.1 miles can take the pressure off and I can sit back and enjoy the running. :) thanks for the video, really useful and i'm going to give the pyramids a go (although I don't have a track anywhere near me so might need to scope out something I can use for distance sessions rather than having to cross roads)

[@Kelly_Ben]

I switched from mainly road to mainly trail, and as a result from mileage to time. I find it so much more enjoyable, and it helps me to run easy when I need to without the issue of hitting a mileage mark, especially on ever-changing trails. You bet I'll spend a few minutes at the end trying to round out my stats though! 😂

[@lindelystables]

I've always gone by distance, but I'm going to try a do a few runs on time and see how that feels. Thanks for another great video!

[@lisaenglish7000]

I used to run to time in high school cross country, but after school I started to run to distance because it seemed like that's what everyone else around me did. Now I am back to running to time and I do enjoy it a lot more, especially on long runs, even though I am still mindful of my pace during my runs.

[@elliegrimes7712]

I use both. Usually timed in the week as I run in my lunch break, but weekends I usually pick a route and go to complete it.

[@eingast7798]

on treadmill time, outside a planned distance (which I might vary according to heartrate)

[@singwolfx1]

Great, thank you very much for some great examples for tempo runs and exercises. I mix distance and time, depending what I want to do. Slow runs are for distance, fast ones are rather for time (and pace).

[@gtn]

You're very welcome!

[@ABach-ld2oc]

What a great question? I'm 51 and I took up simple jogging at age 49 after not doing any physcial activity since I stopped at age 23. Now i'm addicted but still have pains despite stretching for 15 minutes. When I started it was usually 2km and i made excuses to myself that my knees, my calves, my ass is hurting. Now I average 7-10km a day 5 days a week. Back to the question, I can't answer it. Sometimes when i'm running (it's ALWAYS at nighttime) I get a surge after I get to 7km and go on. I don't think about my time anymore. Other times, I walk in the early mornings 0500-0600 and I start thinking how long it's for. It's confusing as hell for me, but I just love it now and don't care anymore. I'm not training for anything. I just do it because it helps me maintain my sugar levels because i'm diabetic.

[@Flowmada]

I primarily run for time. Body feels different every run. Aerobic/anaerobic benefits of running are based upon time with elevated heart rate. It makes it pretty easy to say my long runs will be 1.5 - 2 hours max and just surprise myself on the distance run and take it as an indicator of recovery. Conversely, distance may force you to overtrain if you're biting off too much, poorly accounts for different intensities, doesn't consider hills/elevation, and is quite stressful to see counting down more slowly than you anticipate versus time being anticipatory. Distance should be saved for tempo / sprint work, or if you are training to run a very specific distance event. However, if you train using time for the same event you should know your general pace. Sometimes you may run slightly less distance on time if you're not feeling fully recovered, or you may run slightly more distance than you would have if you are feeling well. Time just makes more sense for long distance running. Distance makes more sense for medium distance (1-2 mile repeats, 100-800m sprints).

[@pearlescent1557]

I'm definitely pro-time -- I will say that if I want to run a 10k, I just take my average pace that I expect to go at and then multiply that by 6.2 or however long it is, rounding up to a tasteful value (ex. 1 hour and 10 minute run). Usually, I just aim for a 20-40 minute run. It's also super annoying when my Fitbit distance and my Nike Run Club distance don't line up so I need to keep running to hit one of their benchmarks, so I doubt distance is accurate anyway.

[@BrentSnider]

Not sure if you changed the frame rate or edited it differently, but the video quality looks even better then normal! I almost always have distance goals with target paces.

[@christophercondon6778]

Mixed. Current routine is Monday 5K, Wednesday intervals and Saturday long run. Once a month I do a 10K. Therefore intervals are timed, rest distance. I’ll try your recommendations, thanks.

[@cormacmccann3608]

A bit of both, easy and long run are done by distance and harder sessions by time. Find measuring time easier to control as I dont have a track to use.

[@garybc]

Props to you heather in this video. You looked so uncomfortably cold here. 🥶

[@limitless773]

I like knowing how far I’m running because I count how many km per week

[@9blowtorch]

It looks absolutely terrible out! On topic, I usually run distance. Simply because I have to start and finish the run in the same place. Also, most runs, I know (roughly) how fast I am going to go, so running for distance isn't too different from running for time :)

[@themindgarage8938]

I mainly run by distance because I choose a route and I know that route is say 9.5km. I only ever ran by time back when we could do big group sessions and we had everyone start and finish their intervals at the same time. I think most of the disadvantages of running by distance can be eliminated by just being sensible and not focusing on your pace (and I don't see how going for time instead helps).

[@malcoop8160]

When I run with my local run club it's always Time, We run 20 mins out 20 mins back or even 30 that way everyone starts and finishes together. I run for distance solo

[@mandiscott7166]

how do u find runclubs

[@brucemurray3350]

This year I’ve been trying to focus on time, not distance. On the bike, this means hills. Most of our races are flat, so 3 hours of hills should make a 70.3 ride fairly easy. During runs, this will mean hills/trail running. Hoping to shoot for a HM soon, so a few runs will be for distance before then.

[@nikhiliyer9371]

Time, distance speed is also pegged with the temperature, humidity in a a city /country, day /afternoon/evening, night etc.

[@trailsandbeers]

Usually I go for 15-20km with 1km vertical which rakes 2.5 - 3 hours and for long runs 40km ish distance with 2.5-3km vertical which takes about 8 hours.

[@michaelrheiner2415]

Both.....indoor sessions on a treadmill are all about cadence work, form, and time. The distance recorded on a treadmill mill and watch tracking system is never accurate. I can actually set my treadmill at 5.0 speed which would likely make for about a 12 minute mile, and yet by using a short stride and very high cadence workout, my watch will think I’ve just done a sub 9 mile. Therefore I long ago focused on time indoors. Same holds true outdoors. In routinely work in high cadence and shorter stride sessions to keep my legs use to faster turnover, and shorten my stride to avoid injury (something few GCN presenters seem to worry about since they are all under the age of 40.....hint...add a 50+ presenter as it’s the fastest growing segment in the marathon and training age group.... There is no magic SPM number, but I have found that threshold rides on Zwift translate well to tempo/cadence days as a runner. If I had to choose between distance OR time, as long as I knew my cadence I would always choose time to track. I know my basic distances when running a 5/10k at 180+ cadence when combined with HR data. But this should be presented as another training option rather than a “what is best”. Distance will always matter....but time run at a certain cadence and HR has tremendous value. Especially if your last 10 mile run was at 170 spm and you want to work at a 180-185 spm cadence to see how that impacts time. It’s a significant change and may not be sustainable for some...hence, the value in running it for a certain time...train the body to do that comfortably and then go back to a distance and see if that new cadence will be sustained and how you feel after the run. You may not be faster since the point is also to shorten the stride a bid for a little less strain, but in most cases people find their times usually get faster.

[@sigratton]

Running to time works really well for me when doing longer runs when building to ironman. It definitely takes the pressure of and running a HR zone to time is great rather than being tempted to run too hard on tired legs to get the distance done, because of life pressures and ending up trashing your legs for next week's training, which you pay for.

[@fikathlon]

Timed intervals are great when running with friends, as you can use the jog recovery to regroup before the next interval. Plus it means you end together for a fika (coffee and cake).

[@HannahFeng0307]

A lot of really good insights in here, thanks! Great video.

[@stephenhendry447]

Distance for me. Although great tips for time. I will now do a couple of runs for time per week. See how it goes. 👍🏃‍♂️💨

[@chrisolson3240]

Yes. I agree. Put down ALL the electronics. You become in tune with your body. Your now running free

[@KyriaNunNuit]

Hi. I know this isn't exactly related to today's vid, but my boyfriend is doing your 5 to 10k programme and he'd really like to know whether the distance runs on Sundays are supposed to be easy runs or tempo runs or something else. I really LOVE your channel and it's helped me so much. I'm doing the Couch to 5k programme now after injuring myself trying to get to 5k on my own (I was reasonably fit, but I tend to push myself too hard and had no idea how to go about it properly) and I am LOVING it and ever so grateful for all your great vids! So thanks again for your info and wishing you all the very best. ♥️🌈🌹

[@heatherfell_oly]

I can't remember the programme exactly but the longer weekend run will be at a steady pace, it's about increasing the distance.

[@KyriaNunNuit]

@@heatherfell_oly Thank you.

[@geelumban]

I prefer running for time to keep workouts bounded, but running for distance is so much more gratifying because it helps me establish benchmarks for races better

[@johanneshernehult2794]

Used to run by distance, but since this year started only by time.

[@nphare]

Time and heart rate!

[@si4928]

Time its consistent. Not subject to gps errors etc.

[@onurgurdogan3361]

Hello guys! I have been following you for a while and besides your superb videos I realized that you guys not using “usual” equipment, such as Garmin, Nike, Asics etc. I am not judging anyone for that (everyone can use, wear anything they like) maybe it is a sponsorship issue, but do you have any plans for that in future comparison videos such as Coros and Garmin? Or a gear you use versus another one. I would love to see that also!

[@jamesmckenna5993]

Usually always distance but been recently running for an hour then check the distance once am headin home lll

[@thedon404]

Used to obsess over time now just go for volume of run

[@Moneyalmenial]

I'm definitely about that time in zone and percentage of time in zone but I still plan my runs in kilometres for some reason

[@aryanasdf3424]

Could you make another 'how to improve your 5k' tips, or some breathing techniques or something that you guys use alot

[@AME1337]

Time in Zone for me. Training for 10k PB.

[@teratikkoanan7671]

, Run for time on Tempo​ and Interval​run.​ Run​ for​ distance on​ Easy and​Long Run.

[@jacobbakst8982]

I have to do distance as I am training for a 13 mile run.

[@sophiehobbs4842]

Great video

[@greatscot04]

Just for convenience, I run for distance outdoors and time indoors.

[@abdinasirali3460]

I like running for distance but it depends the times and how my mood is

[@martinlanz2944]

Time. It's so much easier. You know how long you are away and figure out a round in the neighborhood on the go.

[@bubblebirdgum]

What apps do you use to set timers?

[@knight2472000]

Where can I get a GTN winter jacket?

[@TM-ng2bz]

I know this is not actually relevant to the video, but I really like that hat.

[@kirkprl]

I follow a Matt Fitzgerald/David Warden plan its all time in zone, no distances.

[@kezno7]

Run

[@allid4283]

I have almost always done mileage and pace. Just recently I've decided to switch to PRE and time, throwing in some fartlek runs and strength training.

[@curlyprivat22]

I just run for enjoyment

[@goodyeoman4534]

60 minute lunch break?! I think I'm in the wrong job . . .

[@nikitaw1982]

That pyramid method, is the smart watch aps that coach u for this type of workout?

[@gumbyenduroadventures6225]

God you look cold! Love from AU.

[@prashantmishra4588]

She likes variety 😂🙂😂😂

[@LDrift]

Hilarious

[@somanshbudhwar]

I run for weight. Gotta shed them kgs.

[@garthly]

I do what my watch tells me.

[@ifonly4486]

Easy run = Time Hard run = Distance

[@osint6372]

i'd rather play soccer in that field in the back....

[@paulhuguet3691]

First one to dislike !

[@JohnGene1]

First

[@kikolola9532]

Heather runs always look so forced and unnatural

[@heatherfell_oly]

Interesting you say that, as it feels very comfortable and natural.