By David Cross
One of the most common questions I get as a holistic running coach is: Is it better to train by minutes or by tracking miles? It’s a question many runners think about, but like almost everything in running, there isn’t a definitive answer. I believe that for most runners training by time provides a more flexible and adaptable plan and also helps you appreciate the amazing benefits running provides without getting caught up in a numbers game. On the other hand, training by mileage allows data junkies to track their progress and be able to tell their running friends exactly how many miles they ran and how fast they ran them.
In this article, I will break down some of the strengths and weaknesses of each method and suggest which method might be best for you based on your experience and the goals you would like to accomplish.
Run by Time
I start a lot of my new runners training by minutes rather than by miles because it is easier to adhere to the proper training effort of a given run. For example, when training by time, 30 minutes is 30 minutes, so running faster only makes it harder. When starting out training for distance, there is always the temptation to run faster, which usually leads to finishing sooner than you should.
For many runners, one of the main causes of injury is progressing at a rate too fast for your body to adapt. It is important for runners to listen to their bodies and always look at the big picture when it comes to training. Many get excited about their progress and tend to add on too much too soon. Training by time, rather than miles, can often help you slow down.
Run by Distance
Running by distance can help keep you accountable and motivated. By doing this you are guaranteed to get in the proper mileage even if it takes you a little longer on some days. I believe this is very important for those doing long marathon-training runs. The long runs are the bread and butter of marathon training and are essential for mental and physical reasons. Since it’s harder to maintain an even pace on distance-based runs, I would suggest using a GPS watch that will show your average or current pace to keep you on track to accomplish your goals.
There is a time and a place for both time- and distance-based runs depending on what you would like to get out of your training. You will want to change up your runs from time to time so you do not fall into what is called “gray area training,” where you run the same distance and pace day in and day out and most likely will not see much change in your performance.
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David Cross is a holistic running coach and an Industry Run Professional with 10 years’ experience. You can find him at TrySports South Park. Follow him on Twitter @beardedwonder3 or go to his website at www.beardedwonder.net for more training ideas.
