Running advice! :)

Okay so instead of doing the elliptical I started running. I can currently do 10 minutes at 6mph comfortably, then I walk, and do .5 miles at 6mph, then walk more, for a total of 30 minutes. I want to get my endurance up and be able to run faster and for a longer amount of time. Runners- do you suggest trying to further my distance first, or upping my speed first?

I've been running about 2.5 years. I suggest increasing your distance before your first walking break before increasing your speed. I'm not sure what distance you're shooting for, but I would work yourself up to running the full 30 minutes before worrying about speed.

Original Post by aezell1:

I've been running about 2.5 years. I suggest increasing your distance before your first walking break before increasing your speed. I'm not sure what distance you're shooting for, but I would work yourself up to running the full 30 minutes before worrying about speed.

I agree. At this point, keep your runs at 30 minutes unless you're training for something specific. After 30 minutes, you really run the risk of injuring yourself.

When you get up to that 30 minutes, it's a great personal challenge to see how much further you can go each week in the same amount of time

I don't think injury is correlated directly with distance, as much as increasing distance too quickly. The rule of thumb is don't increase mileage by more than 10% per week.  So if you can do 3 miles in 30 minutes, don't go out and try to do 5 miles the next week. You might physically be able to do it but you'll probably hurt something. 

Once you're up to 30 minutes, it's really your choice about whether to go for speed or distance depending on your goals. Do you want to an awesome 5k? or get up to the 10k/half/longer distances? 

Personally, my favorite distances are 5-8 miles because it doesn't take all day, you can get some nice landscape variety with that distance of run, and endorphins kick in after the warmup. But we're all different, it depends on your goals and preferences.

the advice that is usually given is - increase distance and then speed.  in fact, if you work on your distance, you might find that increasing speed comes easier.

as the other posters have said, be careful about overdoing it.  pain will follow.

if you just started running and you're doing 6mph comfortably for 10 minutes, then you're doing well!