Long story short, there is no black and white answer to the question of if you should run by distance or time. Correctly implemented as part of a training plan, both will result in performance improvements. Personally, I like structure
Training Cycles and Periodization – Can’t I Just Run?
In 2015, after many years away from the sport, I laced up my running shoes and headed out the door. I had a bucket list item of running a marathon, so signed up for a race and headed online to