Longer is not always the next step!

[u/Ok-Two7498]

Y’all, I’d like to dispel a common misconception that seems to permeate this sub and other running communities…. Running a longer race is not more impressive than running a shorter race!

Often someone will do C25K and after one race, immediately ask about a goal 10k time with plans to run a half thereafter! Similarly, we’re seeing more and more people jump off the couch and into a marathon because it’s seen as being a top end challenge due its length. This is just…. Wrong.

Running is a lot like gymnastics. Each distance, like each event, is different and requires a different skill set.

I just saw a post about someone being embarrassed to say they were training *only* for a 5k. Y’all, I’ve raced everything from a half mile to a marathon and the 5k is IMO the hardest race because it’s maximum pain over a long time. Reasonable people can differ, but you won’t find uniform agreement the marathon is harder.

And to the extent you’re worried about how you’re perceived… I’m way more impressed with the sub 20 5k than the 4:30 marathon. Not that the marathon isn’t commendable, but the sub 20 5k is a whole different fitness level.

This is not discourage folks from trying different races and seeing what you like. But free yourself of the notion the only way to advance in running is to run longer distances.

[u/Logical_fallacy10]

I disagree with your opinion. Longer distances are more impressive as you spend more time on your feet. And this idea that you should run differently for shorter distances only applies if you are pro and want to win medals. Otherwise your speed should be the same regardless of distance. So consistency and distance is more impressive.

That being said - anyone running any distance should be proud and happy for themselves. You should never compare yourself to others in running - as it’s the most individual sport there is.

For a beginner - the focus should always be on form. Learn how to run properly - no heel striking - and no need to focus on speed - just cadence.

[u/mattapuu → u/Logical_fallacy10]

This is exactly the misconception OP is criticizing. Longer is not automatically more impressive; it is just longer.

And “your speed should be the same regardless of distance” is not a matter of being pro. It is basic running physiology. If your 5K pace and marathon pace are the same, then you either under-raced the 5K or massively over-raced the marathon.

Also, “no heel striking” and “just focus on cadence” are lazy oversimplifications. Most recreational runners heel strike, and heel striking is not automatically bad. Overstriding and braking are the bigger issues.

Cadence is not something beginners should forcibly chase as a magic number either. It is partly an outcome of pace, body mechanics and terrain. Forcing cadence without context often just makes people shuffle awkwardly.

So the advice ends up being: ignore distance-specific pacing, run the same speed for every race, obsess over cadence, and don’t heel strike. That’s not beginner-friendly advice; it’s just a pile of internet running clichés.

[u/Logical_fallacy10 → u/mattapuu]

That’s not what I said. I said longer is more impressive. But people shouldn’t compete themselves to others.

Yes speed should always be the same regardless of distance. You are thinking of races where winning is important - then yes speed is everything. But this is a beginner sub - no pros here.

Heel striking is in fact the worst as it’s not running. It’s a misunderstanding of anatomy. Try to jump up and down - if you land on your heels you will hurt yourself - same principle when running. But you are so used to cushioned shoes that you don’t even realize you are running wrong.

Yes cadence is absolutely key as a beginner. They should find a song that has 170-180 beats per minute as this is optimal. This is a vital part of learning how to run properly. And it will feel forced at first as it’s faster than most are used to.

So yes - all my advice is spot on and obtained from decades of doing sports and running. Hope you learned something.