becksA

Obviously it's much harder to gauge your pace outdoors, but that isn't exactly what I'm curious about....At this point on a good run I've gotten myself up to about 6 miles, Averaging about 9 minute miles. (On a treadmill I can do 8 miles at an 8 minute pace), just to give an idea where I am at the moment.

My question is what should I be doing while I have the summer/autumn still available to run outside in terms of building up my endurance? My first goal is to run a half marathon next spring. I also shoot for good muscle definition, but I'm assuming no matter what type of run I have that will be about the same depending on the intensity.

I've heard all types of things like hill training, or do quarter miles off and on with different paces....What really should I be doing? Honestly, all I do know is get out there and run, my runs are generally relatively flat, and I know time spent running is much more important than speed so I just take it fairly easy and try and go to the point where I do about 45 minutes when I finally hit the wall. (Again, on a bad day I'll have to cut it short, or on a good day I might come to my house and just keep on running if I have it in me).

So basically best way to train for more mileage/endurance? hills.....speed intervals....is it really THAT important?

thanks