im not quite understanding. i go back and run through levels fast but have not unlocked any level time award. not even a mention of how long it took me. is there something i have to unlock?

First you need to beat the level. When you replay the level there should be a clock in a bubble near the beginning of that level. Pop it and it will warp you you back to the beginning of the level to start the time trial. Before you begin it will give you the two times you need to beat for the rewards. While your running the trial there is a meter in the top right corner so you can keep track of your time.