The Long Run...Questions??????? (Read 1099 times)

Long runs for newbies are all about getting time on your feet. For you, run the long runs very comfortable pace. Don't push. Think of a pace at least 2 min slower than what you could run a 5K pace. If you need a walk break every now and then, go for it. Hopefully, you have gradually progressed and did at least a couple 8 milers, a couple 9 milers etc. Don't make big jumps in mileage for long runs.

First, just let me say I am sold on the long run theory. But I have a few questions. 1) Do you ever get nervous about new mileage (got my 1st 10 miler this weekend)? 2) How much walking is permitted before you realize your goal was too much? 3) On new mileage do you even worry about pace or just find that "cruise control" and go? 4) Any other tips and advice for a newbie to the "long run"?

1) Yes. Everytime I ran a new distance for the first time. After that they get easier. 2) As much as you need. I did my share of walk breaks on long runs while training for my first marathon. I would just strive to walk less next time. Eventually you will be in good enough shape to reduce the walking to none. 3) I don't. I just let the pace be comfortable and fitting for the day (weather, etc). After you've run it a time or two you can worry about improving the pace. Since this is your first marathon - just worry about getting them done. 4) My advice is don't stress out. Sometimes you won't be able to go the distance without walking. Sometimes you will not be able to run all of the runs in your plan. And don't be a slave to the plan. If you have a 20 miler looming on a weekend amid a ton of other activities or travel - don't be afraid to rearrange the schedule a little.

The longest I've ever run is 26.2 miles. So anything up to that point is no longer 'new' mileage for me. I don't get nervous for long runs up to 25 miles but if I were to schedule a, say, 28 or 30 mile run I'd be hecka nervous (am I gonna crash? what should my pace be? what should I eat/drink? etc) as it would definitely be 'new' to me. So you're just like the rest of us in that regard. Previous posters have great tips in stepping up to longer mileage.

First, just let me say I am sold on the long run theory. But I have a few questions. 1) Do you ever get nervous about new mileage (got my 1st 10 miler this weekend)? 2) How much walking is permitted before you realize your goal was too much? 3) On new mileage do you even worry about pace or just find that "cruise control" and go? 4) Any other tips and advice for a newbie to the "long run"?

1) Yes (max milage for me is 9.6mi, doing first 10+ this weekend) 2) I think that others have covered this really well. Don't be afraid to walk, by running easier than "esay" pace on the long runs, it gives you a great idea what your overall fitness is. "The road doesn't lie". Run if you can, walk if you have to, but finish the miles. 3) I worry about pace on long runs even more than easy ones. Long run pace for me is pretty slow (usually between 10-11MM) and I wear a heart rate monitor (HRM) with an alarm to make sure that I don't exceed a certain effort level. 4) Have fun with it, this time of year is really pretty in my area. Take time to enjoy it during your run!

My first 10 miler was last Sunday and I was nervous. I had to tell the wife that if I wasn't back in 2 hours she should come looking for me. But I made it back and it felt great. I just did the same course again last night and it was an amazing run and I wasn't nervous about it because I know I can do that distance. I am planning a 12 miler next week and haven't decided on a course yet. But Ennay is right...it's an excuse to run some place that you haven't been yet. I run from my house so the longer courses get me away from traffic and out into areas that are quiet and I can admire more since I am not dodging cars. Personally I don't walk. It's a goal of mine but if you feel you need to walk then you need to walk. I don't plan on walking when I race so I don't let myself get used to the idea of if I am tired I can just walk. I push through and make it happen. My pace is what I feel like running. I start out slow to warm up and see how the body is doing...the 10 I ran last Sunday was at a 9:30 pace because it was hot and my shins and achilles were bothering me. The one I ran last night was at an 8:30 pace because I was feeling great it was breezy and raining a little. My body tells me what I can do so I listen (most of the time). I'm fairly new to the long runs myself so I don't have much advice from experience but I would just recommend enjoying your runs. Especially the first time just enjoy your run and forget about the distance...just run.

Yeah - or you could use the mapping function here.

Which you can search for routes here: http://runningahead.com/tools/map (Or create a new one by going into your training log and clicking on "New Course" along the top navbar)

1) Do you ever get nervous about new mileage (got my 1st 10 miler this weekend)? Yes. But I know more about how to manage longer distances now than I did a year ago, when my first 10 miler was on the horizon still. 2) How much walking is permitted before you realize your goal was too much? Permitted? You're the boss. Walk when/if you want/need to. 3) On new mileage do you even worry about pace or just find that "cruise control" and go? I focus more on really being able to talk through the whole thing, which means going out a bit slower and occasionally striking up conversation to rein us in a bit (I run with my best friend/roommate/running partner and we tend to race every run) 4) Any other tips and advice for a newbie to the "long run"? On runs longer than an hour I generally carry a water bottle like this one: http://www.rei.com/product/752160 MTA: The description on the waterbottle says you need a hand to open it, I just use my mouth...