Ok, here goes. I hate the 'long run' (defined as runs at or exceeding 17 miles).
I know, I know...
..but you're a marathon runner. How can you hate the long run? Isn't that contrary to what you're training for? To what you supposedly enjoy?
Well, allow me to explain.
I do indeed love race morning. The nerves. The excitement. The energy. And once that gun goes off, the race with yourself and the clock to see just how much you can push yourself in those 26.2 miles is definitely a challenge I enjoy rising to meet.
And I do love training. Anything between miles 4-14 I like. Heck, I've even learned to enjoy speedwork to some extent. But the long run...eh, not so much. It's more mental for me than physical. Leading up to them, I dread 'em. The preparation, all the liquid I have to bring, the rest I need the night before, the time I have to devote to it, the latter miles when I'm drenched in sweat and the legs feel like lead...all of it to me is sheer misery.
I do know this: the long run is the most vital and important aspect of marathon training. And I for one am sick and tired of falling apart from miles 18+ and finishing in a crampy whimper at the finish in races.
This is my first formal marathon training program. 18 weeks long. Weeks maxing out at 55 miles. I'm at the halfway point now entering my 9th week. There are plenty more long runs to come. Yes, I need to get over it.
Hell, I need to learn to love it.
12 comments:
AMEN!
i love the long runs... probably because i make an "event" out of them with the night before and morning of preparation. plus i like planning on where to go and i love just settling into a groove.
Oh the shame, but I hear you 18 miles on the roads is enough!
Head for them thar hills young man head for them hills!
I think the best we can do is learn to tolerate them, lovin' 'em is a little much to ask for. I do agree that doing the long run well; not too slow or too fast, not to many or too few, not to close or far apart on the schedule; is the key to finishing the marathon well. Stick to the plan and smile!
Dude, I hear ya. I still sometimes dread my long runs (that solo 29 miler was a mental beatdown). It helps to get off the pavement -- and also, walking once in awhile is surprisingly refreshing for both your legs and your mental health. Just keep on keeping on.
You're doing great though! Can't wait to see how you do at CIM (you'll blow right past me).
@ runnerchiq - THANK you. Someone's showing me love around here..
@ aron - I really need to adopt your mentality leading up to them. To make it more 'event'-y, maybe I'll pin an old race bib to my shirt!
(that's actually not a bad idea...hmmm...)
@ SLB - lemme tell ya man, I MISS the trails. Especially with a brand new pair of trail shoes SCREAMING to get broken in! Soon enough...maybe to train for my first ultra post-CIM??
@ Darrell - spoken like a true zen master. (Or Goldilocks.)
@ Lori - uh you're in a different STRATOSPHERE, ok? If I were you, I'd be strutting around like a peacock - not sympathizing with a lowly middle-of-the-pack marathoner like myself. Please save me a space blanket @ the CIM because those things usually run out by the time I cross the finish line...
You should jump in on the Calico 50k in January!?!
http://calicotrailrun.org/
i wish i could trade you some of my long run enjoyment for some tempo run enjoyment.
want me to come along on the next 20 miler? (provided its more than a week after chicago?)
:D
Oh man, it MUST be mental.
You do a great job hating it!
Good runs and good attitude. Those long runs are brutal for me. They've NEVER become enjoyable for me. I'm with you - anything up to 15 miles is great, but 15+, and we're talking a world of hurt. I love tempos, ironically enough!
Rock on - with Pfitz 55mpw, you'll be giving Lori a big run for her money, for sure. (Unless she goes 3:20!)
I just wanted to let you know how moved I am after reading your dedication to my sister, Beth Allison DiPardo! I am Becky Allison, and it is truly a gift to be reminded of her light and beauty from someone that knew her and from someone who I never knew. I just wanted to say thank you for your sentiments. It means a lot to my family and me.
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