Another treadmill run today. It was raining. I don’t love pushing the BOB in the rain.
How I keep Brooke entertained while I run on the treadmill:
I line my treadmill with her favorite toys (I save Mr. Bird for the grand finale) and hand her one to play with until she throws it on the ground from boredom. She averages about 3 minutes and 30 seconds with each toy (Mr. Bird about 6 minutes) and once she has gone through all of the toys she is either asleep or I pause the treadmill to pick them all up and start over again.
I still feel bad about dropping the dog one as I was running and it flying off of the treadmill into the wall.
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Marathon training for me starts in just a few weeks. In case you were wondering, yes… I am scared. I have gotten rather comfortable with being comfortable with my long runs being no longer than 1.5 hours but in a few weeks that has got to change.
What do you do when you are nervous about something? Force your internet friends to read about it and talk about it.
(I NEED another trail run. Now. It has been too long)
Obviously there are HUGE benefits for doing (and being consistent with) your long runs:
-I think one of the biggest benefit of long runs is that they help us mentally. Each week (except for cutback weeks) you build your mileage a little higher. Some plans even have you get up to 22+ miles in training for the marathon. As you slowly build up your mileage the more and more confidence you build, you realize that you are strong enough to finish the distance. They help you mentally during the race because you can look back on your training and remember how you pushed through your previous long runs and finished them and so you know you can finish the race.
**The long run teaches you how to cope with being fatigued and how to persist when you want to quit.
–Practice. The long run allows you to practice everything for the marathon. Shoes, clothing, playlists, fuel, hydration, socks, headbands etc. etc. etc. so that you know what works best for you.
-When we train our bodies to run long, it learns how to store more glycogen which allows you to go farther before hitting the wall.
-You can sit on the couch for the rest of the weekend and do nothing because the long run gives you the perfect excuse to be extra lazy after you finish it;)
-Your VO2 Max improves. Your VO2 Max is the ability of the heart to pump oxygen rich blood to your muscles and the ability of the muscles to extract the oxygen to use it.
–MUSCULAR STRENGTH!! ‘In addition to increasing the energy stores in your muscles, long runs also increase muscle strength. Altough your body first exploits the slow-twitch muscle fibers during a long run, it eventually begins to recruit the fast-twitch fibers as the slow-twitch fibers fatigue. The only way to train those fast-twitch fibers is to run long enough to tire the slow-twitch fibers first; by strengthening all of these fibers, you’ll avoid bonking on race day.’ (Hansons Marathon Method)
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And PS Brooke is big enough to ride around in an umbrella stroller now. She thinks she is big stuff.
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Who else will be starting marathon training soon? Anyone in marathon training mode right now?
What do you think the biggest benefit of the long run is?
What has your longest training run for a race been?
Give me a delicious dinner idea to make tonight… I need help.
117 comments
Victoria
I just finished a marathon training cycle! So jealous you’re starting, I had so much fun and finished with a 47 minute PR.
Mia
Janae – My husband and I are doing this race up in your neck of the woods! You should look into it! We are doing the 50K but there are a bunch of different distances. It looks beautiful!
http://www.thenorthface.com/en_US/endurance-challenge/san-francisco-championship/?stop_mobi=yes
Debbie @ Deb Runs
I ran the North Face Endurance Challenge Marathon in the DC area two summers ago; and yes, they do have a distance for everyone!!! They do a great job and I bet you’ll really enjoy it. Good luck and have fun!
Elizabeth @ My Neon Running Shoes
I am also in marathon training mode… Aiming for sub 3 hours on April 13! I think the main benefit for me in long runs is confidence. Hmmm… For dinner you should have Brookies? Jk but any kind of Mexican is always a hit for us. We do chicken enchilada pasta. Basically add all the stuff into pasta that you would in an enchilada and its a nice change :-)
Alina
I am in marathon training right now! It’s sooo much easier to train for your 2nd marathon than your first…it finally clicked that I should bring fuel on my long runs. I remember by 23 miler last year—I didn’t even bring water :( D U M B
Laura @ beanstalk
I have a great dinner idea for you! It’s a chicken/broccoli/pesto bowl.
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup quinoa
2 cups broccoli
1/3 cup pine nuts
Packaged pesto…. or homemade pesto if you’re ambitious ;)
Start with baking the chicken breasts in 350 ° oven until cooked thoroughly. When the chicken is finished, cut into bite size cubes. Meanwhile, boil quinoa and steam broccoli to desired tenderness.
Once the ingredients are finished cooking, heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add two tablespoons olive oil. Throw in the cubed chicken and toss around for a minute or so. Add cooked quinoa and steamed broccoli. Add toasted pine nuts. Mix. Add pesto. Of course I don’t measure the pesto (or any ingredients in this dish for that matter) but just drop in a few big globs. I would say it ends up being about 1 cup of pesto. Be sure to put in enough pesto to combine ingredients thoroughly and make it kind of gooey. It’s YUM! And addictive.
The longest training run I’ve done is 22 miler. I’m doing the Chicago marathon again this year but won’t start real training until May.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast
Ooh, I’m excited for you to get back into marathon training! I just wrapped up a cycle, and will probably stick to half marathons and shorter distances until the fall, so no long runs past 13-14 for awhile. As for dinner, we’re having fish tacos… fast, easy and always a hit!
By the way, my daughter would have NEVER allowed me on the treadmill long enough to complete a run while she was awake- be so thankful you have such an easy going baby!
Emz
I love it.
You rock.
I love how your TM welcomes you by name. Awesome.
RunInBoise
I am not in marathon training. I am in ultra marathon training! My race is coming up so SOON!
Lindsey Britner
I’m training for my first marathon now! Less than a month away! I’m so nervous/excited/scared
Michele @ Nycrunningmama
I’m impressed that you are able to run and Brooke will stay happy. Ryan will NOT sit in anything where he has to be constrained and is low crawling all over the place so it would be impossible for me to run when he’s awake. UGH. UGH UGH
Yes…in quasi marathon training mode / Ironman training (as you already know – duh).
I have fears each week for the long run. So much can go wrong when you start doing runs of 16+ miles :/
I did 30 last year – but I was training for a 60k (37) miles! It happened to be on my 30th birthday (perfect how that worked out!). Paul and AJ (in the bob) ran the last 3 with me = heaven!
Chocolate Chip Cookies =)
Gabby @ Marathons and Macarons
For me, the biggest benefit of the long run is mentally getting used to running for so long and overcoming boredom and negative self-talk.
Sonia the Mexigarian
Longest training run has been 12 miles. I think. I haven’t done a marathon and am kinda of afraid of doing one so anything above 13.1 miles freaks me out. Heck the 1/2 still freaks me out.
check out Brazen racing site. more races are listed. Hellyer is supposed to be good as a 1/2. I did a 10k there and it was fairly nice.
Amy N.
Love your treadmil of toys! So fun. You may need an extra tray to line up your candy to get you through too.
I started marathon training for the Newport Marathon last week. It’s going well so far! Of course, the first weeks are always easy, the bulk is yet to come! My longest training run was previously 20 miles, but this time I’m going to go for 22. Even though I’ve run a handful of marathons, for some reason going 22 in training makes me nervous!
Eat Salmon Caprese tonight – super duper simple and super duper yummy: http://amyrnelson.blogspot.com/2011/11/salmon-caprese.html
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I have only one thing on the mind when it come to dinner tonight… breakfast :mrgreen: What about some kind of savory pancakes/waffles Mexican style? Orrrr some kind of Mexican dish is always a good idea.
I can’t exactly relate to long runs, but I know the benefit of completing any kind of difficult workout for me is the fact that it gives me discipline and helps me out mentally. I swear that’s like 80% of the battle…
Sara B
Great baby management technique! Your pics of Brooke never fail to make me smile – she always looks so jolly! :)
Adrienne
March 11 starts my Half Ironman Training. GULP!!!
Scared, but excited.
Therese
I just signed up for the Chicago Marathon -it will be my first marathon and it will be on my 50th birthday. I must say-it was an impulse and I’m very nervous.
Corrinne Wilson
I signed up for Chicago today too and it also will be my first marathon! Right there with ya with those nerves! But I am hoping all the sites will distract me and I won’t even notice I am running 26.2 miles. Good Luck!
Therese
We are going to have a blast! Like I tell my husband it’s an experience, we aren’t trying to win!
shelly
I have my half marathon in a few weeks. I’m actually just ending my training. My last long run is on Sunday (I’m scared and happy at the same time). I’m having a friend meet me for my last 5k.
Jenn @ Run It My Way
I’m just getting back into the swing of marathon training now too and I am nervous about it! I don’t know why- I remember last time thinking it wasn’t NEARLY as bad I thought it would be – I actually enjoyed it. I think I’l be fine once I get back into it :)
Meagan
I will be starting training for my FIRST marathon the second week of July (for a mid-November marathon). Ahhhh!!!! Tips, advice, encouragement please!!
I love all of the benefits you listed for the long run. I agree with them all and have experienced them while training for the half marathons I have run in the past.
My longest training run for a race has been 13 miles… the longest race I have ever run is a half.
You should make apricot chicken and rice with veggies mixed in (sugar snap peas, carrots, etc.)…. at least that’s what I’m making :)
Brooke looks so cute in that umbrella stroller! I love those types of strollers because they look just like the ones we played with as kids with baby dolls (or at least the ones I played with with my dolls).
[email protected]
Way to go training for your first marathon! You can totally do this. I am just finishing my training for my first marathon… did my first half in November and then started training for this run (March 2nd) a week later.
BTW… your dinner sounds good! :)
Therese
We’re in the same boat girl-first marathon in october-we can do it!
Julia B.
My longest training run has only been 15 miles for a half marathon. I love the feeling when my legs start to run on “auto-pilot” and I don’t even think about it anymore.
Renee
I should be in 1/2 training right now…but I’m just starting again after time off for injuries and I don’t know how to build up my long run without injuring myself again. I’m 11 weeks out from the marathon and my last “long run” was 4 miles at the end of December (2 months postpartum) Sigh…I just want to be able to get there and through the race without getting injured….but I have no idea how to do it.
I think the biggest benefit is the mental mixed with the physical. What I mean is running for a long period of time mentally while teaching your body to stay efficient, to keep your form, to push even when you are mentally and physically fatigued, which then pays off on race day. My longest training run has been 13 miles (just because when I was 16 training for the next xc season), but then I ran 12 before my 1/2 that I ran back in 2011.
We’re having enchiladas tonight. I got my friend’s recipe and can’t wait to make them.
Ang @ Nutty for Life
I’m currently in half marathon training. It’ll be my first one, and it’s coming up in April. I’m so nervous/excited already!
Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom
I’m finishing my half marathon training this week, ending with the race on Sunday! My longest training run was 12 miles, two weeks ago. I’m excited/nervous about the race, but it feels like I’ve been waiting forever for the race and it’s finally here!!
Ali
I’ll be starting up training mode in a couple of weeks too. I had hip surgery just under a year ago and was able to start running about 6 months ago-and am now able to progress into ‘full training mode’ with track workouts, tempo runs, etc. And it feels AWESOME to be healthy enough to run! I know you understand that feeling as well :)
Nicole@TheKidlessKronicles
I think you are right about the mental benefits. And using them as test kitchens. What works and what doesn’t.
The longest run I have done in training is 14 miles, for a half. I had to know I could do the distance and then some.
The Kidless Kronicles
Lauren @ Eat Like An Elephant
The hubby and I had breakfast for dinner yesterday- scrambled eggs with cheese, bacon, and toast. Hit the spot!
[email protected]
My family loves “Brinner,” too!
Sarah @pickyrunner
I’m actually really glad you shared those feelings with us. It’s nice to know even you elite runners get a little unnerved once in awhile. I know you’re going to rock your marathon and the training. Getting through long runs definitely gives you the mental confidence especially if you do them at a slightly speedy pace. I can’t wait to hear how it goes for you. My coach tells us to “never settle” and that’s how I’ve tailored my training.
Andrea @ mainerunnergirl
My marathon training is getting into the hard stuff and I’m scared! Tomorrow I have to do 12 without my running buddy and I’m a little nervous about it!
[email protected]
You CAN do it! It’ll be hard, but just think about how much MORE you’ll appreciate your running buddy on the next run! It’s also pretty empowering to finish something really hard on your own: to talk yourself out of quitting or into pushing harder.
Lauren
Brooke is so gorgeous. I would definitely like the cow the best. I’d probably play with that for hours myself.
Chili and cornbread is always good on a rainy day :)
Catey
Love long runs!! They are so therapeutic. I am in marathon mode now, training for Ogden and debating throwing Salt Lake in there as well…haven’t decided yet. I just wish it were a tad warmer here. I have learned that one reason I loved marathon training last time was that I could sneak out super early in the AM for the long runs and it was a comfortable temperature. I’m pretty much over long runs in sub-freezing temps.
Melissa @mypeachlife
I am getting ready to end my marathon training bc I am running my second marathon this Sunday in New Orleans !!!! I am sooooo nervous. I ran the Philly full a couple of years ago but now I am going into this one with a time expectation and have been struggling mentally a lot lately soooooo we shall see what happens. I am off to do my last sprint work now.
Oh and I am looking for dinner ideas also so let me know what you come up with. Wish I had some of your moms lasagna!
Jamie
Just bought Hanson’s book and realized that Luke Humphrey attended the same college is I did (at the same time!) Excited to start reading it b/c I am doing my first marathon this fall :) My longest training run was 10 miles…that was for my half last fall. Waiting for the Michigan snow to go away to really start putting in some miles. Although if my treadmill greeted me by name like yours, I might like it better ;)
Amy @ Writing While Running
I just finished a marathon this weekend and my training is complete, for now. I have several halves and a 10K and I think I want to focus on those for a while. I will certainly miss the long runs, though.
[email protected]
Way to go! I hope to read all about it soon! :)
Naomi M
I think my biggest benefit of the long run is a mental thing. It helps me decompress from the week (since I usually do my long runs on Saturday) and really think things through. Plus, knowing what I accomplished during my long run makes me realize I can pretty much do anything!
Dinner idea: I’ve been craving thai chicken wraps for about a week now. Make them and I will live vicariously through you.
HollieisFueledByLOLZ
No marathons for me for a while. What marathon are you going to be training for? Did I miss that? My longest run has been 19 but I’ve done two ten mile runs before.
Kathee
I was surprised how great the long run was. I run mine very slow but they do the job!
Annette@FitnessPerks
Love how you keep her entertained–toooo cute!
No long runs for me right now–I got really bored with ironman training, so I quit running for a bit & am fine with that…..don’t hate me!
she looks cute in the stroller!
Jackie
No distance running for me until next year (foot problems + nursing school = bad news) but I wanted to say I am headed to SLC for spring break and I have already told my sister we are going to Cafe Rio! I am jealous every time I see one of your salads.
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats
Hahaha that poor toy. I almost laughed out loud in class when I saw that picture (yes… reading this in class. probably should stop).
Fizz @fizzsbizz
My longest run so far is 10 miles (training for my first half!) and I loved it! I felt so proud of myself after which was s weird feeling ha!
Ill be having homemade meatballs tonight! Easy and oh so delicious!
Caitlin
No future marathon training for this girl, although I was super tempted to sign up for Chicago this afternoon.
Biggest benefit of the long run is mental, to me. Proving to yourself that you can run the distance.
Tonight we’re having baked potatoes with buffalo chickpeas (chickpeas and onions sauteed in buffalo sauce placed in a potato with blue cheese crumbles) and a side of roasted broccoli.
Linda
For dinner what about mozzarella, turkey and avocado panninis on sourdough bread. Salad and cut up apples on the side.
Noranda
I’m in marathon training and SO nervous; it’s my first one!!! Couldn’t run long last weekend or this one but will hit 20 miles soon! I need help!!!!
[email protected]
I’m in the last 10 days of training for my first marathon. The longest run was 20 miles (we did two of them). I think that running that first 20-miler in the wind, sometimes rain, really cold and at 7000 feet altitude taught me a lot. The first thing: I’m not going to die from this. Really. I can finish whatever I’ve been training to do and it won’t include rolling up into a ball and crying (even if I want to) or dying (even if it feels like I might).
We are having leftovers. Sorry I don’t have any inspiration for you!
Katherine
Great post!
http://therealfoodrunner.blogspot.com/
Heather
Just signed up for the Chicago marathon today! Will be my first marathon-excited & very nervous! Training won’t start until June for me, but I’m currently training for a half in Nashville!
Brittney M
I’m training for my first half marathon- the Blue Ridge Half Marathon in Roanoke, VA! I’ve never done a competitive race over a five miler, so this makes me a little nervous! I’t definitely all mental for me!
[email protected]
Im in training for Oklahoma city full and I signed CHICAGO MARATHON today!! It will be my fourth marathon and I’m super exited!!
Joanna
First things first, I was wondering what kind of camera you use. Secondly, I’d like to say that Brooke is so friggin’ adorable! I’ve been following your blog for over a year just because your posts are so genuine and it’s definitely crazy to see how different your life is now – from being preggers to Brooke getting bigger! Keep blogging!
Jessica R @ fromthekitchentotheroad
I am in the middle of my first time training for a marathon. Yikes! Winter has slowed me down a bit but otherwise it is going alright.
Kate @ So Cal Runner Gal
I’m in Boston training mode right now. 8 more weeks…. EEK! I am thinking I might actually make it to the start line, injury-free!!
Then after that I’m running the Newport Marathon (in Oregon) in June.
I love watching Parenthood on the TM. My favorite TM show is the bachelor. :)
Melissa K.
Im doing my longest run ever on saturday.. 20 miles! Training for my first full marathon in march.. I was more nervous in the beginning but now i am starting to get excited.. Maybe since its my first one i dont really fully know the task that awaits and thats why im not too nervous lol
Kim
I was thinking about marathons on my run today. I love training for halfs but I’m nervous to make the leap and commit to the full. Eek
Ashley
You’re amazing. I’m in half marathon mode, I’m running my first half on Sunday! I hope I do well. I want to run a full marathon in the next year to year and a half. I have to buy that book you’ve been talking about!
Maybe not for dinner tonight, but I love cooking a roast in the crock pot. I cook it on low with salsa poured over it. Pair it with a bunch of vegetables and a salad and you’re good to go! :-)
Amy
Just did my first marathon on Sunday….4:37 was my time….notice I said my FIRST!
Chelsea @ LittleOneRuns
when is your marathon?? i’m planning on doing the one in Sacramento, and will be training all year long lol i’m up to 15 miles at my max right now!! i think long runs just help us all mentally. because honestly, how could you not do a long run and not be mentally strong?? it takes a lot of a person to gear up and say, “well, i think i’m going to go run 13.1 miles today” at least for me it does lol POTSTICKERS!!!
Cori @ olivetorun
I’m training for Pittsburgh in May right now. Then hopefully Marine Corps in October. Which full are you doing again?
The longest long run I’ve done in preparation for a race is just over 22 miles.
Caroline
I just signed up for the Chicago Marathon today! It’ll be my first. I love the treadmill idea. I have a 10 week old and that’ll be perfect for when he’s bigger.
Courtney @ CardioQueen
We had this Cheddar Apple Frittata the other night (with mozzarella because that’s what was on hand) and it was so easy and delish! I recommend it because you might have all 4 ingredients on hand. I didn’t have a special pot/pan to put straight in the oven, so when it started to set in my skillet on the stove, I transferred it to a casserole dish, topped it with the rest of the cheese, and put it on broil! I’d pair it with some veggies or greens (like she says) but overall it’s not unhealthy and it was SO GOOD!
http://happyhealthymama.com/2012/02/apple-cheddar-frittata.html
Bri @ Back to Bliss
I’m in half marathon training & I go up to 12 miles in training. I think that 12 miler will serve as my dress rehearsal. I always feel strong after long runs… They’re definitely worth the the extra mental effort.
MILF Runner
When I get nervous about something like training for a big event, I keep reminding myself that all I need to do is my best both in training and the event itself. I have nothing to prove. I am just me and doing my thing. I find this calms me and helps me really see what I need to work on and where I need to back off. I am pretty good at being honest with myself – most of the time!
Longest training run was during marathon training and was a little over 22 miles. It was on super hilly trails (not like the race I was prepping for). It was very helpful mentally but probably broke me down a little too much physically. I think the mental aspect of the long run is huge for most people.
My littlest just came in and started gushing about Brooke :) “ooooo, that is the cuuuuutest little baby!!!!!” She is :)
Erin Shipe
And how do you keep Brook occupied when she’s in the stroller? Does she sleep most of the time?
The Hungry Runner Girl
She does sleep most of the time. She also has a toy and is entertained just being pushed around:)
Cari
I absolutely love how you run and keep your lifestyle. You’re a great role model for all moms to do what they love and include the kids. It’s definitely nice to see how you do it! And it’s proof that kids get used to anything when you start young and mean it.
I’m training for life right now and doing insanity.
Karen @ Runner Girl Eats
When I get nervous I practice, practice, practice! I like to be over prepared :)
Kay
Good luck with the training!!
I have to ask- do you bend down to hand her the toys each time? If I tried to do that I would fly off the treadmill sooooo fast haha.
Libby
I love the long run just for the reason you said, you can be lazy the rest of the weekend!!
Just finishing up my half marathon training, as my race is on Sunday! So excited. When I return I will right back into training for my next half in just about 4 weeks!
Hope you had a yummy dinner! I went out with the girls!
jan
Long runs are actually my favorite because I can go SLOW! :) Thanks for the reminders of all of the benefits!
Shelly
Running my first marathon in November, will “officially” start training July. Right now just keeping my mileage up each week plus cross training. My longest run has been 16 miles which definitely helps to mentally prepare you, I would rather run long than short runs.
We had Dominos pizza after a long day at work and the gym, just couldn’t bring myself to cook!
Nerri
My longest run for marathon training was 20 miles. The benefits (I thought at the time) were mostly mental. Knowing I had completed a training plan with a long run of 20 miles helped me believe that I could cross the finish line at 26.2! I read in Competitor recently that it also helps with your body’s glycogen stores, and that helps prevent you from hitting the wall. I had no idea! I thought everyone hit the wall, and thought it was very strange that I didn’t during my marathon. Now I know it was all thanks to the training and especially the long runs!
Mollie
I signed up for my first marathon today!!!!!! I will be running Chicago 10/13/13 this year! I am currently training for a half marathon on 3/24 and ran 8 this past weekend, which is long for me! good luck with your training.
Nikki @ run+breathe+be
My longest training run was 12 miles (my longest race is a half marathon). I’m not ambitious enough for a full marathon yet! I agree with all of the benefits you listed. Figuring out gear/hydration/fuel was a biggie on those long runs for me.
Beth @ Running with the Sunrise
I’m in marathon training mode now (I’m about two months out from my race). I totally agree that the mental component of the marathon is HUGE. Forcing yourself to keep running when you’re tired and bored is one of the most important things that you get out of the long run. I’ve just done 20 milers for my marathons, but I’d consider trying a 22 if I thought my training was going strong. Good luck as you start your training!
Macalla
Thanks for this post! I just signed up for my first half. I was really excited at first then I started to freak myself out. I’m just glad I’m not the only one that feels like this. Training for me starts now because I really want to be ready, both physically and mentally. : )
Advocarerunner
I’m currently training for two full a. Because I’m crazy like that and can’t say no! I have Blue Ridge coming up in April and the Cleveland Marathon coming up in May. I’m excited but also feeling nervous. Blue ridge is supposedly crazy tough!
Danica @ It's Progression
I’m in HALF marathon training mode right now, but this honestly makes me want to commit to doing a full marathon even more…it’s so intimidating to imagine running that far!!
Nicole
I am at the very beginning of marathon training for a marathon on May 19! I love long runs–they are tough, but worth it. I did one 22-miler during training for the Chicago Marathon last year, and I think it really helped me mentally once I got to that point (and beyond) in the actual marathon.
Lucy
Love the picture of Brooke. She is just too adorable!
– Napa Valley Marathon in less than 2 weeks! Tapering right now.
– Longest long run has been 22 miles, but I feel 20 works for me.
– The biggest benefit of a long run is the mental confidence that I will not hit the wall and that I can finish strong.
– Breakfast food is my backup for dinner – any cheesy omelet.
– Sounds like an odd combination, but do try this Shrimp & Banana recipe (no need for 3 tablespoons of sambal! – only 1/2 tablespoon of chili sauce was enough for me). http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/shrimp-and-banana-recipe/index.html
Ashley
In marathon training mode right now! Training for my first – it’s next month and I can’t wait :) Mostly I love how much food I can eat every day ;)
Brynne
I’m currently in week 9 of training for my first marathon at the end of April! I have my first 18-miler this weekend.
I actually have no problem mentally getting through long runs. My mind is usually busy calculating times and paces and the miles absolutely fly by. For me, my long runs are about making sure my legs are gonna make it the full 26.22 when the time comes!
I’m having so much fun training, but that slight nagging feeling of nervousness is starting to creep up on me: can I really run 26 miles or am I going to collapse!!??
Molly
when you do your long runs, what do you think about? when i do longer runs, one of my main problems is mental boredom!
kendra @ http://www.kennygump.com/
oh man. i am in that boat. marathon training starts now for beginning of june minneapolis. i am nervous too. i’m so happy doing 8-10 miles. this is going to be a body shocker! but what does not kill us makes us stronger or so says kelly clarkson.
when i trained last spring/summer my longest training run was 20 miles. i may do that or 22 we’ll see. the benefits are endless. your body gets use to the distance and it doesn’t seem as daunting i think. happy training!
Gracie (Complicated Day)
Next year. Next year I’ll be done with injury and back to marathon training! Fingers crossed!
Carolyn
I am in the midst of training for my first half-marathon, and for the first time since I started running (a whole six months ago) I’m having to do a lot on the treadmill – so I really enjoy your treadmill posts. And of course, your pics of Brooke. Just when I think there can’t be any cuter pics, along comes another….
Gillian
The long runs are my favorite. I love getting up into the double digit kms bc I feel strong and the farther I go the more confident I become.
I’m training for my first half since baby and I am slowly getting my groove back. I plan on tackling the full next year for my 30th bday :).
I had a pbj sandwich for dinner so anything will beat that!
I also love your treadmill stories. I’m impressed your little one will sit there! My 4month old can’t even make it 15mins…
Lyric
I think the biggest benefit of a long run is definitely the stress release. Whenever something is one my mind I choose that day for my long run to clear my head. I blast my music and fall into the steps forgetting about all my problems and ending at home with a blissful mind. Love it.
Ps. I totally wish I was training for a marathon right now but sadly I am not quite at that level yet. Im more of a half marathon girl. One day!
Samantha
I agree, the long run is what makes us mentally, tougher runners. For me, it also is the most therapeutic kind of run because it’s a longer chunk of time of uninterrupted thought/reflection. The longest run I have ever done in training is 20 miles. Phew. It was quite a long way.
I can’t believe you do so many long runs on the treadmill! It would drive me crazy. The longest I’ve gone on a treadmill was like 12 miles, and I was seriously going crazy even though I had TV and Netflix right in front of me. Then again, I guess if I really had no other choice, I would just suck it up.
Samantha
I agree, the long run is what makes us mentally, tougher runners. For me, it also is the most therapeutic kind of run because it’s a longer chunk of time of uninterrupted thought/reflection. The longest run I have ever done in training is 20 miles. Phew. It was quite a long way.
I can’t believe you do so many long runs on the treadmill! It would drive me crazy. The longest I’ve gone on a treadmill was like 12 miles, and I was seriously going crazy even though I had TV and Netflix right in front of me. Then again, I guess if I really had no other choice, I would just suck it up.
Samantha
Oops. Double post :( Sorry
Sarahf
I ran my first marathon in November, I was so pleased with myself! And then I found that little pain I had was shin splints and had to stop. It’s been, like, 3 months, and I’m getting antsy, so I’ve signed up for a 10k, with a quiet promise to stretch and spent more time with the physio (it’s OK, he’s kinda cute, no hardship!).
For dinner, baked beans on toast hit the spot over here!
Charlie (The Runner Beans)
The longest I ran before my marathon last year was 20 miles, next time I think I’ll run 22 as I hit the wall hard at 20!! Thankfully I was running with a friend that pushed me through it but miles 20-22 were HARD!
Melissa
I just finished marathon training! Ran 26.2 with Donna in Jacksonville on Sunday :)
Amelia
I am just starting training for the Utah Valley Marathon like you!!!! I know I won’t see you in the course cause you are super fast, but I will be looking for you at the start and finish line! … Stalker ish? I just adore you! ;)
Kari @ Running Ricig
I’m training now, but luckily I’ve made it to taper. This was definitely my toughest training, yet. The longest long run I’ve ever done is 22 miles.
We had breakfast sandwiches and hashbrowns for dinner last night. That was delicious.
Molly@This Life Is Sparkling
On Monday I’m starting half marathon training (not quite ready for a full marathon just yet ;)). This will be my fourth one so I am hoping to PR and give it my all this time!
Carrie M
Training for my first Half here. I’ve only been running since June 2012 and I’ve gotten up to 11 on my long runs. I’ve had so much fun, but I’m pretty confident I won’t be adding a Full to my repertoire ever.
Amanda
I think the biggest benefit of the long run is the confidence. Knowing I can cover the distance and not die always boosts my confidence going into a race
Katie
I just finished my first marathon a few weeks ago, and I’ve been enjoying the lack of long runs ever since. I’d say the mental strength from long runs is pretty amazing. I only got up to 16 miles before the race because I was sick for a few weeks. It proved to be good enough though!
Becky C.
I am running the Cowtown marathon in Fort Worth this coming Sunday! I am nervous but I have two good friends traveling to Texas to support me!
courtney!
starting half-marathon training soon! which is a big deal for me :]
quinoa burgers! SO YUM!
Nicole @ Curly Mommy
I’m in the middle of marathon training right now! The furthest I’ve ever ran in training is about 21 miles, but I’m hoping to go quite a bit futher this cycle. I think the biggest benefit of the long run is the amount of cookies you can eat the rest of the day with no guilt :)
Brooke @ Running In Heels
The mental benefit is definitely my favorite part of long runs! I love knowing that I CAN do it!
Lisa
You make having a baby look so easy:)
Nicole
I’m just starting to train for the Seattle Rock’n’Roll marathon in June…..hoping, praying, wishing, dreaming that I can qualify for Boston with this one. Need to shave 10 minutes off my PR.
Biggest benefit of a long run: The guiltless eating that happens later in the day.
Longest training run: 21 miles
For dinner: How about a baked potato with all the trimmings!
Emily D.
I just signed up for the Portland Marathon, but won’t start training for a little while. My favorite part of the long runs right now are exploring the city and finding new paths.
Yesterday, I made spaghetti squash with pesto sauce (inspiration from Detoxinista) SO good!
Ann Mazzoli
My new fav easy dinner is brown rice with mashed pinto beans(I literally use the recipe (minus the lard and cheese) on the side of the Goya pinto bean can) and some guacamole and fresh salsa. I’m actually cooking it tonight.
Dr. Trot
I sure should be/have been marathon training as I’m running the Mt. Kilimanjaro Marathon (http://www.kilimanjaromarathon.com/) next weekend!! :-o BUT, I’m also trying to finish grad school AND I live in Minnesota, neither of which are much help on the marathon training front. The timing of your Benefits of the Long Run post was uncanny as I’ve only done 1 16 miler in this “training season” (if I can even really call it that). My mental and physically games are really going to have to help each other out on this one! Hopefully the excitement and beautiful scenery will help too. :-)
Alex Campbell
I’m training for a 50 mile cross country run in May and then two 24 hour runs in the Fall with a few 50km races in there as well. This week I’ve done two 21 mile training runs and 4, 10 milers. Your long run is THE key to everything. Do it slow. Enjoy it. I personally think for a marathon you should get used to 23+ mile efforts with at least 1 at the full distance, not 20 (that’s why so many people hit the wall).
Love pastas and seafood and salads and chicken. After a long run you really need to refuel quickly and re-hydrate or you’ll have nasty headaches.
I learn new things from every race and from all the great people I meet out there and read about in blogs and books. I am still learning what works and what doesn’t for hydration/electrolytes/food for me in ultras, but love the trails and love to see what is physically possible to achieve. And I get really inspired by all the people out there that love this sport and love when someone achieves their first 10km or their first 100 miler.
If you want to read some of my experiences (highs and lows) do a search for therunningdude01.
Keep up the running and all the best to all of you training for whatever distance. A marathon is a long way. :) respect.