Never easy, always earned — or something like that. For some reason that is how I end up classifying my long runs. It’s a rare occasion that I have a “really great” long run. Don’t get me wrong. I have ones that definitely feel better than others, but I never finish and think “oh my gosh, that was, like, the best run EVER!” For some reason in my imagination after a great run, I turn into a “valley girl.” So be it.
Over the past few weeks, my long runs have been getting higher and higher in mileage. I had a terrible 16 mile run, a decent 17 mile run last weekend and I just finished an 18 mile run on Sunday. That’s three weeks in a row with less than ideal long-distance runs. That may speak to the fact that I have been putting in some serious mileage over the past month and putting in more track work. Ideally, the long runs would “feel” better, but overall the weeks have been looking better than they feel.
What is it about the long run?
Does anyone look forward to them? I stare at it most of the week and think “I really don’t want to do that.” I’m just being honest. Most of the time, my motivation in getting in my long run boils down to the fact that I know I HAVE to do it. Sure, there is the motivation of getting faster, stronger, breaking 3:30, Boston, and all that, but did I want to run 18 miles on Sunday? Nope. But I knew that if I didn’t do it Sunday, then I would have to do it Monday and my schedule was already piling up for the week. Better now than later.
The ASICS Gel-Kayano, my go-to shoe for long runs and all but 1 of my marathons.
The out and back dilemma
It’s a really easy way to get in your distance. Run X miles out, turn around and run it back. But doesn’t the “out” seem like it takes forever? It’s as if your body is like, don’t run too far because we have to run it back… and every block you go further out, is another block you have to run back. On my 18 miles the splits were pretty even, but the first 9 miles felt twice as long as the run back. Same distance, close to the same time, two different experiences.
Anything to make it interesting
I’ve been playing with my playlists for the past couple months. I recently changed my entire iPod shuffle from a predetermined playlist to a shuffle of the entire Jay Z catalog. I then changed it to the entire Nas catalog and that lasted about a week. I went back to the Jay Z catalog, but this time added in the Kanye West catalog and that is where it stands now.
The other move is to completely match my outfit like I’m on a runway, or to grab random things so that it looks like I got dressed in the dark blindfolded. Both seem to work out well in keeping ME entertained, but the jury is out on how it affects my splits, as well as how I am ridiculed by people who drive by and think “WTF.”
You gotta do what you gotta do.
How do you get through your long runs?
I was nodding my head with the “don’t go too far out because you have to run ALL the way back” thinking. I’m lucky in that I usually have company for at least half of my long runs. Besides that, I try to make a new playlist or pick a new route – like you said, anything to keep it interesting.
The loneliness of a long distance runner.
Trying out new routes is definitely important for keeping things interesting! As convenient as an out and back leaving from and finishing at your house can be, driving a few miles out of the way to run on a trail or around a park is usually well worth it. If I’m running in a fairly urban area, I like to plan long runs around having a couple of gas stations I can stop at for water/gatorade/wiping the sweat off my face. Those serve a dual purpose – hydration (plus not having to carry any water with you), and an extra landmark to look forward to mentally. Good luck!
This is JUST the post I needed to read right now!! After rehabbing from three stress fractures last year I have hung out in half marathon distance land…but am just starting to up my mileage as I start to slowly train towards getting back to the marathon distance in preparation to do one this winter. And after a year of no runs longer than 13.1 miles, two weeks ago I did 15 and BOY, it was rough. I like to do loop runs–so they’re a little different than an out and back and don’t feel quite so daunting as literally running X miles away from your house with the knowledge that you have to run all the way back (which can literally include running to an entirely different city, which, for some reason, really scares me). A great playlist is key. And so is having milestones along the way (like realizing you’re halfway done!). I also like to go out early to beat the heat, especially in the summer (although being in San Francisco that may not be as big of an issue for you). Being less uncomfortable always helps get through it!
I agree. Long runs are usually about getting it down. Sometimes they are great – but that is always few and far between. Most of the time they are a slog and I have made my peace with that haha
I’ve done my best to keep long runs interesting by changing the route every week or, more recently, not having a route planned at all. Sometimes I get lost, sometimes there are lots of hills, but I enjoy the exploration. An unmatched outfit is a long run MUST. :)
I too like to shuffle songs and mix it up. One of my favorite things to listen to on a long run is a podcast. When I’m running alone, it feels like the podcast hosts and guests are my running friends running along with me.