Friday Five: The Long Run



Since tomorrow I am finishing up my training for my next half marathon, my “fitness” topic for this Friday is appropriately  Five Ways to Survive the Long Run.

Here are the things that have gotten me through the last few weekends:

  1. Find a Scenic Route

It’s so much more enjoyable if you run some place with great views.  I personally wished I lived along the ocean but I don’t.  So I either run along the river or some place with trees or bridges.


on the Delmar Rail Trail

    2. Plan Ahead.

You need to decide when based on your schedule and more importantly the weather forecast, you are going to do your long run. Then the night before, I don’t plan to go out drinking with friends, stay up too late or skip dinner.


This was not the night before a long run.

  3. Do it with a Friend.

The miles and time also go faster when you run with someone else, even if it is just for a few miles. My friend, Judy, is often on a different training schedule. So I may start my run first and then meet her for the last few miles or vice versa.

Dec - running with a new friend

 4.  Run for Distance not Time.

When I am running longer distances, I try to focus on how far I am running and not how fast. I find that when I focus on time, it makes the run seem longer than it really is. Plus, I am checking my watch or phone instead of enjoying the run.


5. Reward yourself when you’re done.

After the accomplishment of a long run, I like to treat myself. In fact, it is a motivator and I look forward to it the whole time that I am out there.  In the warmer temps, it is often ice cream. In the winter, a Starbucks mocha latte.


Happy Running! Any other tips for surviving the long run?



21 thoughts on “Friday Five: The Long Run

  1. Fuel right! Of course you did mention that.

    Lay out clothes the night before. For me, that usually means several different outfits despite always watching the weather.

    And if it’s a bad long run, and as we know they happen, I’ll do things like count how many rabbits I see (not at this time of year, obviously) or something along those lines.


  2. Always good tips! I have been focusing on time lately, which makes it seem to take forever. My first half is not until June, but still trying to mentally get at it.


  3. When I’m having an especially difficult time on a long run, I’ll think of a good reward, like a new running shirt or something extra nice; sometimes a bribe is in order when you’re aiming for 11 or 12 miles, right?!


  4. Great tips. I haven’t had to do long runs in quite some time but I know doing some or all of the miles with a friend made it a lot easier. Same thing with my long bike rides. Much more enjoyable in a group.


  5. Talk about post race treats…have you ever run a hot chocolate race? I’ve only done one, last year in San Diego, but I will never forget the melted chocolate fondue bowl we received after the race!! Not even free beer stands up to that (close 2nd though). I agree totally, running with a friend is way better than going it alone. Enjoy your race!!


  6. I agree with all of these, especially number 5 ! No guilt what so ever in eating all the cookies and ice cream after a long run !


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