Longest run - what do you think

[rosy1020]

Ok, so I realize it's probably too late now but just out of curiosity I'm wondering what everyone's longest run will be before the marathon? Last year was my first full and I was completely disciplined in my training. My longest run before the full was 20 but I went into and out of the full feeling burned out. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the race and it was probably the best feeling I've ever felt crossing that finish line but I was so sick of the long runs at that point. This year, I moved across the world, got a new job, and struggled to commit to my training. I raced a 10 miler in Oct in decent time and have completed 10, 12, 13, 14 and 16 milers. As for my weekday runs, they've been pretty sporadic. I'm debating trying to get in an 18 miler at some point this week but not sure if it's even worth it. I definitely struggled more on my longer runs this year, needing more walk breaks, than I did last year but I'm wondering if it's possible for me to beat last year's time, even with less training miles because I may possibly be more rested and less overtrained (if there is such a thing). If anyone has any similar experiences or advice to share, I would really appreciate it!

 

[JimB.]

I am definitely NOT an expert. My longest LR to date has been about 19 1/2 miles. I am hopefully going out on about a 22 miler tomorrow and that will be it for LR's prior to the Goofy.

Yes, you can overtrain, especially if you do not fuel/hydrate well (which is an ongoing issue with moi'). The easy answer is if you are feeling tired on your runs, then rest for a few days. And make sure you take adequate time to taper.

Make sure you run at a pace you can sustain. Lots of times people go out faster than they can run for an entire event and crash prior to finishing.

If you do shorter runs, make sure to remember that you may not be able to run a marathon at your 14-16 mile pace.

When I do realy long runs, I kind of use a "football game" analogy. By that I mean that sometimes the "momentum" is with me and sometimes it is against me. I may feel like crap for miles 6-9 & slow down, butr feel great for miles 10-13 & spped up, etc. etc.. Be prepared for your body to take a "time out" periodically while running & adjust for it.

Of course its possible to beat last year's time. But remember there are factors outside of YOU can that enter into that also.(i.e. - the weather). I am hoping for a cold weekend. I've never gotten to run a cold weather marathon & I'd really like to.

Good luck, have fun & don't worry about the time. Have Fun!! I Know I Will!!!!!

 

[rosy1020]

Thank you for the encouraging words. I guess I'm just getting down on myself for training the way I know I probably should have and I'm also having fears that this year's race is going to be a lot more painful physically and mentally than last year's because of it. Last year I never really hit the wall. Miles 22-26 weren't exactly pain-free or easy but I never felt like I was going to die. I think I'm just having last minute doubts. I know I'll finish, even if it's slower than I'm used to and yes, weather will be a huge factor because I don't do very well in the heat. I think I may try to get in an 18 miler either tomorrow or Weds just for that mental confidence that I probably need right now. Then again, I have so much going on with the holidays it's hard to imagine where I'm going to make the time. I just hope that my 16 mile long run is some how "magically" enough to get me to the finish in a decent time and without suffering. Wishful thinking...

 

[TnTsParty]

I am pretty much in the same situation as you. Except I haven't done a full marathon before. I have gotten an 18 miler in but it was on the TM and not outside. I am planning on doing my 20 miler next Friday or Saturday and then go into taper mode. My training this week will probably be non existant. I might be able to get a few miles in but nothing like I should.

 

[goofyguy1958]

I have completed 6 marathons and one Goofy but do not consider myself an expert by any stretch. However, I can tell that my best marathon was my second one where I never ran more than 4 days a week and my longest run was 18 miles. With 20 days to go until the marathon, it is probably too late to be overly worried about getting in a 20 miler - I am doing the Goofy and my longest run was the 18 miler I did 2 weeks ago. Best advice, and I should listen to myself here, would be to just relax, run to your ability and enjoy that you are in WDW.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I have completed 6 marathons and one Goofy but do not consider myself an expert by any stretch. However, I can tell that my best marathon was my second one where I never ran more than 4 days a week and my longest run was 18 miles. With 20 days to go until the marathon, it is probably too late to be overly worried about getting in a 20 miler - I am doing the Goofy and my longest run was the 18 miler I did 2 weeks ago. Best advice, and I should listen to myself here, would be to just relax, run to your ability and enjoy that you are in WDW.

This is definitely good advice. I think at this point you will be fine with what you've done. Don't worry about squeezing in the last one unless you've got time and will be able to have recovery time after. That taper is important. You need to be rested and really ready to go forward on the day of the event. So, don't make that last big one too close to the big day.

 

[TnTsParty]

I am planning on getting my 20 miler in either this Friday or Saturday morning. I haven't done any running since last Thursday and that was only 2 miles. I am feeling achey and I know that is from not running or even walking. Dang Christmas holiday has to get in the way (but I can't give up my Christmas addiction - as I LOVE Christmas and I love to make sure everything is just right!!)

I figure this Friday or Saturday will give me enough taper time to recover from the 20 miler before the race in 19 days from today!!!

 

[Lexxiefern]

Last year my last LR was 20 miles. This year I got the flu and now have some respiratory infection so I have not run in 10 days. My last LR this year will have to be the 17 miles I got in. I am nervous about that, but I am more concerned about feeling healthy for the race.

 

[Aisleleven]

I can completely relate...

I am training for the half this year and last thursday came down with the sniffles which has turned into a sinus infection...YUCK!!

I haven't done any miles since a week ago...just trying to get myself healthy for the race. My longest distance so far has been a 9 miler - was hoping to get some double digits in this weekend...there is still a little window of opportunity.

I just know that I would feel more confident if I got at least one 10-12 miler in before tapering next week...

 

[TnTsParty]

Aisleleven - my longest run prior to my half in Nov was 12 miles and I actually was able to finish the 1/2 6 minutes quicker than I expected. So if you could get in at least a 10 miler you should be ok. I still think you will be ok with the 9 miler as well. The excitement of Disney and that its a race should push you through to the finish line

 

[Aisleleven]

Aisleleven - my longest run prior to my half in Nov was 12 miles and I actually was able to finish the 1/2 6 minutes quicker than I expected. So if you could get in at least a 10 miler you should be ok. I still think you will be ok with the 9 miler as well. The excitement of Disney and that its a race should push you through to the finish line

You're so right...and thank you....And I still have plenty of time to get some miles in before the race.

Disney is such a great race and I know that I will be ready and pumped. I just feel less prepared going into this one than I have in years past...it's all good though...

 

[Aisleleven]

Oh - and my longest run for the marathon last year was 20 miles...

During the marathon, the last 6 miles were definitely a blur but I never felt like I couldn't go the distance.

 

[scoolover]

I did 18 miles three times last year and finished the Goofy. This year, I have done 18 twice and the last one was 3 weeks ago. Sickness, my son's sickness and bad weather with snow days have kept me from doing more. Hopefully I can do 20 here in the next few days. I won't be comming down over trained; that's for sure.

Let me also say, that just to finish, one 18 miler is enough. Most people could finish with some decent 1/2 marathon training.