How many long runs?: A question for... - Fun Beyond 10K & ...

Fun Beyond 10K & Race Support

2,626 members7,937 posts

How many long runs?

Hillrunner2201 profile image
Hillrunner2201Marathon
8 Replies

A question for anyone that's finished a marathon......how many long runs did you do before the marathon and what was the longest distance? I've got a marathon in late September. I've done 18, 19 and 20 mile runs so far. I'm planning a 22 mile run about 3 weeks before the race and then tapering gradually but I'm not sure how many more 18+ milers before then. I seem to have benefitted from the long runs but don't want to overdo it!!

Written by
Hillrunner2201 profile image
Hillrunner2201
Marathon
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
8 Replies
roseabi profile image
roseabiUltramarathon

I did an Asics plan with 3 runs per week over 23 weeks, with each week generally having a 5k jog, an 8 or 12k fast run, and a long run. There was a rest from long runs every third week during the distance-building phase of the plan, just running 12k at a comfortable pace. The long run distances went from 16k to 20k, 24k, 28k, peaking at 32k (which is 20 miles) .

The schedule of long runs for the final 9 weeks was 24k, 24k, 12k, 28k, 12k, 32k, (then into the taper period) 16k, 12k, 8k. The plan specified pace as well as distance for each run. I found myself well prepared for my marathon on this plan, although I suspect that four runs per week would have been even better :)

Hillrunner2201 profile image
Hillrunner2201Marathon in reply to roseabi

Thanks for this. I've only loosely been following a training plan. I'll definitely build in a couple of lower mileage weeks.

mcgurranhouse profile image
mcgurranhouseMarathon in reply to Hillrunner2201

Which one are you doing? I am signed up fo Dublin at the end of October.

Hillrunner2201 profile image
Hillrunner2201Marathon in reply to mcgurranhouse

Nottingham. There's a HM and a full marathon.

Good luck for Dublin!

mcgurranhouse profile image
mcgurranhouseMarathon in reply to Hillrunner2201

Mine is a month after yours so should be cooler although a lot of people were caught out last year by a warm day in Dublin at the end of October - quite unexpected!

Hillrunner2201 profile image
Hillrunner2201Marathon in reply to mcgurranhouse

Most of my races so this year seem to fallen on hot days so I won't be surprised if it's boiling hot!!

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Marathon

I progressed 1- 2 miles at a time on my first marathon from 14 miles upwards to 22 with rest weeks too as the long runs really take it out of you....good luck and enjoy your training

benwill profile image
benwillMarathon

if you got that distance already then I would say you're a bit ahead of schedule. I did my last run of about 22 miles 3 weeks out, I would suggest keep doing long runs of about 18-20miles every other week this should keep your fitness, and try doing speed sessions or hills during the week. Then the last long run do a 22 mile run.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Long runs and appetite

So today I ran 15 miles, my longest run yet. The run was fine and felt like I could have done more...

How many miles a week?

How many miles or kms are people on here doing a week? I've clocked up a lot of mileage over the...

20 mile Marathon warm up

This morning was the turn of another long run. I've been building distance for a while with lots...

The one that didn’t go to plan

I’ve been inspired by a few people’s long runs recently. Having lost the love for runs over 10-11...

These shorter runs

Hey guys bit of advice needed. Started marathon plan. The shorter runs are they used to do...