Does anyone just do long runs 20+ miles just for fun??
I have no interest in organised events but I do want to get my distances over 20 miles with a view to spending all afternoon out on the trails. Currently my "long" runs are only 3 hrs door to door including any photo ops, map checks or even travelling to site.
Long term I'd even like to be out all day or even run to other cities and get the train home.
Does anyone else currently do stuff like that?
Not precisely, although I have enjoyed quite a few 32 km + runs on trails and roads as part of marathon/ultramarathon training. I plan to do more of it this summer without an event in sight 😊
I recommend you get a good hydration vest with lots of pockets xx
Yep, got one (Salamon Agile) which easily carries a litre, can add more/bigger flasks or carry a waist belt too or top up along the way. I'm avoiding a bladder on my back for now if I can.
I'm purposely routing up and down steep hills to increase strength and overall endurance.
Funny...I used to complain I didn't have enough time for 10k runs... now I'm allocating whole afternoons/mornings 🤣
I'm only aiming to add a couple of miles to one long run every 2 to 3 weeks but aiming to increase to 2 x HM distance per month at least. All trail with some routine road runs thrown in when squeezed for time.
What distance would a hydration vest start to be needed do you think Abi? I’ve been doing 20k road runs weekly since around January without the need for more than a short drink from my bottle, but this upcoming trail is hilly with around 620m elevation gain. I’ve no idea but it sounds challenging. Sorry GoGo, was not trying to hijack your post 🙂
I'll take my vest on any 15k+ run, I just find it more convenient and the bladder doesn't bother me. I carry less than a litre on the shorter runs, maybe a litre for a 32k for example.
Sorry for brevity, am away for a short holiday 😊
Yea I'll use mine for anything over 8 miles but with varying amounts of fluids depending on weather, intended distance and terrain. With more hills definately comes more thirst if you're not consciously dropping pace.
I can't be doing with a bottle. It's got to be attached to me somehow. I want my hands free, especially for hilly trails!
Even if I don't necessarily need it, it's good to have everything there to hand. I'll usually get through at least one snack bar for 8 mile+ runs and it's reassuring to have the fluids if only for a choking fit on the snack bar! 🤣
I have a 500ml bottle that slides into my flipbelt at the back so its easy to run with it. Should probably invest in a vest (invest in a vest?) at some point soon. And lately I've been bringing along some trail mix with cashews and yogurt chips mixed in. And a couple of maple gels too. Hoping that will be enough for this weekend's race orientation. As it is only a course guide run, I can go a bit slower too.
There's definitely an advantage in being able to sip without removing/replacing a bottle I think.
I feel it's better to have the weight higher up for some reason. I've haf hydration solutions at waist level but the vest does seem better so far... done about 5 runs with it I think so far.
Yea... take it easier for the orientation for sure. Huge advantage if you know the route in advance of the event. 👍
620m is a good amount, my last two long runs were 360m to 390m and they were pretty tough on the climbs. Downhill is harder than up in steep gradients. Do you generally run flat?
Yes, I generally run flat on road courses so this is new to me. The last long race I did was a 30k with around 205m uphill gain in the last 10-15k or so, which I found quite hard, so I'm guessing this will be a challenging one. Serves me right for signing up on a whim 
I enjoy the challenge of the climbs. I'm seeking out the best (worst) in my area on purpose. What doesn't kill you makes you a stronger runner right!? 😉🤣
You may be able to run 20k with no drink - but it is not good for you. Admittedly it is generally hot where I live, but I will drink 500 mls during every 10 k for long runs (nothing needed during 5Ks)
I don't think they are strictly needed if jogging up to HM distance but I have been taking my mini running pack/hydro bladder on my HM runs because of the weather (minus degrees, so I carry an extra lightweight jacket and gloves in case I pull up injured in the sticks).
One good thing about what you are proposing - is that you are going out to "just run" with no pace goal in mind. I would suggest that you pick a route that is known to you - something that is safe but "interesting" - you should slowly start to increase the distance , I have found an increase of 2 klm every second week has been working for me (for marathon training) . Once you have nominated the route and its' distance, run it - it might take you an hour or 6 hours , it doesn't matter how long it takes, just finishing the distance is the object. Unfortunately for me, with marathon training and a distinct time required to finish the event, pace always comes into my longruns (even though it shouldn't) .
I'm pretty lucky, my natural pace is fairly quick. I'm usually at the 10 min/mile and up to 11 on rough terrain. On trails I will have a few little map/photo stops. I don't look at pace on the go, only later and it's not a big deal.
I'm fortunate to have the Sussex downs on my doorstep so there's no lack of places to go 👍😁
I've been running/jogging a fun HM every week over the winter just to keep in shape. I think anything over 21k is getting into marathon training territory so will be doing those later in my marathon training prog. For my level of fitness the HM jog is just right. Quite long but does not take all day (2.5 hrs kit and out of the door to out of the shower) and legs still good the next day. A group of nutters I've trained with at an indoor arena this winter were running a marathon every Tuesday morning 8am-noon+ - yikes! I think there is some sort of rule/guide that spending more than 3 hrs running at any time is counter-productive (injury risk ec) unless you are ramping up to a long race event? Miss Wobble knows about this I recall from way back.
🤔 that would be interesting but I'm guessing it's more when pushing on... surely a jolly so to speak for an afternoon isn't going to be a big deal...
I get a wee bit frustrated when everything is "event" centered... my "events" are my runs 😁 so I guess it's more, how often should one run a marathon or a 3hr+ run?
It’s a wonderful thing to be doing for sure- my idea of heaven. I hate carrying water too but you’re going to have to tote some about your person somewhere. It’s not a problem when you’re near civilisation as you can bin your disposable bottle of water. On the trail it’s different unless there’s a convenient tea rooms for example where you an refill or buy new
I buy trail gear with lots of pockets. Just got a Decathlon wind-proof trail vest (gilet) for under a tenner for longer runs. It’s as light as air Ron Hill trail capris were £14.99 and I wear those most often. Once my drinks bottle has got lighter I stuff it down my crop top to leave my hands free
I'd stop for breaks to eat a snack, take a drink, etc, take a photo 😃. It’s lovely to be out when you’ve nothing better to do or when You need to escape 🙂.
Have big fun 😁👍😃🏃♀️
London marathon training update
Refueling long runs
Half Marathon blues 
