Post by marathondude on Oct 23, 2008 13:55:08 GMT -5
The Myth of the 20-Mile Long Run
Most marathon training programs include increasing mileage, tempo runs, mile repeats and long runs that build up to 20-milers. When it comes to long runs that prepare runners for marathons, it seems that everyone talks about “getting in their 20-milers.” Often I hear something such as, “I’m not really ready as I only got in two 20-milers.” But with all of the variables in marathon training including total mileage base, marathon experience, track speed and mental strength is the inclusion of one or many 20-milers a necessity or a myth?
This is the introductory paragraph for a lengthy article written for the Nov/Dec issue of Florida Running and Triathlon. For the remainder which discusses 1) The "Round Number Theory;" 2) Percentage of Total Weekly Mileage; 3) Length of Long Run Compared to Secondary Runs; 4) Dehydrating Effects of Summer Heat and Humidity; 5) Prior Marathon Experience and 6) What This All Means, go to www.garycohenrunning.com, click on "Articles" and then "The Myth of the 20-Mile Long Run." Comments are more than welcome! Let's get a good exchange of thoughts and ideas.
Most marathon training programs include increasing mileage, tempo runs, mile repeats and long runs that build up to 20-milers. When it comes to long runs that prepare runners for marathons, it seems that everyone talks about “getting in their 20-milers.” Often I hear something such as, “I’m not really ready as I only got in two 20-milers.” But with all of the variables in marathon training including total mileage base, marathon experience, track speed and mental strength is the inclusion of one or many 20-milers a necessity or a myth?
This is the introductory paragraph for a lengthy article written for the Nov/Dec issue of Florida Running and Triathlon. For the remainder which discusses 1) The "Round Number Theory;" 2) Percentage of Total Weekly Mileage; 3) Length of Long Run Compared to Secondary Runs; 4) Dehydrating Effects of Summer Heat and Humidity; 5) Prior Marathon Experience and 6) What This All Means, go to www.garycohenrunning.com, click on "Articles" and then "The Myth of the 20-Mile Long Run." Comments are more than welcome! Let's get a good exchange of thoughts and ideas.