Breaking long run into 2 runs (Page 2)

The sports medicine literature supports that when you break them up you gain the same cardiovascular benefits as a single long run.  (I'm a sports doc.  The literature is in MSSE but I can't quote it off the top of my head) Now as an athlete I think there is benefit from a single long run and teaching your body to handle the fatigue but that is different than straight cardiovascular benefit.   Certainly with time or injury constraints it is a solid strategy.  Personally I have come to the conclusion that I need to do the training that MY body will tolerate and what fits into my life not what is deemed "normal" tri training.  You gotta do whatcha gotta do!

I could see the aerobic benefit possibly being equal, but what about from a neuro-muscular standpoint. Ceratinly the amount of stress applied in a single long run is very different from two shorter ones spaced apart.

Great timing on this question. I am actually splitting my long run today for the first time..and I am slow.  I ran 6 miles this morning (1:10) and will run 2 hours tonight.  Part of the reason I am splitting it is the amount of time I am actually running - over 3 hours and the second is trying to deal with some of my hydration issues.  I will be fully hydrated by the time I run tonight.

And I guess I will know tonight or tomorrow if I feel any better or worse than usual.