Long Run alternatives

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2008-11-16 2:09 PM

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Subject: Long Run alternatives

Well, these fires are causing some serious air quality issues here in LA.  I drove out to the beach this morning hoping for better conditions ther but no luck.

 

So on the sked was a 17 miler...any suggestions on an alternative?  I was thinking maybe 5miles at a time 3 times on a treadmill.  The thought of staying on the tready for 3 hours straight is a bit hard to grasp but perhaps if I do the 5's and break them up with a few minutes break in between...will this still be a good alternative?

 

 

2008-11-16 2:13 PM
in reply to: #1811115

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Subject: RE: Long Run alternatives
Treadmill's better than nothing. Give it a shot...

(My wife and I got up at 4:30am for a volunteer shift at the Pasadena Marathon...air quality issues = cancelled marathon = back to bed.)
2008-11-16 2:41 PM
in reply to: #1811115

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Subject: RE: Long Run alternatives
I'd run shorter this week and move the long run to next week.   i hate the treadmill and I'd shoot myself if I had a 3 hour run
2008-11-16 2:57 PM
in reply to: #1811115

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Subject: RE: Long Run alternatives

Not being able to breathe outside is about what it would take to get me onto a treadmill for any length of time.  So yeah, I'm biased.

Whether you can reasonably move the run to next week depends on what you are training for, and where you are in the overall plan.

Whether you can break the run up into parts with rest in between and not lose the point of the long run depends on what the point of this long run is.

I guess the fact that you didn't mention an indoor track means you don't have access to one -- that would be my first choice.

 

2008-11-17 12:12 AM
in reply to: #1811115

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Subject: RE: Long Run alternatives
Well the point of the 17 mile run was a long run building up for a marathon in Jan. I ended up hitting the treadmill for a 10k but couldn't manage anymore...the idea of watching sportscenter loop for 3 hours was too much. Hopefully the fires will clear up this week (mostly for the people it has affected) and I can do the 17er next weekend.
2008-11-17 12:35 AM
in reply to: #1811115

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Subject: RE: Long Run alternatives
I too live in LA in Hancock Park. I biked indoors.

Anyway, back to you. My suggestion would be to go on the treadmill. Break up your run into two sessions. Each at 7.5 miles. One in the morning. One in the evening. I know its not convenient, but you would gain the exact same benefit as running 15 miles all at once.

Research the net, you will find articles from many professional coaches who suggest breaking up the long run into two different runs for the day. Dave Scott being one of these coaches.



2008-11-17 1:52 AM
in reply to: #1811115

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Subject: RE: Long Run alternatives
Right there with you. I had a 12-miler planned for today (week 6's long run of a 16-week marathon plan) and had to forego it due to air issues. I wasn't even going to attempt any outdoor exercise with all the smoke and particulates and such in the air.
2008-11-17 5:20 AM
in reply to: #1811856

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Subject: RE: Long Run alternatives

sax - 2008-11-17 1:12 AM Well the point of the 17 mile run was a long run building up for a marathon in Jan. I ended up hitting the treadmill for a 10k but couldn't manage anymore...the idea of watching sportscenter loop for 3 hours was too much. Hopefully the fires will clear up this week (mostly for the people it has affected) and I can do the 17er next weekend.

I think you did the right thing not breaking it up.  If it's prep for a marathon, best to run it continuously.

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