I was really whooped after this run. It was 86 degrees at run start and sun a blazing. Pretty much a sweat fest. I ran the whole way with “SH” who was a great sport when I asked if we could take two short walk breaks. Then I realized I should ask, do you break up your long run?
I was beginning to get that overheated feeling. We walked about 50 feet each time, and still managed to keep a great pace overall! I brought my handheld water bottle which was a lifesaver.
Do You Break Up Your Long Run?
Wednesday’s Workout:
4 miles / 43:48
“Barefoot” in my VFF with Run Group
Pre-run bathroom shot
Post-run. Smiling but beat. I curled up into a ball after I showered.
Do You Break Up Your Long Run?
I am starting to think more and more that my recent running ailments are due to poor form, as I fatigue during my runs. The last 1/4 mile Wednesday was the worst. I knew I was starting to hunch over and bind up, and it became quite the struggle to maintain a good posture.
Related blog posts:
• Vibram FiveFingers Sprint Review
• Is Barefoot Running Dangerous?
• My Running Journey: A Look Back
• New to Running? 5 Items You Need to Have
I think next time I tackle a “long run” I might break it up and run a few miles, take a break, and then finish. I’m looking to tackle a 7-miler again next week. Do you break up your long run?
In Summary
It is 100% OK to break up your long run. Sometimes the distance you need to cover is so long you have to, or maybe your schedule doesn’t work or you need to trade off childcare with your spouse or maybe the weather is horrible. Whatever the reason I am a firm believer that the distance matters more than how it’s completed.
Do you split up your long runs?
This Sunday for our long run Christie and I are running 10 miles, driving to a 5K, running the 5K and then doing a 1-2 mile cool down. It’ll be a long morning but I can much easier digest doing that than just running 15 miles.
I agree the double digit runs are especially intimidating!
When I was little, my riding instructor used to make me ride with a crop across my back, held in the crooks of my elbows. It helped me focus on my posture, especially over jumps. Now when I’m running, I picture having that crop there again.
Good posture not only eliminates some injuries, it always helps you avoid those pesky side stitches.
I break up my longer week day runs all the time. It’s the only way they get done!
Hi Kara. Thanks for the comment!
Great insight on posture. I’m sure we will all benefit from that tidbit.
I’ve “broken up” a run in he sense that I’d arrive at a race early, run a few miles & then run the race to finish out the long distance I needed. But I don’t really count that as “breaking up” a run. I think breaking up a long run is really when you run part in the morning & then part in the evening. I’ve always heard that as long as you don’t sleep between them, you’ll still get all of the training benefits as you would running the whole distance at once. I guess if you sleep you start the recovery process whereas if you don’t sleep you’re still working your muscles in a state of fatigue like you’d get from running it all in one shot.
Hey Theresa. Thanks for your comment.
You make very good points. I agree that sleeping between the runs would pretty much defeat the whole purpose!
I sometimes break up runs due to the heat, but a little differently than you’re talking about. Last sunday I ran 4 miles outside, up to the gym and did the remaining four on the treadmill. That way I got a break from the heat.
I’ve never tried breaking up a long run, only because I don’t know if I would go back for the second half! I have read that one of the most important aspects of the LR is being on your feet for that amount of time.
I’ve broken up long runs before. Sometimes it helps me, both physically and mentally! How do you like the VFF?
Hi Meghan. Thanks for the comment!
I love the VFF! I haven’t had any issues with the shoes so far. I have been using them on average 1-2x per week for running and/or walking since March. The worst was I almost got a blister. This week I’ve ran 8 miles in them already with no problems whatsoever.
Did you get your hair cut? It looks super cute!
Anyways, to answer the question, I sort of broke up long runs. We only took the dog out for about half so we’d break (no longer than 5 minutes) to drop him off and then continue. I am sure there’s a benefit to two-a-days or breaking it up but I like to build slow and steady for whatever distance I’m training for so I’m used to it race day.
Yeah I’m trying to think of ways to make getting this LR done more manageable! What a bear.
On the hair, the haircut is the same. But I usually buy “medium” hold product and instead bought “strong” hold and it appears it has given my hair even more volume! 😉
I don’t really break up my runs…I take walk breaks when necessary and stop for a bathroom/water break maybe once but if I split it up I would probably not start back up. Laziness would set in, for sure.
The only time I break up my runs is when training for Ragnar, when I have to get used to running two or more times in 24-30 hours. I prefer to get it all done at once. 🙂
Yaay! I’m glad to see you’re still loving the VFF! Keep up the good work. 🙂
Yes, I usually run in them once a week, varying mileage. Thanks for checking in!