Welcoming Simplicity

Cultivate a healthy home & lifestyle.

Let's Connect

        
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • TOP POSTS
  • HOUSEHOLD
    • FOOD
    • CLEANING
    • PETS
  • WELLNESS
    • FITNESS
    • BEAUTY
    • SELF-CARE
  • MONEY
    • SAVE MORE
    • SPEND LESS
    • FRUGALITY
  • GARDEN
    • PLANT
    • HARVEST
    • LAWN CARE
    • PEST CONTROL
  • RESOURCES
  • REVIEWS
  • CONTACT
    • ADVERTISE
    • DISCLAIMER

How to Prepare for a Long Run Tips & Gear

November 5, 2021 By Holly Hammersmith 6 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclaimer.

Pin It

Welcome! If you're new here, you may want to subscribe join my newsletter and receive a FREE copy of my "5 Easy DIY Beauty Recipes" ebook! Thanks for visiting!

Preparing for a long run, for me, is different than preparing for speed work or a tempo run. With any run 6 miles or more, I have to put some serious thought and consideration into preparation when you figure out how to prepare for a long run.

The times I haven’t, the experience has been less than ideal. Chafing. Dehydration. Runny Nose. These issues can make an hour and a half run suddenly feel like torture.

How to Prepare for a Long Run

How to Prepare for a Long Run

About Long Runs

As I prepared for a 7-miler run in the past, which was a long run, and for an upcoming 6-miler the weekend after, it made me realize how many areas I usually focus on and think about before setting foot on the pavement. So without further adieu, here are my long run preparation tips.

Related blog posts:
• Selecting a Running Jacket Advice for Runners
• New to Running? 5 Items You Need to Have
• Running Cramps: How to Stop Them for Good
• How to Recover After Your Run

Long Run Preparation

• Begin hydrating the night before, or better, 24-hours before the run

• Fuel up with a hearty dinner the night before

• Check the weather and dress properly (I like Runner’s World What to Wear best)

• Charge GPS Watch and/or map a route online beforehand (or bring a running watch)

• Eat before the run, but not too much, and not too little (this can get tricky)

• Determine if a hand held water bottle or hydration belt is needed on the run

• Bring along fuel if needed

• Pick out the proper shoes (My Pearl Izumis cause blisters at mile 3, but the Asics are golden for long runs.)

• Assess situation for potential chafing, apply BodyGlide as necessary

• Keep in mind a post-run recovery plan including post-run fueling, hydration, stretching, etc.

• Consider any other necessities, such as bringing tissues, car keys and a positive outlook.

Preparing for a Long Run


Breaking Up Longer Runs

During one long run I asked my running partner 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. 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.

How to Finish Your Long Run

Run, jog, walk, crawl. Just make sure you get the mileage in.  In the past I have fallen short on my long runs. Giving up. Exhausted. Can’t go anymore. Well enough of that. If you have to, just walk, OK? It’s still time and miles on your feet. It counts. Here’s how to finish your long run.

In the past I would would have said “My legs are tired.” This year I said “Make sure you get the mileage in.” I’m glad I did. That’s how to finish your long run. Finishing your long run can be challenging but not impossible.

Long Distance Run

How to Prepare for a Long Run

In Summary

It’s important to prepare for your long run. There is a saying though about never regretting a run, or workout for that matter, you will feel better for doing something rather than nothing – I promise.

I hope these tips on finishing your long run are helpful next time you are out on the pavement or on the trails. I hope this post inspired you.

What routines or tips do you use to prepare for a long run?

*This post was originally published in 2012 and has been updated and republished for accuracy and comprehensiveness.



Filed Under: FITNESS, WELLNESS

About Holly Hammersmith

Holly Hammersmith is an independent writer and editor. She blogs about how to keep a healthy home and lifestyle. Topics include wellness, household, saving money, gardening and more. Holly lives in Cleveland, Ohio, with her husband, daughter and rescue dog Lulu.

Comments

  1. Jessica B. says

    April 6, 2012 at 9:02 AM

    Drinking water the day before is key. I notice a huge difference if I drink water the night before or not. Or if I go out drinking the night before. I think a lot about my long run and get myself pumped up. I plan a fun route that passes my favorite places. Or I pass places twice so 2 hours later people can go “that girl is still running, crazy”.

    Reply
  2. Faith @ For the Health of It says

    April 6, 2012 at 9:39 AM

    I haven’t done a long run in a while, but my golden tip was go to the bathroom beforehand! Kind of a “duh” idea, but there have been several instances where I was all…screw this, I have to pee…but no place to stop!

    Reply
    • Holly says

      April 6, 2012 at 10:52 AM

      Oh yes! I get especially paranoid about restroom breaks. Of course drinking all that water to hydrate exasperates the problem!

      Reply
  3. Julie @ Am I There Yet says

    April 7, 2012 at 10:49 AM

    I make sure i get up in time to eat a good pre-run breakfast. But before I do that, I always take an Imodium. Sounds so crazy, but if its a really long one, it helps me avoid crapping and other running unmentionables. Make sure you get good sleep, drink plenty of water, and like you said, take a positive outlook!

    Reply
  4. Danielle says

    October 17, 2012 at 10:24 PM

    I have my first 6 mile relay on Sunday. Thanks for the tips. I am mostly concerned about what to eat beforehand. I was told maybe an egg and toast were best but no dairy!

    Reply
    • Holly says

      October 19, 2012 at 9:13 AM

      Good luck at your relay Danielle! Thanks for the comment.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *



Top Posts
Garage Sale HacksDIY Sourdough Starter Day by DayBarre3 ReviewMy Dog Ate Bread Dough

Milk Jug Greenhouses

Writing About…

BEAUTY CLEANING FITNESS FOOD FRUGALITY GARDEN HARVEST HOUSEHOLD LAWN CARE MONEY PEST CONTROL PETS PLANT SAVE MORE SELF-CARE SLICE OF LIFE SPEND LESS WELLNESS

DISCLAIMER

Welcoming Simplicity is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.


Entertainment.com

Find Your Influence

HOME
ABOUT
DISCLAIMER

Copyright © 2022 Hammersmith Writing & Editing, LLC. All Rights Reserved.