Advice for longer runs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I always used a water belt on anything longer that 6 miles. I also would keep my runs close to water fountains, if possible. Like running the Mall.

For really long runs 15-20+ miles, I’d sometimes bring cash and buy an ice cold water and Gatorade.

For food, if I was starving pre run, I’d eat half a banana

Whoops! Forgot to say - Congratulations!!!

Also, I’d wear the belt low on my hip bones and tight.

[Anonymous]

I have to run with water if I'm going longer than 5 miles, especially during the summer months in DC. I got used to carrying water when training for marathons. Now that things are opening up more, it might not be so difficult to find places to get water but I just prefer to bring my own so that there's not an issue.

I mostly use a handheld bottle with the neoprene sleeve (you just slide your hand in). For really long runs (13+ miles or so), I'll wear a water belt.

Pre-run, I might eat a banana or a piece of toast with peanut butter if it's a longer run (6+ miles). Short of that, I won't eat anything before I head out.

[Anonymous]

I think it’s better to make sure you drink extra water throughout the day so you are extra hydrated prior to your run (or the day before if you are a morning runner). If I am not well hydrated I really drag on my run. It really makes a noticeable difference. I personally wouldn’t carry water on my run for less than 10 miles in the heat of summer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it’s better to make sure you drink extra water throughout the day so you are extra hydrated prior to your run (or the day before if you are a morning runner). If I am not well hydrated I really drag on my run. It really makes a noticeable difference. I personally wouldn’t carry water on my run for less than 10 miles in the heat of summer.

+1. I am able to run up to 90 minutes without water during most summer days (I run in the early morning). That said, if you are able to stop for water halfway through a long run, that is advisable. Hydration is important the night before. Many runners start out a bit dehydrated and drinking during the run will not make up for that.

[Anonymous]

wow congrats!! how did you build up to 8 miles?

[Anonymous]

Unless you're doing a race, why the long runs? Do HIIT training along with running on incline/hills. Much more effective and efficient for cardio health. Get the same work out in half the time or less.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Unless you're doing a race, why the long runs? Do HIIT training along with running on incline/hills. Much more effective and efficient for cardio health. Get the same work out in half the time or less.

Some people just enjoy running! I almost never race, but find that I feel better overall when I'm regularly doing longer distances--& it keeps me in shape for the times when I do decide to sign up for an event.

OP, I don't really bother with water/food unless I'm doing 15+ miles (& even then I try to do it sparingly--I'd rather have to deal with a dry mouth than a full bladder...). They look silly, but I've actually found that hydration vests aren't so bad since you don't have to carry anything in your hands & they have extra pockets for phone/keys.

If you really want to try eating during runs, try to incorporate it gradually & stick to foods that are less likely to irritate your stomach.

[Anonymous]

I regularly run that distance and don't carry water.

Carrying food on just 8 miles is absurd.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Unless you're doing a race, why the long runs? Do HIIT training along with running on incline/hills. Much more effective and efficient for cardio health. Get the same work out in half the time or less.

Not OP, but why do people say things like this? I do longer runs because I love how it feels. I love the flood of calm and happiness that comes only after a longer run, and I love how good it feels when a run is going perfectly, the way it feels when my muscles and lungs are working and my head clears the way it only does when running. I love the feeling of accomplishment that I get and the way my legs are strong and how I feel so healthy and alive. That's why.

Races add a different element to this and they are fun, but have nothing to do with why I run.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Unless you're doing a race, why the long runs? Do HIIT training along with running on incline/hills. Much more effective and efficient for cardio health. Get the same work out in half the time or less.

There are several physiological adaptations that occur in the body during a long run: enzymatic, capillary and musculoskeletal. Long runs increase enzymes in your muscle cells and grow capillaries, which are the small vessels that surround the cells.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I regularly run that distance and don't carry water.

Carrying food on just 8 miles is absurd.

+1. I also see people jogging loaded down with what seems like gallons of water. I think some people overdo hydration.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Unless you're doing a race, why the long runs? Do HIIT training along with running on incline/hills. Much more effective and efficient for cardio health. Get the same work out in half the time or less.

I see the opinion absolutely no one asked for has joined the conversation..

[Anonymous]

great job!
I use a fuel belt hydration belt. It holds two small bottles and doesn't flop around. Take a gel if you feel the need for calories

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I regularly run that distance and don't carry water.

Carrying food on just 8 miles is absurd.

+1. I also see people jogging loaded down with what seems like gallons of water. I think some people overdo hydration.

One reason I think I may need to carry water even on shorter runs (like 45 minutes) is the heat - I get overheated really easily so I kind of want to be able to cool off my head. Sometimes sprinklers do the job!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:wow congrats!! how did you build up to 8 miles?

This is OP. Thanks for the all the good advice. I'll do some experimenting and see what works.

I started with None To Run (N2R) last year. Twice over the last decade I tried Couch to 5K and quit in the third or fourth week because it got too hard. N2R is a more gradual rampup (I'm 50, so gradual is good). After that intro program, N2R also has a 5k and a 10k program. I did the 5K program, then I did the 10K program twice. Now I'm doing the half-marathon program on the Nike Run Club app. I'm the sort of person that needs structure and a program to tell me what I'm supposed to be doing each day or I won't do anything at all. Maybe one day I'll actually run a race.