The KEY to Great Long Runs

Long runs are arguably the most important run of the week when it comes to training for a marathon, so what is the key to a successful long run? Tune in today and find out!

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Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:22 Pacing
1:27 Fuelling
2:38 Routes
3:53 Warm up
4:36 Hydration
6:13 Shoes/carb loading

[Mrspookster]

On the edge of my seat waiting for the UTMB (Sarah's and yours) video.

[grgr]

Completed a 28K long today at 32C horrible sunshine with no wind and 70% humidity and with no fuel since my gels' delivery was late.
Recipe for disaster. In the last 4K I was holding for dear life :):)
In the end target paces went down the drain but it turned out an amazing mental workout which is most important.

[ians]

As usual another good video from Ben and Sarah definately going to try varying the pace on long runs.
Looking forward to the UTMB vid 👍👍

[macau.friend]

The variation in pacing during a 20 mile run is definitely good advice. Now I just need to execute it. Btw, will you be talking about the UTMB experience at all?

[hicky]

Did my first half mara in July using one of Ben’s programs. Wiped 3 minutes off my goal time so have my first full Mara in 5 weeks time using another one of his programs. The program structure is awesome and they’re so reasonably priced. Thanks Ben!

[JustAdude]

I’ve been a runner for a long time now (just getting back into it again after a long period off from an ACL injury) I’ve ALWAYS had an issue with coming out the gate WAY to fast. I can never seem to get myself to slowdown in my first mile. It’s always seemed like I have to gas myself in the first mile and then drop my pace down to where I can go for 10 miles or so.

[gcdrumcovers]

Ben, will there be a UTMB episode coming out? I know it didn’t go how you planned and I hope all is well. We’d all love to see how you went for the section you completed.

[KyleMcCueRunning]

Been running and on strava for like 7 years and it was today that I learned you can find water fountains on the maps in the app... love the video Ben! you rock!

[joshuamcindoe]

Hi Ben, I have just recently finished watching your backlog of videos and series, definitely helped build motivation on my running journey. Did a half 9 years ago but not alot since. Back running this year, another 1/2 five weeks back and yesterday my first full marathon, in Dunedin NZ. Bloody tough but stoked to GET IT DONE! Thanks for your help. Enjoy and appreiate your videos! 👍👌

[BenHack]

Another good video, I enjoy this channel and it's a go-to for me along with a number of others. But, it'd be nice to get a deep insight into the lows (UTMB and Commrades) as well as the highs. Part of all our growth is overcoming the disappointments of the lows that make us stronger. We can all learn from each other's experiences.

[Mookiethedog]

Sweet viddy! Got my last long run before taper next weekend and great to hear your tips

[RunningToMyPast]

Thanks for this information, I like the idea of breaking up my run. Definitely going to try it!

[benjamin.kelley]

I did a 13 miler last week where I switched on and off 95% marathon pace, and it went by so fast.

[JudyWong-kv]

What happened to you at UTMB? Looking forward to your explanation.

[jh]

Great video thanks. Went for a long run today but only got to 17km due to the heat. Felt hard. I always do a Ben Parkes Warm up and have a yoga stretch after wards along with a bike cool down. Used my ASICS super blast and use High 5 energy gel. I also take a bottle of water with me along with my Ben Parkes running hat. I think sometimes I might need some more water with me and definitely will be looking to change my pace and routes a bit more. Thanks Ben. 👍

[Rich_]

So turns out I have been under fuelling my long Runs 🤦‍♂️ this whole time! I’ve now got double the amount of Gels let’s see how the easy long run goes tomorrow 😊

[Ouga_Official]

I am very happy with my Garmin forerunner 55, but the only reason I will upgrade it in a few months is because of the map thing. Now that I am venturing to run outside my local park, I do find it annoying and at times unsafe to be staring down at my phone for direction. I love the idea of running along disused train tracks, I will try to find one in London

[susanheneghan]

Ben we're all waiting for you and Sarah's vlog from UTMB.

[stormense]

Garmin Phenix 6? Set an alarm every 30 minutes to refuel... but if you run a training session you created from connect and run after it using the watch, there is no warning in your headphones.

[danielconde]

To put it simple:

- It's a long run, not a fast run: keep your pace nice and confy;
- It's a long run, not a short run: keep an income of calories at hand (gels, bars, a nice triple burger, you know, the usual), as well as hydration, hydration, hydration (you may have chosen a path with no public drinkable water available!);
- Keep yourself on the right path, and let someone close to you know your whereabouts - Strava has the "beacon" feature in the free version as well, which is great;
- Be aware of the weather, and take with you the necessary gear to face bad weather, when needed!

Now, put your gear on, and get off to your run!