Guys it’s MARATHON week! I’m really trying to stay calm and not completely freak out, so this week I am focusing on great nutrition, rest, hydration, and mental focus and clarity. Yes! So much of marathon training is MENTAL.
Today, I decided I would send some good vibes my way (and to anyone else running a long distance in the near future) by focusing on all the amazing ways to get through a long run.
How I Get Through a Long Run
- Listen to music that really gets me going | This may seem like a no brainer, but for me that means listening to stuff like Broadway (remember I studied music in school?), a cappella (like this!), or even cover versions of songs that I really like (like this version of Someone Like You by Charlie Puth and Emily Luther)
- Listen to podcasts | A “long” run can mean a lot of things for many people, but during marathon training I had some runs that were 3+ hours…I needed to keep my mind busy and podcasts really helped! I loved listening to the Nourish Podcast, Balanced Bites, Ancestral RDs, and Chalene Johnson.
- Doing the walk/run thing | early on in my marathon training, I committed myself to running for 4 minutes then briskly walking for 1 minute. I did this during a half marathon and was still able to finish with a time under 2 hours. Constantly looking at the clock may sound counterintuitive when trying to pass time, but having something to look forward to every 4 minutes really makes the time fly.
- Mentally breaking up the run into smaller chunks | When I set out for my 20 miler, I broke it up into four 5 mile chunks. Each time I reached a milestone, I thought to myself “ok! only 5 more miles until I’m halfway!” or something like “5 more miles until I get to turn around!” it totally helped to pass the time.
- I decided I was going to finish the distance before I even put my shoes on | This one is a little confusing to type out! What I’m trying to say is that I decided and committed to myself that I was going to finish the long distance days prior to actually tackling the run. I told myself that I could go slow, I could take extra breaks, I could do whatever I needed to do, as long as I completed the distance. Having this kind of forgiveness and understanding for my body really helped me feel like I could tackle the distance (20 miles!) without an issue because I had no time constraints or anything. My only goal…get it done.
So there ya have it, friends! My favorite tips for tackling that intimidating distance.
Let’s hear it!
- What are some of your tips for getting through a long run or hard workout?
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Awesome tips! Your last tip definitely helped me get through my half marathon training. Going in telling yourself you ARE going to finish the distance truly makes all the difference.
Sending good vibes your way! You’re gonna kill it! 🙂
Thanks, Sara!! 🙂 I really appreciate the support!
Going to be sending you good vibes all week! I only wish I could be there to hug you at the finish line!!! 😀 xo
Awe I wish that too!!!! Miss you!
How exciting that you’re going to run a marathon, I have SO much respect for you! I am constantly trying to get into running, (I want to love it!) but it’s really not my thing if I’m being honest so every run feels long to me :). These are great tips for going the extra mile (literally!)
Thank you so much! 🙂 It’s ok that you don’t love running…I’m sure there are many other things you are amazing at!
I don’t have any relateable tips, just here for support! 😀 But in all seriousness, I’m sure you’ll kill it. I was literally just saying to my husband on our walk last night that long distance runners amaze me. Breathe, relax, stay positive, have fun. And good luck! 🙂
Thanks, Ashley!! 🙂
So exciting! You are going to rock it!
Having the mindset of YES you will finish and finish strong is so important! You’ve gotta believe!
Thank you SO much, Rebecca! The support means a lot!
Awesome tips, Tara! You will do great! 🙂
Thanks, Shiva! I hope your training is going great too 🙂
It’s going great, Tara! I love it so much!
Guess what…. I did my very first race yesterday! I did a 10K as a practice for the half marathon on Nov 7th! This Wednesday I am doing 12 miles with the group! So excited! 😉
That’s amazing!!! 🙂 Good job!
[…] Tips for Getting Through a Long Run […]
Best of luck in your marathon! Remember to enjoy it! I just ran a 10-miler this weekend which is the most I’ve ever run. I loved listening to podcasts while training, but I needed some fun music on race day.
Along with good music, what got me through it was reading the supporters’ signs, looking at all the fun, neon clothing of other runners and at some points, just focusing on putting one foot in front of the other to keep moving!
Thank you, Kelsey!! 🙂 Good job on the 10 miler!! Doesn’t hitting double digits feel awesome!!? 🙂
Great tips, and these are all things that I do myself! One thing that really helps me is to listen to podcasts for the first half, then switch to music for the last half. The music really pumps me up and push through! Also breaking it into chunks and thinking about that section really helps me..so instead of 18 miles left I only have 3 miles left in my first chunk! Don’t even think about the big number or it completely scares me!! Good luck in your race!
Thanks so much, Gretchen!! 🙂
Great tips Tara, thanks for sharing. You are going to rock your marathon! Enjoy your prep week! 😀
Thank you so much for the support!!!!