Happy Wednesday! Today I’m linking up with Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama, Jen from Pretty Little Grub, Michelle at Fruition Fitness and Nicole from Nicole from FitFul Focus for Wild Workout Wednesday.
I’m also linking with Susie, Rachel, Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches’ Corner.
As my marathon training winds down (and I continue to enjoy the taper), there are a lot of things I want to share on my blog. When I first looked over my training plan, I was very nervous for the long runs. How will I ever get through 16, 18 and 20 mile runs? Luckily I was already signed up for a few Fall races, so it was easy for me to incorporate these races into my long runs. I know that this doesn’t work for everyone, but it really made my long runs more enjoyable. There are a lot of advantages to incorporating races into your long runs.
You HAVE to complete the miles
Sometimes it’s easy to want to skip a long run. Or if you’re in the middle of a bad long run, it’s easy to just throw in the total. Both scenarios are not ideal and you end up not completing your long which is never a good thing. When a race is the bulk of your long run, you are more inclined to actually get in the miles. Also you would want to avoid a DNF if possible.
Perfect your fueling strategy
It’s takes some trial and error, but eventually you will find the correct fueling strategy. Why not practice this while also getting water at aid stations? This is a great dry-run for your actual goal race. Also you might have the chance to try different gels on the course as well. You can try those out during the run to see how they affect your stomach and performance.
You get swag
This is pretty self explanatory. If you’re going to run long, why not get rewarded with a race t-shirt and/or a medal? I’m not going to lie – I run for the bling bling 🙂
Break up the miles
Long runs can get very boring very quickly. What’s awesome about adding a race to your long run is that you can run some miles before and/or after the race. I personally liked adding a bulk of the ‘extra’ miles BEFORE the race, because it’s hard to want to run more miles AFTER the race!
Race-Day Atmosphere
If your goal race is a very large race, it helps to practice running in races with lots of people. That way you will not go into complete shock when you’re running with 50,000+ runners! You also get experience with navigating crowds, bobbing and weaving (or not) through other runners and pacing yourself.
It’s also important to note that while you are doing a race, you will actually not “race” it. Does that make sense? You have to keep in mind that this is still a long run, so the pace should be slower. For me this was very helpful because I’ll have to practice holding back the pace during the first half of my marathon. I feel like I am mentally prepared for this aspect of the race on Sunday.
Do you incorporate races into your long runs? Why or why not?
Incorporating races into long runs really is the way to go! Who wouldn’t want a medal for all their hard work?! 🙂
Exactly! You know I love my bling bling, lol
I never have incorporated races into my long run but I do love the idea. I just wish there were more races in my area to do that.
I totally know what you mean about the lack of races. If I had to train for the marathon during the winter, I would have way less race options.
I’m so excited for you! I usually incorporate one or two races into marathon training. It definitely helps to break up the monotony.
Thanks so much Rachel and congrats again on your MCM finish!
Haha, I’m also all about the bling! The fancier the better. I never thought about using races as my long runs though, it’s a great idea.
I just love race medals because each medal has significant meaning! I had already signed up for a few races before I started marathon training so it was easy to incorporate them into my long runs. I really loved it!
You know I love incorporating races into long runs. Why not get a medal for running 20 miles?
My thoughts exactly!
That pic of the dog is too funny, but so true. Don’t we all run for the bling? I look forward to my longs runs as well. I always feel like I can reward myself a bit more after a longer one, rather than a short one just to get it done.
Totally agree with you about feeling like you can reward yourself more!
I don’t know if I could incorporate a race into my long run. I’d rather just go out and do the run! I know a lot of people who do that tho.
It can definitely be a little complicated as far as logistics, but it gives me something to look forward to especially since I do most long runs alone.
I never gave it as much thought but then as I saw you were regularly running races for your long runs, I started to realize what a smart move it is! I love that you get to practice that race atmosphere. My only problem is I tend to go too fast in races when I’m supposed to be training! Enjoy the taper before race day, can’t wait to hear how it goes!
I had the same problem – especially for RnR Philly, but since I crashed and burned during that race/long run, I quickly learned my lesson. I’m definitely not perfect at the pacing but I’ve gotten better the more races/long runs that I do.
YES I totally agree with all of this (as you know!) I think there are so many advantages but the fuel/water on the course helps a LOT. For those who train a lot solo (like myself) it is a really good way to have LOTS of company.
Totally agree with your last point. I usually do long runs solo and it can get SO boring. I like being surrounded by other runners!
Honestly you should be really impressed with yourself because lots of people have a mental block when it comes to doing this. They run the race, but the they don’t get any of the extra miles done before or after. You always nailed it all.
Awwe thanks Abby! I do find it easier to run the extra miles before the race vs. after the race. I think that the races help me a lot because I tend to get bored when I run long distances solo!
I usually do not add races to my long runs. I don’t want to pay. 🙂
That’s actually a very good point! Luckily I signed up for the races early so I got a pretty good deal!