Happy Wednesday! As I’m almost halfway through my training for the Chicago Marathon, I thought this would be a good time to evaluate the runs in my training schedule. My training plan calls for four runs per week – two “easy” runs, one tempo run and one long run. The other day I started to think about how all these runs are different, but is one type of run more important than the other? Let’s discuss.
I want to start off by saying I don’t think there is one correct answer. I’m sure everyone has a different idea about what type of run is most important to them based on their race goals, but this is just my view.
Long Run
Rank #1
The long run is just what it sounds like – it’s the longest training run of the week and you usually run it at a slower pace than tempo runs, etc.
Hands down, the long run is the most important run for me when I’m training for a race. No matter how I feel or if the weather is less than ideal, I always make a point to get in the miles on my long run. I like that it gives me more time on my feet, which makes me feel better prepared come race day. I also like how I feel after a long run, especially if it was a tough run. That feeling of accomplishment is everything! I’m also all about the post long run food/nap 🙂
Easy/Recovery Runs
Rank #2
I love easy/recovery runs because they are a great way to get in your runs at a comfortable pace. Easy runs are supposed to be low-intensity. These runs also help our muscles to recover after tempo and long runs. I’m a big fan of these miles because I can just crank up my playlist and run. I don’t need to check my watch, I run based on feel. Most runs in a training plan are easy/recovery miles.
Tempo Run
Rank #3
Ah the lovely tempo run. It’s a faster paced workout and it can be best described as “comfortably hard”.
Well, no surprise with this ranking! I just started doing tempo runs during this training cycle and it’s H-A-R-D! I know that they are necessary, especially if you want to PR a race – and I do! I sometimes feel like this run is harder than my long run because I’m not a “speedy” runner. Does anyone else feel that way?
What’s the most important run during your training cycle? Does it change when your training for shorter vs longer races?
I’m linking up with Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama, Jen from Pretty Little Grub and Nicole from FitFul Focus for Wild Workout Wednesday.
I’m also linking up with Rachel from Running on Happy, Susie from Suzlyfe, Lora from Crazy Running Girl, and Debbie from Coach Debbie Runs for Coaches’ Corner!
Kathrine Switzer, my new BRF, told me this weekend that speedwork is one of the most important runs of training. The other is the long run. If it’s good enough for KSwizz, it’s good enough for me…
I just wish I could do speed work without feeling like death, lol
I agree, I prefer the long runs over all the other ones. I detest speed work…like you, I don’t consider myself speedy either, so I struggle with running “fast” vs. “fast for me.” I know it’s all in my head, but it’s still a tough battle.
Exactly! I know that what’s “fast for me” is not fast at all when you look at the really speedy runners!
I have not trained for a full marathon but I do agree that the long run and time on your feet is the most important. I would say rest/recovery runs is a second. You are crushing it this training season!
Thanks so much! I always really appreciate my easy runs on Mondays after my weekend long runs!
I’m all about the tempo and the long runs too…I know easy runs are just as important but I usually have trouble taking it as slow as I should 😛
Me too! That’s something I am trying to work on currently, lol
I think that they are all important so it’s hard to pick just one. I guess the long run, since if you don’t do it you probably won’t even make it through a marathon!
Very true! I think that’s why I consider it my most important run when training.
All of these are important! I like long runs the best and of course are needed for longer races. Tempo runs….love and hate them. They are hard! But once completed it such a great feeling. I think tempo runs are needed if you have a goal time for a race.
Tempo runs are so hard, but I totally see why people would love them. They can definitely help with PRs!
I never specifically train for shorter races — at least not so far — so I’m with you on pretty much every point.
I much prefer speedwork to tempos but the tempos do work. Darn it!
Agree that easy runs are SO important!! Many people forget this and think that running hard is the way to go.
So true. I’m actually still working on running my “easy” runs a little slower.
I’d have to say that my long runs that include a portion at race pace are the most important – maybe mentally more than physically! I need to know I can run far at race pace!
I totally agree! There’s just something about the long run that is such a confidence booster!
Your memes are priceless. And I totally agree with the order of importance of your list!
I love the internet for some many reasons, especially memes, LOL
I think it really depends on your goals, but I think that the Hansons method proves that you can run longish and not run long and still do a great job. I don’t think any one day makes or breaks you, but rather the cumulative effect.
That’s very true about the Hanson’s method. That program is a little too intense for me (too many days of running), but I know a few people that have had lots of success with it!
I definitely focus on my long runs when I’m training for a 10 miler or Half. I figure my other workouts can be stand-ins for other types of runs, but nothing makes up for that time on your feet.
I couldn’t agree with you more!
I think the long run is most important. It preps me physically and mentally for races.
Same for me – sometimes the long run is way more mental than physical for me.
Can I just say all those memes are hilarious?
I think that all of the runs are really important and play their role, and while I love my easy runs, the long runs are the ones I definitely don’t want to miss when training.
The internet helps feed my meme addiction, lol. I feel the same way about long runs.
I feel pretty certain I would SUCK at tempo runs. I’ve never done one lol. For me, the long run is the most important because it’s totally mental. It’s a “Oh, I CAN run this distance” type of thing for me.
Don’t worry, I suck at tempo runs as well, lol. I prefer the long run because the pace is more comfortable and I always feel like it’s a huge achievement when I finish.
I’m with you, the long runs are at the top of my priority list. Building my mileage up slowly but surely will help make sure that I am prepared to run my first marathon in just a couple of short months.
You’ve been doing a great job with your training so far!
I wholeheartedly agree that the long runs are most important. You simply have to get the miles in to build the endurance to make it to the finish of a full marathon.
I couldn’t agree more!