Marathon Handbook Podcast How Long Should Your Long Run Be? Marathon vs Half vs 10K + Fueling & Long Run Mistakes
Jan 15, 2026
The hosts dive into what defines a long run and its importance for various race distances. Alex shares his exhilarating experience at the Houston Half Marathon, highlighting pacing strategies. They discuss the optimal length for long runs, with insights into how to structure them throughout training blocks. Fueling basics for endurance are covered, alongside common mistakes runners make, like pacing too fast or neglecting recovery. Listeners receive practical tips to enhance their long run experience and overall performance.
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Long Runs Are Time-On-Feet Workouts
- A long run's core purpose is weekly time-on-feet to build aerobic durability and race rehearsal.
- It also trains fueling, musculoskeletal strength, fatigue resistance, and psychological readiness.
Sandwich Your Long Run With Easy Days
- Treat the long run as a quality session and schedule easy days around it.
- Run easy the day before and after or take a recovery day to protect training load.
Pre-Modern Marathon Prep Was Different
- Historic training once included full-day walks and cigarette use before modern long-run theory.
- Early 20th-century racers prepared with hikes rather than extended runs.