Distance runners: How to work past 90 minutes?

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  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
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    That is a long time to be running. Bad for your knees, bad for your muscles, maybe slightly good for your heart. It is up to you if you want to run that long, I suppose.

    It is probably in your head. Very few modern people are mentally capable of running that long since it isn't a life or death situation. You aren't chasing down food and you aren't running from a predator (there are no other mammals in the world that can run as long as humans without needing a break.) Since the goal is only to finish the run, you have less of a primal drive pushing you. Only the people who make running their life can go into the 2+ hour range I'd say. If you aren't 100% dedicated, then it just won't happen. No shame in that, though.
    sorry this post is just full of rubbish I won't spend time pointing out the specifics but ignore it.


    Just run slow once you get the distance you can the build on your speed.

    Educate me, I love learning. Please inform me on all of the average people running 90+ minutes without a break. The OP said running slowly doesn't work. The OP isn't talking about distance or speed, but time. Read the post before you come in here with your, "I know everything, but I won't share any of it" attitude.

    Ever heard of ultramarathoners? Or of a marathon for that matter? My best time was 3:30 (more than twice her 90 minutes). If I am fueled, I can run 20 miles, no problem. Used to do it every weekend. But you have to carry water and gels, or some other kind of carbohydrate to keep the furnace going.
  • ThickMcRunFast
    ThickMcRunFast Posts: 22,511 Member
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    Running doesn't ruin your knees. Running long distances increases risk of knee injury. Knee injures ruin knees. Short, high intensity bouts are probably very good for your knees and knee endurance. I'm not a doctor though, but I do like to get my information from sources other than memes.

    you're not a doctor? Well get right outta here.

    Running long distances does not increase your risk of knee injury. running improperly (wrong shoes, upping mileage or speed too fast etc) increases your risk of knee injury. These, as was said, are mostly newb missteps.

    and for the lurkers, here is the article the 'meme' came from (also, dude, you don't know what the word 'meme' means either, apparently)...which includes links the studies dispelling the whole 'running is bad for you knees' myth.

    http://m.runnersworld.com/fun/no-running-does-not-ruin-your-knees

    I grew up on with the internet. I know what a meme is. That IS a meme

    "A meme (/ˈmiːm/; meem)[1] is "an idea, behavior, or style that spreads from person to person within a culture."[2] A meme acts as a unit for carrying cultural ideas, symbols, or practices that can be transmitted from one mind to another through writing, speech, gestures, rituals, or other imitable phenomena."

    You guys argue everything, huh?

    ain't arguing baby boy, just tellin' truths.

    And I posted a graphic that was found in one place.. A meme would be something like "amazingly photogenic runner guy". So, ya know

    martin-sheen-west-wing-president-be-wrong.gif

    Sorry OP, I hope you got good advice, this has just become too much fun.
  • uconnwinsnc
    uconnwinsnc Posts: 1,054 Member
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    You guys are fun. As much as I don't understand it, I respect the drive ya'll have to run. You must really love it.

    sbvxqGw.jpg?1
  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
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    Please inform me on all of the average people running 90+ minutes without a break.

    The average person is weak, unfit and overweight.

    You're using the wrong standard.
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
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    i'm going to just go ahead and leave this here

    http://theoatmeal.com/comics/running
  • LoraF83
    LoraF83 Posts: 15,694 Member
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    Nah man, you ain't old. But no way in hell I want to be running in 8 years.

    That's alright. More room on the road for the rest of us old folks.

    OP - I would advise that you listen to BrianSharp, CaptApollo, ThickMcRunFast and the rest of the awesome fit people giving you advice.

    I am inclined to agree with those who are saying you need another run or two during the week and that it's probably a refueling issue. I don't, however, think you aren't dedicated or capable.

    Good luck!
  • michellekicks
    michellekicks Posts: 3,624 Member
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    i'm going to just go ahead and leave this here

    http://theoatmeal.com/comics/running

    This. So much. Precisely.
  • Runner5AbelTownship
    Runner5AbelTownship Posts: 243 Member
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    Ok, so I do a long run once a week in addition to HIIT twice a week and strength training 3 times a week. My long run is always after my rest day which is also my "cheat" day so I'm usually coming off a bit of a calorie surplus going in to the run. I've been able to run for 90 minutes non stop since early November but can't seem to break past this time. Doesn't matter if I slow down and just go 5mph the whole time, which is a very easy pace for me, still can't get past 90 minutes. I feel great for the first 80-85 and am sure that this will be the week I get all the way to 2 hours and then BAM, legs and feet are TOAST. They feel like lead and just don't want to move anymore. Cardiovascularly I still feel great, I still have tons of energy, but my legs and feet are just done. So....mental block, muscle energy block, or some sort of overtraining?

    If I'm being unreasonable trying to run that much while doing my other workouts I can accept that, but if there is a way to work past this without having to give up my other workouts I would love some tips or advice from those with more experience.

    You are running too fast. It's really that simple. Running an Ultra is totally different then racing. I'd get thee to some books and forums.
  • Runner5AbelTownship
    Runner5AbelTownship Posts: 243 Member
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    That is a long time to be running. Bad for your knees, bad for your muscles, maybe slightly good for your heart. It is up to you if you want to run that long, I suppose.

    It is probably in your head. Very few modern people are mentally capable of running that long since it isn't a life or death situation. You aren't chasing down food and you aren't running from a predator (there are no other mammals in the world that can run as long as humans without needing a break.) Since the goal is only to finish the run, you have less of a primal drive pushing you. Only the people who make running their life can go into the 2+ hour range I'd say. If you aren't 100% dedicated, then it just won't happen. No shame in that, though.

    Just, no.
  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
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    Seems like a dedication issue to me, because the OP seems mostly dedicated to high intensity interval training. The long runs only come on rest days, so mentally the OP is in "rest mode." I've done miles and miles and a 2+ hour run before. It is a mental drain on us people who don't train for it.

    her long runs come after a rest/cheat day.

    So she is coming off a rest day going into a 2 hour run while spending most of her time training for HIIT. That seems like a mental and commitment issue to me. Her mind just isn't prepared for it when she is dedicated to something else.

    yeah, i think you're wrong. HIIT has it's place in any long distance training plan.

    if the OP wants to increase her distance, then she has to do so little by little. increase by 10% every week.

    i'd also throw in a medium distance run once a week (half of her max), and get rid of one HIIT session.

    but the issue is most likely just needing to refuel on the run. we know very little about the OP and her training habits, yet you are jumping up and down and saying "she's not dedicated enough!!"

    It appears that her desire isn't to run long distances, though, from how she comes across in her original post. It seems that these runs are only once a week and the other days are weight training and HIIT. That comes across to me as someone who wants to lose weight, not run longer distances. Nothing wrong with not dedicating yourself mentally to long runs if it isn't your goal.

    Humans are physiologically designed to run long distances, but most of us modern, post-agriculture people have lost the desire and need to run long distances. That's all I am saying. Some people do it for fun, but those who aren't really enjoying it, will not be able to do it very long. Running 2+ hours is an absolute **** for people that don't love it.

    Oh, I see. It was an absolute **** for you, so it must be for everyone. Got it. And she didn't give any indication that she doesn't love running.

    Your just here to argue, clearly. You have contributed nothing to this thread.
  • MyChocolateDiet
    MyChocolateDiet Posts: 22,281 Member
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    BUMP to check back up on IN A YEAR! Just started on couch 2 5k ...:grumble:
  • Runner5AbelTownship
    Runner5AbelTownship Posts: 243 Member
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    Please inform me on all of the average people running 90+ minutes without a break.

    The average person is weak, unfit and overweight.

    You're using the wrong standard.

    Shoot, I run longer then that and I'm 47, only been running six months and 245 pounds at 5' 6". You have t have a strategy regrading pace and fueling, but it's just freakin moving, FFS.
  • uconnwinsnc
    uconnwinsnc Posts: 1,054 Member
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    That is a long time to be running. Bad for your knees, bad for your muscles, maybe slightly good for your heart. It is up to you if you want to run that long, I suppose.

    It is probably in your head. Very few modern people are mentally capable of running that long since it isn't a life or death situation. You aren't chasing down food and you aren't running from a predator (there are no other mammals in the world that can run as long as humans without needing a break.) Since the goal is only to finish the run, you have less of a primal drive pushing you. Only the people who make running their life can go into the 2+ hour range I'd say. If you aren't 100% dedicated, then it just won't happen. No shame in that, though.

    Just, no.

    A little late to the party, but you're still welcome!
  • Runner5AbelTownship
    Runner5AbelTownship Posts: 243 Member
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    That is a long time to be running.Bad for your knees, bad for your muscles, maybe slightly good for your heart. It is up to you if you want to run that long, I suppose.

    Wrong, wrong, wrong...........

    There is no evidence that running is bad for your knees (barring a pre-exisiting problem) in fact several studies have suggested that the opposite is true ie runners suffer lower rates of arthritis.

    To the OP - try focusing on a distance goal rather than a time.


    QFT
  • Runner5AbelTownship
    Runner5AbelTownship Posts: 243 Member
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    That is a long time to be running. Bad for your knees, bad for your muscles, maybe slightly good for your heart. It is up to you if you want to run that long, I suppose.

    It is probably in your head. Very few modern people are mentally capable of running that long since it isn't a life or death situation. You aren't chasing down food and you aren't running from a predator (there are no other mammals in the world that can run as long as humans without needing a break.) Since the goal is only to finish the run, you have less of a primal drive pushing you. Only the people who make running their life can go into the 2+ hour range I'd say. If you aren't 100% dedicated, then it just won't happen. No shame in that, though.

    Just, no.

    A little late to the party, but you're still welcome!

    For what? Misinformation and outdated junk science?
  • KeithAngilly
    KeithAngilly Posts: 575 Member
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    SonicDeathMonkey80 wrote:

    "OP: this thread is a trainwreck of garbage advice. Head over to the long distance runners group and ask there. "

    Please do this. Forum land is a silly place.

    to the OP: If you have a reasonable base, running 90 minutes shouldn't require much extra in the way of water or fuel, if any at all. The exception to this may be running in high heat. I wouldn't even consider water or fuel for anything less than 2 hours, and even then, it would be to practice fueling strategy. I suspect your base is at fault here. Please check out the long distance runners group and you will get some sound advice about how to proceed.

    Good luck!
  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
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    Shoot, I run longer then that and I'm 47, only been running six months and 245 pounds at 5' 6". You have t have a strategy regrading pace and fueling, but it's just freakin moving, FFS.
    Yep. What the "average" person these days can do is an embarrassment.

    90 minutes of jogging is something virtually everybody should be able to do, regularly.
  • Runner5AbelTownship
    Runner5AbelTownship Posts: 243 Member
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    That's ridiculous. I have been a runner for 6 years and I routinely used to run up to 2 hours on my long run. And I didn't make running my life.

    You are in the fraction of a percent of people who can do it. I'd say that counts as making running your life. I bet you're 100% dedicated to it, right? It seems the OP is spending most of their time and energy on HIIT.

    Three times a week, speed, hills and then a long run. Sounds to me like a speed and fuel issue, maybe hydration as well. Really running for a long time Is Not That Hard. You just need a plan.
  • sharebear2012
    sharebear2012 Posts: 122 Member
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    Hi there, Great dedication to run for 90 minutes. Are you training for anything? I run half marathons but do not keep the long runs up like you are all the time. I found that to run more than 90 minutes when training it was about nutrition an hour or 1.5 hours before my run. So I would have a smoothie with some protien in it before the run. As well I carried some quick energy jel or bars with me and water. I usally run in the morning so used to running before eating but for that long of a run you need some carbs and protien right before the run. Try that and see if it helps.
  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
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    Probably a couple of things going on. I assume you are looking to run a half or full marathon? Most people don't look for long runs that far unless they are so I will give you advice based on that assumption.

    As you reach longer distances your body needs fuel. Gu, Chomps, any kind of energy that is easily digested in small quantities is important. I can go 90 minutes no problem, longer than that I fuel. I would recommend every 30 minutes or so up to about 3 hours. When I go beyond that I break it down to 75-100 calories every 15 minutes and split it between gels and energy drinks. My goal is about 350 calories an hour since that is about as much as your body can digest while exercising.

    Your runs during the week are also a little short. Try looking at some running plans from Hal Higdon or some of the other ones easily found on the internet for free. You will see that as the long runs get up there in distance you also have longer runs during the week. It makes a big difference in helping your body to adapt to distance running.

    Last thing is probably mental. Stop looking at your watch and start looking around you. When you get to the wall start picking really short goals (the next tree, street sign, driveway, etc.) and stop looking at your watch. Keep running the same route for long runs for several weeks and this will help you see the progress you are making.

    Hope that helps. Best of luck with whatever your ultimate goal is!

    This is solid advice. Especially the mental part. It will be easier if you up your midweek mileage, but you may also just be in a mental rut where you have worked 90 minutes up into the ultimate barrier.

    And thanks for the lulz.

    OP, the great thing about anyone who says "running is bad for you knees" is that you can, without fail, go ahead and ignore everything else they say.

    http://www.runnersworld.com/tag/runners-knee

    Knee injuries are very common among runners. More knee injuries=more damage over time. It isn't rational to instantly cut off someone because you disagree with what they say, but then, go ahead and be a zealot. There is no room for disagreement here apparently.

    the causes of runners knee are pretty much due to very common beginner issues, such as not wearing proper footwear, increasing the distance and the amount of hills too rapidly, not doing any strength training, and not properly stretching afterwards.

    people exerting themselves is going to lead to injuries no matter what. people get carpel tunnel syndrom from typing too much, yet we still use computers.

    don't come in here spouting absolute statements like "running is bad for your knees" and then claim that there is no room for disagreement here. you're not exactly keeping an open mind. and we're not saying that running isn't bad for your knees. we're just saying that it's not as bad for your knees as you would like the OP to believe.

    and if running is so bad for your knees, how come you were doing all those long distance runs?

    but please, call me a zealot in your next post, in an attempt to make my counterpoint seem less meaningful. it will only make your argument hold even less water.

    I did those runs because I am about to turn 23 and in pretty good athletic shape. I needed to do it to burn calories and increase the strength of my cardio so that I could play more minute sin basketball. I also did them as "screw you" to people who called me fat and said I would never be able to run. Once I get into my 30s, **** running forever. I'll stick to lifting, sprinting, and basketball while I am young (which is rough enough on ligaments). I only made one quick reference about how long distance running is bad for the knees in my original post, I didn't even follow up on it. There is no gains to be made with constant slow pounding of your feet on a track. All it does is increase your chance of injury.

    Ah. The angry young man with a chip on his shoulder. It's OK sweetie. We can't all be long distance runners (apparently, though you did say earlier that it's pretty much what we evolved to do).