Long Distance Runners

hjfischer

I am curious as to what pattern other long distance runners use after a long run. I run 16-19 miles on Sundays. I typically weight train on Mondays and maybe run 1-2 miles to stretch out my legs. I am wondering what other folks do and how they handle the day or two after a long run. I run about 35 miles a week. I am not specifically training for any marathon, but would like to run one. I have been a runner for 18 years. I have run several full marathons and numerous half-marathons. I have 4 kids, my youngest being 22 months. I have not run a full marathon since having kids. Now that I am in the higher mileage I would consider it. I want to keep my body strong and not have injuries.

Thanks!

CarsonRuns

I usually do somewhere between 6 and 10 the day after a long run. It really depends on what day my long run falls on my schedule and what phase of training I am in. Two days out from the LSD could be another 6 to 10 miles or a rest day. Again, depends on whether the LSD is on Saturday or Sunday and what phase. Mid to late stages of marathon training, I take 2 to 3 days off each month, so the rest days are much more infrequent.

trail_rnr

I pretty much always run the day after a long run, distance varies depending on what I am training for, where I am in periodization cycle, etc. On rare occasions that I don't run, I do some other sort of cross training (backpacking, hiking, cycling). I run back to back long runs 1-2 times a month when I am in full training mode; when I do this I usually cross train after the second long run day.

I feel like I mostly represent reality--job, family, etc--but when I am in intense training mode some things fall by the wayside (and there is generally a little bit of drama for a while, which I absolutely hate). I've found that I do well running 5 days a week, cross training one day (and sometimes also on run days if it's a family bike ride or something), and taking one complete rest day. I've stayed pretty injury free. I also use a running coach, which is nice because I don't really have to think about it all too much (and I train for some, uh, weird events).

Good luck! I'm sure you will rock it!

scottb81

I have tried two things. One is going for a 10 to 12 mile EZ run the day after a long run. That actually works pretty well when the weather is cooler than it is now. The other is doing a tempo run the day after. That is not working so well and I usually have to cut the run shorter than intended. I normally only take a full rest day about once every two weeks.

brandyk77

I run long on Sundays - long being 15-20

I will go home and take a nap and then lift in the early evening

Monday is 4-7 miles recovery

Tuesday is 8-13 miles at the track

LeenaRuns

My long runs are on Sundays, I lift Mon, Wed, Fri and run Tues (easy run 4-7 miles), Thurs (speed work), and Sat (tempo run).