Long Runs - Double Run Days

Chris Kuebert

Sorry, if this is posted someplace else or titled something different, my search Fu is mediocre at best.  Please direct me to the best link.

Just changed plans from the OS to HIM Intermediate and the long runs on Thursday are going to be really hard with a 4 month at home and 2 parents who work full time.  I believe I read someplace that we can split our long runs in half, morning and evening if it is absolutely necessary.  Please chime in if you have done this or know of someplace where I can get more info.  Hoping for some EN love.

Chris   

GMAN 19030

I did it in 2013. Ran 5-6 times per week and split my long run in two. I think the longest training run I did that year was 10 or 11 miles but ran 16 or 17 miles in a day on a few occasions.

I'm firmly in the camp that running volume through frequency is more effective than worrying about a single run. I also think the long run is far and away the most overrated workout in triathlon training. Just my $.02.

Al Truscott

I'd only heard of split long runs for a marathon/IM training, so I did a quick search on split long runs for half marathon, and came up with this. It's based on the training plans from QT2 Systems, a well-known triathlon team/training program:

http://running.competitor.com/2014/09/training/workout-week-split-long-run_114579

Jan Schorpion

I did it a few times last year when training for IM. Usually an hour before work and then an hr+ after work. Those runs after work were not easy but like Bob said, I think the overall volume of running is more important 

Chris Kuebert

Thanks All for the info. Thanks for the link Al, that article looks familiar.

Jason Brandt

Could you do the long runs on a different day? And then just shift your training schedule by those days so that your week starts on the day necessary so your long run falls on the day that is optimal for you?

GMAN 19030

Posted By Jason Brandt on 06 Jan 2015 01:05 PM


Could you do the long runs on a different day? And then just shift your training schedule by those days so that your week starts on the day necessary so your long run falls on the day that is optimal for you?

Brings up a good point.   IMO, I think it's a big mistake if you're not adjusting your schedule to fit your life commitments.  There's certainly some method to the madness when it comes to the arrangement and scheduling of workouts but it's far more important to actually be able to do the workouts than it is about the scheduling of the workouts.  Shift and prioritize as your life dictates.

Coach Rich

Posted By Bob McCallum on 06 Jan 2015 01:51 PM

Posted By Jason Brandt on 06 Jan 2015 01:05 PM


Could you do the long runs on a different day? And then just shift your training schedule by those days so that your week starts on the day necessary so your long run falls on the day that is optimal for you?

Brings up a good point.   IMO, I think it's a big mistake if you're not adjusting your schedule to fit your life commitments.  There's certainly some method to the madness when it comes to the arrangement and scheduling of workouts but it's far more important to actually be able to do the workouts than it is about the scheduling of the workouts. ...as long as your reworked schedule of workouts "works." That is, Monday, works with Tues, works with Wed, etc Shift and prioritize as your life dictates.

Chris Kuebert

I have thought about adjusting my schedule but it's pretty consitent.  I work is a 9-80 schedule having every other Fri off, hours are 7:30 - 5:30 M-F, not getting home until 6pm with travel time.  After discussing with the Bosses last night, the longest I can do is probably 1.5 hrs.  This gets me home in time to put the little one down and have some time with Boss #1 before bed. I am going to try to split them but only doing 30-45 mins in the AM and the rest after work.  

GMAN 19030

Posted By Coach Rich on 06 Jan 2015 02:02 PM

Posted By Bob McCallum on 06 Jan 2015 01:51 PM

Posted By Jason Brandt on 06 Jan 2015 01:05 PM


Could you do the long runs on a different day? And then just shift your training schedule by those days so that your week starts on the day necessary so your long run falls on the day that is optimal for you?

Brings up a good point.   IMO, I think it's a big mistake if you're not adjusting your schedule to fit your life commitments.  There's certainly some method to the madness when it comes to the arrangement and scheduling of workouts but it's far more important to actually be able to do the workouts than it is about the scheduling of the workouts. ...as long as your reworked schedule of workouts "works." That is, Monday, works with Tues, works with Wed, etc Shift and prioritize as your life dictates.

Of course.  One shouldn't take a willy-nilly approach to scheduling.  There certainly needs to be thoughts and second thoughts put into putting which workouts where so that you're not doing something dopey like soul crushing run and bike workouts back-to-back.

Coach Rich

With regards to building endurance and durability, I too think it's about, in order:

1. Running frequency
2. Manipulating terrain and intensity to develop specific training effects(?). For me, it's hilly running, pushing the effort both up and down.
3. Volume created by ^this^
4. The length of the long run

More importantly, creating an overall schedule that yields healthy consistency. Runs longer than ~1:30 just beat me up pretty good. I will likely end up splitting my long runs into 1:20-30 AM, ~40-50' PM.