It wasn’t too long ago that I absolutely dreaded long runs. I would agonize about the long slow distance all week. Knowing that I would be on my feet for more than two hours early Sunday was never far from my thoughts.
2. Load up that iPod with some podcasts. At any given time I will have one or two episodes o Trail Runner Nation loaded on my ipod. Seriously listening to people talk will definitely slow you down. I find when I run to music on my long runs, I run way too fast. In no time you will forget you have been pounding the pavement for hours.
But the more I ran, the more I looked forward to my long runs. I needed the “me time” and the uninterrupted time to just to think. I try to explain this to my non-running friends and new runners. Usually I’m rewarded with a blank or amused look. So to put you all out of your uncomprehending misery, I have put together some tips to help you to find your long run bliss.
1. Free your mind. Get in the right mindset. You know this will be long and slow. Get over it. Nothing will change this fact. Don’t think. Just do.
2. Load up that iPod with some podcasts. At any given time I will have one or two episodes o Trail Runner Nation loaded on my ipod. Seriously listening to people talk will definitely slow you down. I find when I run to music on my long runs, I run way too fast. In no time you will forget you have been pounding the pavement for hours.
3. Plan your route. I can run on autopilot when I have a plan. There’s nothing more frustrating then running around in circles trying to make up mileage. Believe me, plotting your route will be one less thing you will have to worry about that morning.
4. Get your stuff together the night before. Seriously have your clothes, nutrition and water sorted out. Have a few outfits ready. If you live in a northern climate where Mother Nature can change her mind at the drop of a bandana, then you will be better prepared.
5. Get up 2 hours before your long run. Take your time. Eat breakfast. Stretch. Drink some water. Believe me you will thank me for this tip. Think about it. You just slept for 8 hours. Your body needs time to wake up and loosen up. Plus you need time for your brekky to digest.
And there you have it – LSD rules that I live by! What’s your long run tips?
I've never listened to podcasts while running…I'll have to try that sometime! It's been so long that I've been able to run a long distance, I'll have to remember these tips! 🙂
Thanks J. Podcasts are like magic. Time just files by 🙂