The weekly long run is an indispensable aspect of a distance runner's training. Weekly mileage of 40-50 miles just won't cut it unless it also includes one long run. In other words, 8 miles per day, 6 days per week, is not going to cut it when the distance from the starting line to the finish line is 26.2 miles. There's too much uncharted territory, both physically and mentally. You need to know in advance how your mind and body are going to manage the 15 mile mark, the 20 mile mark and, more importantly, the final 3-4 miles.
There are various rules you can abide by when integrating the "long run" into your weekly routine. First, just as you don't want to begin with too many miles in your base, referring to the early weeks of a long term program, you also don't want to begin immediately with a 10 mile long run in those early weeks. Many programs will encourage a weekly base mileage of at least 15 miles as your starting point. From there you can bit by bit ramp up not only the overall weekly miles, but also the weekly long run. For example, from a base of 15 miles you might make your long run 6 miles. The arithmetic is simple from there. 15 minus 6 will leave you with 9 additional miles for the week, maybe 3 three milers, or some other combination. Sounds simple, even too easy, doesn't it? However, once you begin to add more miles, extending both the weekly base AND the weekly long run, you will begin to demand more from your body than it is accustomed to delivering. Don't worry. It will learn to do it as you become more fit.
A good rule to apply once you get going is the 10% formula. Simply put, it is generally safe to add 10% more mileage each week. From that base of 15 which was suggested earlier, you add another 1.5 miles (10% of 15) the following week for a total distance of 16.5. Apply that same systematic increment to your weekly long run and you will put yourself on a safe and sage path to becoming an accomplished distance runner. Giving yourself an adequately long training period, plus holding fast to consistency, insures a great experience with your 1st, 2nd, 5th or 25th marathon. This carefully incremented program will also go a long way toward keeping you injury-free.
One more suggestion about the long run and you will likely reap even better long range benefits. Don't pound extra mileage into every week's long run. Many will recommend surging, then pulling back, surging, pulling back, etc. What this means is that if your long run this week is 10 miles, don't go immediately to 11 the next week, despite that being the logical application of the 10% rule. Instead, drop back to a 9 mile long run the next week and follow that with 11. In other words: 10 - 9 - 11 - 10 - 12 - 11 - 13.5, etc. The math doesn't have to be accurate to the fraction, just don't force yourself into longer mileage too quickly. As important as the long run is, it still must be ramped up in a consistent and gradual manner. It works!
I recently saw an online poll asking runners what their favorite run is. I can't recall the exact options, but long run, tempo run and speed work were all included. The landslide results came down for long run. Why? I can only speculate, but I imagine it is that all distance runners, regardless of how seasoned or veteran they might be, are still amazed at hitting that 10, 12, 15 or 20 mile mark. It is, as we used to say back in the 60s, a "gas". It could be too that runners will often make the long run somewhat of a social event. Here in San Antonio you can join any number of groups for the weekly long run, traditionally a Sunday morning ritual. My own routine is still mostly solitary, largely because my work schedule is non-standard. However, I do enjoy a bit of company on my long run when I can get it.
OH! One more thing. If you run with music, make sure your iPod or whatever your player of choice is, has a good charge on it before embarking on your 15 miles. It will be cranking a lot of tunes, doing its part to keep your feet moving. Here's the playlist from my 14 miler this past week. It is way long......
Emperor Waltz, Op. 437
Second Chance
Misery
50 Ways To Leave Your Lover
Committed To Parkview
The Gypsy Rover
Reicha Trio #2
This Old Town
Have A Good Time
Beloved
Spaceman
Reicha Trio #6
Leave Me Alone (I'm Lonely)
Track 05
Stravinsky: Le Chant Du Rossignol - 4. The Mechanical Nightingale
Easy To Love
Under My Wheels
Lonely Days
Bright White Jackets (Bonus Track)
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: Prelude to Act I
Look At That
Play The Game
Why They Call It Falling
Tippett Quartet
If I Can't Have You
Do Re Mi
Amarillo By Morning
How Can You Mend A Broken Heart
Sonata for Four Horns II. Lebhaft
Shadow Of A Doubt
De l'aube à midi sur la mer
Living It Up
The Wing And The Wheel
Poison Pen
Absinthe
A Place Aside
Dialogue du vent et de la mer
First Of May
