How Long Should Your Long Run Be Before a Marathon?

TLDRThe length of your long run before a marathon depends on your ability level and goals. For most runners, a 18 to 20 mile long run is sufficient. More advanced runners may go up to 22 miles with some miles at goal marathon pace. However, going beyond 22 miles increases the risk of injury and may not provide additional benefits.

Key insights

🏃‍♂️The length of the long run for a marathon varies based on individual ability and experience.

For most runners, a 18 to 20 mile long run is recommended.

🏃‍♀️More advanced runners may go up to 22 miles with some miles at goal marathon pace.

💪Running longer than 16 miles is generally advised to provide better preparation for the marathon.

🚫Going beyond 22 miles on long runs may increase the risk of injury and may not provide added benefits.

Q&A

How long should my long run be before a marathon?

For most runners, a 18 to 20 mile long run is recommended. However, the length of the long run depends on individual ability and experience.

Can I run 16 miles as my longest long run before a marathon?

While a 16 mile long run can be effective for some runners, it may not provide sufficient preparation for the marathon. It is recommended to run longer than 16 miles for better readiness.

Should I include goal marathon pace running in my long runs?

More advanced runners may include some miles at goal marathon pace in their long runs. This can help simulate the conditions of the marathon and improve race-specific fitness.

What is the maximum distance I should go on my long runs?

For most runners, going beyond 22 miles on long runs may increase the risk of injury and may not provide significant additional benefits. It is generally advised to prioritize recovery and avoid excessive stress on the body.

Do I need to run 20 miles in training to complete a marathon?

Running 20 miles in training is often considered a benchmark for marathon readiness. However, the ability to complete a marathon depends on various factors, including overall training consistency, nutrition, and race-day factors.

Timestamped Summary

00:00In this episode, the topic discussed is the length of the long run before a marathon.

01:32The recommended length of the long run depends on individual ability and experience.

03:38For most runners, a 18 to 20 mile long run is sufficient for marathon preparation.

04:28More advanced runners may go up to 22 miles with some miles at goal marathon pace.

05:59Going beyond 22 miles on long runs increases the risk of injury and may not provide added benefits.