Why Long Runs are Important
Often Associated with Marathon Training Programs, it Turns out Long Runs Benefit all Runners
Most runners are of the mindset that running long is a workout reserved for preparing for a half marathon, full marathon, or an ultramarathon. In truth, there’s a bit more to the story. Long distance runs also provide important benefits for athletes preparing for a 5K, 10K, or, well, any distance. It also shakes things up for those burning calories on a weight loss program.
In short (so to speak), longer distance, slower workouts are simply one element in any balanced running program. Easy runs should make up most of the program to avoid injury. Then add in some interval workouts, fartlek, tempo runs, and sporadic pick-ups to activate your fast-twitch muscle fibers for developing speed.
Add some hill training to the mix to boost your leg strength and to teach the legs to deal with lactic acid build-up.
Long Distance Running Involves Physiological Adaptations
Running Times coach and columnist Greg McMillan points out that there are 3 physiological adaptations that distance training provides.
- New capillary growth. What are capillaries? The smallest blood vessels; the more you possess, the more oxygen delivery your body is capable of. This enhances your ability to do work.
- Musculoskeletal strengthening. As Arnold would say, "I’ll pump you up!" In a manner similar to pumping iron to strengthens target muscles, when you add stress on your legs it promotes ligament, tendon, and muscle strengthening. As an added benefit, the load-bearing aspect of running instructs your bones to soak up available calcium in your body, making your leg bones and hips more dense. Great news for post-menopausal women trying to avoid osteoporosis.
- Enzyme changes. Running long promotes an increase in the amount of enzymes in the legs.
Increase Your Distance Gradually
Most runners do their long runs when they can carve out the time; this usually means the weekend. Just look at a marathon training schedule; two things stick out. First, run distance increases adhering to the 10 percent rule. Secondly, the 10% build-up happens every other week; the common distance on the alternate week is generally about 10 miles for a good maintenance distance run.
Why not make your long run a social event? This is one of the best parts of running clubs. It’s a lot easier to roll out of bed in the sleepy pre-dawn hours when you know your cohorts are waiting for you. In fact, distance training are the foundation of many running clubs.
In fact, organizations like USA Fit have made an industry of it, and in some eyes, have taken the concept too far. They’re everywhere; in Texas alone there are 20 clubs. Organizations like this seem to be largely responsible for the growing phenomonem of marathon walkers.
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