Question:Many training guides have 20 miles as the longest run in training for a
marathon. Most distance runners have no problem in running 20 miles. But
if that is the longest run they do, many people will hit the wall in a
marathon because after 20 miles of running they still have to run 6 more
miles to the finish line. Indeed, on a good day for many people that means
40 to 50 minutes more of running. For many people after running 20 miles
and being exhaust in will take them an hour or more to get to the finish
line.
I would think that a more logical training program would have a longer run
of 24-25 miles at least. Or maybe a long run of over 26 miles like maybe 28
miles or so. This type of program would seem to better prepare a person of
finishing a race in good shape.
Answer:
There is a differing of opinion here in the running community. Some say that
20 miles should be your longest run because afetr that there is no physical
gain from the distance and you enter a danger zone with injury. Others say
that you will be more comfortable running the marathon if you have actually
gone the distance in training. I have tried it both ways and do well either
way. I have to agree with the first position though. I think once you have
gone the 20, your body and mind will get you through the last 6.2.
i too have done it both ways, ie, 20 milers only & 20+ milers, in
marathon training. i have not noticed any benefit in long runs over
20 miles.
Some marathon training guides that I have see do advocate running almost the
full marathon distance, say 24 - 25 miles. Others, as you have pointed out have
a 20 miler as the longesr run. My feeling has always been that "less can me
more". If the other training that you have been doing is of a high quality ie. a
solid base of mile and two mile repeats on the track and 10 - 15 mile tempo runs
below your marathon race pace, then you may only need to do a 20 miler as your
longest run. A combination of a good taper, a well rested body loaded with
carbohydrates and race day adrenaline tempered with some judicious pacing will
get you through that last six miles.
