Oh, the long run. It is both the bane and the bliss of every runner’s existence. Regardless of what your “long” run distance may consist of, we all go through the same range of emotions leading up to this oh-so-important run. As I prepare for (read: freak out about) my 20 mile run this weekend, I thought about what goes through my mind as I’m prepping for and executing a long run. Here are my five stages of the long run. Can anyone else relate???
- Usually the anxiety starts midday Friday. I start thinking that there is no way I can actually run whatever distance I’m scheduled to run the next day. I get this feeling in my stomach that is half nerves and half a bad reaction to my lunch. This normally subsides about the time I go to bed—you know, at 9pm because I’m really fun on Fridays.
- I always start out a long run just feeling happy to be running with a group. The sun is shining (sometimes), the air is cool (I live in DC, so this is not really accurate, but a girl can dream) and we are moving! It feels great. For the first hour or so…
- I also overestimate how far we’ve gone. I’ll think we’ve run seven miles when it’s only been three. Then I just want to end it. I wear a watch so I’m not sure how I always end up messing it up so badly in my head, but without fail I’ll be so off in my estimation of time. This inevitably leads to number 4…
- I have to have small goals to check off while running long. Usually it goes like this: only 3 miles to the turnaround and then we’re halfway done! Only 2 miles until the water stop and pretzels! Less than a 5k until we are DONE!
- We made it. Now it’s time to eat ALL THE THINGS (usually involving bacon or potentially this frittata). And nap. And shower. Typically in this order: shower, eat all the things and then nap. But sometimes, it’s eat all the things, fall asleep on my bedroom floor and then wake up because I’m so smelly. Then, I shower. #realtalk #runnerscanbegross #dontactlikeimtheonlyone
I KNOW I’m not the only one who stands in front of a fan after a particularly hot and humid run…
What stages do you go through on a long run?
A version of this post appeared on Women’s Running magazine.
Ha! #1. I totally know that anxiety.
Amanda recently posted…Month One
I’m all nervous for Sunday’s 10-miler. I still can’t wrap my head around 20! But I definitely split it up into pieces and look forward to eating all the things (BRUNCH). You got this!
Victoria @ Ice Packs + Races recently posted…Friday Five: 5 Things I Learned Training For My First Half Marathon
Ha! I fell asleep on the couch after my 12 mile run the other day and slept through when I was supposed to pick up my kid. Oops.
MCM Mama Runs recently posted…Thinking Out Loud Thursday : Overscheduled
I read that on one of your posts! Been there, minus the kid part. 🙂
I love this so much! I am always always overestimating how much I’ve run and then being absolutely shocked when it isn’t that far, I’m usually running the same route, so I’m not really sure why I’m so surprised! Also, no you are not the only one. I totally collapse when I get home and need to motivate myself to crawl to the shower, this is despite the fact that I can smell myself and I know it’s not pretty….
Elizabeth recently posted…It’s time for a new goal!
Omg it’s been so bad with smelling myself and just being appalled! Lol 🙂
It’s always nice doing long runs with others. it makes the time go so much quicker. If I am running with someone that is faster than me I always think I hold them back. Most of the time I run w someone that is slower. And that is fine with me. I just enjoy having the company during the long run. And I know I am helping them push themselves.
lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Rock n Roll Virginia Beach: Sharing the Race Experience
My group of gals is about the same speed and that is so nice. It does make the time go by faster!
Nice one! The anxiety is always there. I do the small goals and think…ok halfway there…ok only 5k left…I got this… I’m with you on eat all the things lol. It just takes a little while after the run for me though.
Sherry recently posted…My Five Must Have’s for Marathon Training
Yeah it takes time for me too. I usually need something right away – lately chocolate milk and then a large meal later!
Love this ! I do a walk / run ration for my long runs, usually 4 or 5 minutes running, then a short break. It goes by really fast. I mean really fast because it is constantly being broken up. However, I have done this for only 2 hours… haven’t yet ! gone any longer. Good luck !
Thanks Karen! I’m hoping for good weather 🙂
Pre-long run anxiety is the worst, ha! Why do we do this to ourselves again…? 😉
Karien @ Running the Race recently posted…Five runcation must-haves
I know, right? Not only that, we pay for the privilege 🙂
Oh yes the anxiety! But you are right the best part is eating everything in sight post run! 🙂
Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner recently posted…Thoughts On My Next Race
Hahaha, it’s always so well deserved 🙂
NUMBER 4, NUMBER 4!! Oh, and definitely number 5, as well – ha! I love this list!! Oh, and by the way…you’re going to do GREAT during your long run tomorrow and I can’t wait to hear about it!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend and thanks so much for hosting another fab Friday Five!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Songs for your Fall Running Playlist
Aw thanks Tara – I’m kind of excited / terrified for tomorrow’s run! Have a great weekend and I hope your run is awesome!
Hah! This is funny and true! They are so much better with a group though. On my own I’d have to add an “What the heck am I doing” stage!
Coco recently posted…Making A Comeback From Injury
Haha, yeah true. I am so grateful to have a group to run with!
Oh, yes, I can relate to most of these! My anxiety for tomorrow’s long run has already started building. It’s a combination of nerves and excitement! And I love your post-run routine – mine is usually very similar!
Lisa @ RUnning Out Of Wine recently posted…5 Things On My Home Gym Wish List
Thanks Lisa! I hope you have a great run tomorrow 🙂
Yep – all of that! The worst is when I have to head out on my own for anything over say 12 miles. I always feel lonely mid-run 🙁 And YES, I lay on a towel directly beneath my fan on the highest speed possible until the sweat stops dripping. Best.Feeling.Ever.
Allie recently posted…On 9/11 I Was 3,000 Miles From Home
YES to laying beneath the fan until the sweat stops. Soooo glad I’m not alone!
Amen to all of this. I can totally relate to this completely. I normally have a bunch of small goals I check off as well. I find checking off small goals keeps me more motivated overall!
Hollie recently posted…When Two Runners Live in One House…
Yes!!! The small goals break up the run and make it feel way more manageable!
Why is it that we can know exactly how far we’ve gone on any other day but on long run day it is like we’ve never been on that path before and have no clue? Seriously?! Good luck tomorrow! You’ll be great!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Fit Foodie Finds: Healthy Snacks Rocking My World
Thanks! And yes, I’m not sure why my mind plays all these tricks on me on long run day, lol!
YESSS!! Totally. You absolutely nailed it! Happy Friday! Time to get ready to EAT ALL THE THINGS!
Lara @ Uptite Mamas recently posted…Friday Five
Hahaha, right?!?! Another Friday, so begins the cycle!
Ahh the runners highs and lows of the long run. I usually don’t have trouble getting out the door, but I do get anxious before I hit the double digits of a long run. Also in marathon training I have 16 planned for Monday and yes, it’s Friday and I am already planning the run in my head since I will be out of town and running solo. Having companions make long runs so much better.
Pam and Christine recently posted…Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon Virginia Beach recap
Oh yeah, I’d be planning that Monday run today as well – you have to! I hope it goes well 🙂
Oh my goodness number 4!! That’s the ONLY thing that gets me through MOST of my long runs! I also do simple math to keep my mind off of the distance (i.e. 20 mile run, 5 miles in “ok, quarter of the way there!”) I’m so glad I’m not the only one 🙂
Definitely not the only one 🙂
Ha! This is great! My stages for summer long runs are 1. Checking the weather 10 times a day in the days leading up to it, 2. Feeling dread about the inevitable heat & humidity, 3. Feeling hot in the first mile, 4. Feeling steaming hot, like my insides are boiling, and miserable for the rest of the run, and 5. Thinking about moving to Antarctica.
Jennifer @ running on lentils recently posted…Five Things I’m Looking Foward to on Vacation
hahahaha, I actually made a point to not check the weather before saturday long runs this summer because it would just freak me out more and I was going to run no matter what. Seeing 80 degrees with 100% humidity would’ve just made it harder for me to get out the door!
Yes on anxiety. I know I can do it but I keep looking at the big number that I have to hit.
Lesley recently posted…14 Years Later
Long runs still make me nervous! It’s not even the key workout of my week because I train for 5K/10K so my long runs are only like 12 miles or so but I still feel a little anxious. For me the best trick is counting down the miles once I reach the halfway point and mentally breaking it up, like 2 6-milers instead of 12 miles. Running with a group helps big time too, if I’m chatting with someone I will run longer and not even realize it.
Hope you have a great long run this weekend and be safe in DC!
Amy Lauren recently posted…Friday Five: Fall Bucket List
omg #3!!! actually all of this list. Love it!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: Five Things Friday!
I can definitely relate to the anxiety! I have today off and could totally get my long run out of the way. Why would I when I would rather just eat myself up over it all day and then push it off until the weekend… 😉 Makes total sense, right?!
Lisa @ Lisa Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Friday Five: Life Lately
Of course. You have to build up the appropriate level of anxiety 🙂
Wow, this is the perfect list! I agree with everything (especially the real talk on the post-run eat/sleep/shower). It’s pretty ridiculous that with a Garmin I also have #3 happen all the time. It’s even worse if I have to do a long run alone. I’m happy to see I’m not the only one who breaks up a run into millstones.
elizabeth recently posted…Friday Five: An Ode to Buffs
Definitely not the only one 🙂 it helps!!
All of these are my phases too! I have a 20 miler on tap for tomorrow and I am trying to not get too afraid. I know I can do it, it’s just sometimes scary seeing it on the calendar or saying it out loud. Napping is my favorite post long run treat! I think I am going to try my hardest to resist the urge to look at my watch (crosses fingers)!
Good luck tomorrow — you got this!!
You are speaking my language here, Courtney! I go through the same stages in getting ready for long runs. I would love to have a group to run them with! Its such a mental thing!
Angie @ PAce with Grace recently posted…Free Friday Link Up
I feel very blessed to have found a great group!
Oh wow. So I’m glad I’m not the only one who goes through all of those things for the long run. Ha! I totally get anxiety about the long run, too. So ridic! And fall asleep on the floor… #sorrynotsorry 🙂
Rachel recently posted…5 Areas of Running I’d Like to Improve Upon [Friday Five]
I always feel #1! I can’t stop thinking about it! eek!
Kaleigh@CodeBikeRun recently posted…Free Friday Five
#1 and 5 are my life! Mostly number 5, because a long run makes me feel like I deserve to eat ALL THE THINGS.
Sam @ See Sam Run recently posted…Thank Goodness it’s a Friday Five
I totally relate to thinking I have been running much farther than I have. I try to do mini goals. Many times I have friends come in and out if they are doing different distances. That can be a helpful diversion.
Have a great weekend!
Erica @ Erica Finds recently posted…Friday Finds: 5 Ways to Feel Better This Fall
That is a great distraction. Friends can make all the difference!
i definitely relate! Though the first mile or so of my run is usually tough too until I settle in and begin to enjoy it.
Chaitali recently posted…Friday Five – things from the internet
OMG!! I did my long run this morning and I had all those thoughts!! My run was 9 miles, but I managed to miscalculate mid run so my distance was a little long. It was better than being too short, but I was ready to be home. And I’ve been eating all the things. #4 is totally how my brain operates. First 5k, shorter than a 5k, last 5k to finish! 🙂 #5 for me is usually — try to eat (but get interrupted by kiddos), stretch, try to eat again (get grossed out by my funky smell), shower, finally eat! Then hope for a nap, but not successful!
Olivia recently posted…My Summer of #1MillionMinutes {final total} #liveinprAna #fitapproach #sweatpink
I’ve also got a 20 miler tomorrow, and I’ve got to say… this is SPOT ON! 😉
Thanks for sharing!
Karen G. recently posted…Freekeh Foods Review and Giveaway!
Have a great run, Karen!
Ha! I just did 21 miles last week and broke it down in three 7 mile chunks. But, I my favorite thing is to do the percentages…I’m 10% done, I”m 25% done, hooray I’m at 60%. You get the idea.
HoHo Runs recently posted…Five Reasons Why
Love that. I’m so bad at math when I run!
Oh girlfriend, that anxiety is so real. I’m pretty sure that anxiety is the very reason I am not running another marathon until next year! Good luck tomorrow!
Cecilia @ MommiesRun recently posted…Friday Five: Fall Running Finds
Hahaha I hear ya! I’ll be happy for a break after October!
Haha, I hear ya girl! You will rock those 20 miles! Naps are definitely necessary though. I bribe myself with Clif Shot Bloks on my runs 🙂
Lindsey recently posted…Friday 5: Things I’m Loving
Yes to all of the above! LOL! This weekend I only have to run 14 miles ha! Then it’s my 20 miler next weekend. Breaking it into segments really helps. Like only 4 sets of 5 miles. I can run 5 miles 4 times and I’ll get a tasty Clif Bar Gel at each marker!! 🙂 have a beautiful weekend!!!
Jess @ pink paYne recently posted…#FastLaneFriday Ultra Crazy & Ridiculous Goals
Perfect timing. My long run is coming up next Sunday. Solo.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Book Club interview with Vanessa Runs: Daughters of Distance
YOU NAILED IT GIRL! The two I connected with the most are #1 – and I even go as far as thinking that I developed the stomach virus and there’s no way I can run tomorrow before convincing myself it’s just nerves and all will be fine. And #5 – last weekend I did a half marathon and afterwards I ate a bagel with cream cheese AND 1/2 an egg and cheese sandwich… in one sitting…. before I showered 🙂
Faith @ Run the Day recently posted…Marathon High Virtual Half Marathon
The post long run naps are the best! And definitely well earned and deserved!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – Potpourri v. 5
Totally agree with the night before anxiety. But I get more anxious due to my fear of injuring myself on the long run. :S Haven’t yet, and seriously pray the morning of that I can be safe (cause I run by myself), and that I can be injury free on those runs. 🙂 Has seriously helped!
Tedi @ Running with Infertility recently posted…Things that are Friday Five: 5 Things I’m going to do this weekend!
I used to always eat a big brunch after a long run then take a nap. I was so tried and the rest was needed. These days though, I’m not usually hungry right when I finish and I’m not sleepy. I wish I could take a nap again because I think it really starts the recovery period.
Sheena @ Paws and Pavement recently posted…Treating those aches
Yup, Happens just like this.
Haha this was great. 5B – ok this wasn’t that bad -> back to 1 for the next week 🙂
Jennifer recently posted…Chicago Marathon Training Week 14 â 8/31-9/6
Mine would be:
– excitement
– I’ve only gone how far????
– sadness
– bargaining
– happiness/finsih
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Big Changes at BackatSquareZero
hahahaha, basically the same. i went through all of that and more on saturday morning. lol 🙂
Haha, yes to all of this. Although I do have to say that I’ve stopped stressing out about my long runs. Then I just don’t sleep well and it ends up bad, so if I use reverse psychology 🙂 Hope it went well for you!
Yes to #1! I get very anxious before my long runs, it usually starts the night before & then I have to talk myself out the door the next morning! However, once I settle in to my run, after 3 or 4 miles, I feel great!!
OH my goodness! Thank you! I thought I was the only one who started dreading the long run on Friday! This made me feel 100 times better!
NOT the only one! 🙂