Ask the Penguin: How long is long

Dear Penguin,

I am training for my first marathon in April. My running plan gets longer & longer in terms of distance for the weekend long runs. I run very slowly. (In October, I finished my first half marathon in 2:43).

Is it important to run past a marathon distance in training? I’m getting worried about having to run 3-5 hours every other weekend for my training. Is it possible to train by time & pace rather than distance. My plan says Long Slow Distance.

Chris

Hi Chris,

Thanks for a great question. This is something that nearly every first time marathoner faces. How do you know how much training is enough and how much is too much.

I’ve completed 45 marathons. I’ve never trained for more than 20 miles for any of them. So, I can tell you from personal experience that 20 miles is more than enough.

In our book “Marathoning for Mortals”, Coach Jenny Hadfield also recommends a 20 mile long run. We’ve heard from thousands of runners and walkers who have been successful using the programs in the book.

As I travel to various events and talk to new and experienced marathoners, I am more and more convinced that consistent training with regular long runs is the KEY to marathon success. There are nearly no contemporary coaches who require first time marathoners to go more than 20 miles in training.

And yes, you can, train by time rather than by distance. In that case a 4 hour long run is PLENTY.

All the best.

Waddle on, John

John “the Penguin” Bingham, Competitor Magazine columnist Author, The Courage to Start, No Need for Speed, Marathoning for Mortals and Running for Mortals.

Have a question for John? E-mail it to thepenguin@johnbingham.com.