Long runs are an unavoidable element to most any training plan. No matter how busy your week gets, squeezing in that long run is must-do. As the training weeks drag on and the miles pile up, those long runs can sometimes feel like a chore. But they don’t have to. So we checked in with our Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Ambassadors for tips on how the make the miles disappear – and have fun along the way!
Jayne Little
Break it up. If it’s 16 miles, I think of it as 8 miles out and 8 miles back. Somehow it helps. Audiobooks. It’s not a three hour run – it’s 10 chapters of an audiobook Don’t count the warm up. The first three miles always feel terrible anyways so I don’t start counting until after those are done. If I have 15, my long run just turned into 12 miles.
Eric Smith
Run with someone. Having a conversation makes the long run go by faster. Run in an area where other runners will be around. It’s helpful to see others doing the same activity and you might get a wave or kudos.
McKenzie Seippel
Have some great music! “Big Bootie Mixes” on Spotify is my go to for running. Each mix in 1 hour. The constant change in music every few seconds keeps me entertained. Number 19 is my favorite! I also use the peloton app and use their runs for long runs. Having someone talking to me keeps my mind distracted
Cliff Anderson
Run slower, pain makes everything seem longer. Like listening to my in-laws talk politics. And pick a beautiful route. There’s nothing like seeing a cluster of yellow irises, a duck and some ducklings or catching the scent of Honeysuckle to make the time go by.
Margaret Schultz
My best suggestion: Run with other people… it’s changed my life!! Think of it as a journey and know what you’re getting yourself into. Sometimes my long runs are my favorite because I’m mentally prepared. Lastly, stop checking your watch waiting for it to be over and enjoy the run!
Jeff Hudnall
I look forward to the long run in my week to decompress and unwind form the week. I have relied on quality time with Rich Roll and his podcast along with other titles like Running Around Charlotte and Strength Running in the past. Audiobooks, as mentioned by others, are a solid option. More recently though, just letting go of all distractions and enjoying the moment and scenery. I utilize the mental preparation that goes into a long run alone to build and work on mental toughness.
Lindsey McGee
Sometimes I NEED to run by myself, for time’s sake or to work through things, and then I listen to audiobooks. When I’m not on my run club kick (rare, I know), I make it through A LOT of audiobooks.
I had to do my long run this morning since I’m traveling and I had a friend join me for the miles he could, that fit his schedule. I ran 10, and he ran 6.5 with me, so it was a good combination. Plus having encouragement in the last, more challenging miles, definitely helped!
Ramona Kelly
I break up my runs and run the first few miles with friends. The remaining miles I run alone. I also use the Peloton app for all my runs. I map out my long run in advance, as well.
Clare Kubiak
Running with a friend(s) is the best!! It’s part of why we are all here!! I do love a playlist, but since trying to run slower, I’ve loved a long podcast in the middle of my run. It also makes it feel like multiple things, warmup with some music or podcast or two, depending how many miles. Finish with music when you are feeling tired! Another slowdown is an audiobook!
Anthony Sereno
I find that running for time vs miles is helpful, or run to a landmark then head back. Keep your mind engaged by not doing an out and back , think about your turns on your run.
Kate Emproto
Definitely agree that running with friends makes the run go by WAY faster! But if I run solo, I love to choose a good route that’s scenic if possible. I don’t love out and backs because they feel longer to me. Music also makes a HUGE difference! I love hour long (or longer) mixes and I am also a fan of live sets from big music festivals like Ultra, EDC, and Tomorrowland. Also second Two Friends Big Bootie Mixes. Always a go to! Lastly, I usually count down in my head. If I have 5 miles to go, I think “this is just a regular Summit route!”
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