Marathon training Long Runs - Why so shattering?

6 watchers

Fenland (Fenners) Runner Aug 2017 4:52pm, 13 Aug 2017 13,259 posts	0 Fenland (Fenners) Runner I'd agree with you Tim. Not sure there is much benefit going over three hours
run-forest-run Aug 2017 4:57pm, 14 Aug 2017 3,140 posts	0 run-forest-run Yes you should run that slow, long runs at marathon pace will imho cause you to hit the wall in the marathon at about the distance of your longest run, you are also risking fatigue in training. Try the long runs slower, if you feel great at 5m resist the urge to go faster.... but if you feel great with a couple of miles to go then increase pace a little... this will get you used to working harder towards the end of the marathon.
HappyG(rrr) Aug 2017 5:11pm, 14 Aug 2017 27,141 posts	0 HappyG(rrr) Glad you got advice that helped you find the problem (running the run portions of your long runs too fast - common problem). However, I'm afraid age isn't always a reason to slow down. Realise this is only an example of 1, but late 50s chap in our club is still improving his marathon time (2:55 at last attempt) on back of huge weekly training volume (which he loves!) I'm hoping to keep improving well into my fifties! Best of luck, G
soozie Aug 2017 11:16pm, 21 Aug 2017 188 posts	0 soozie i feel exactly the same and would like some advice on this too please. I have my first proper marathon next month (I ran the same marathon last year but at my dad's slower pace). I am run/walking and only managed 15 miles yesterday which took almost 3 and a half hours. It was supposed to be 16 miles but felt I had nothing left at the end. I am still completely exhausted from it today. My next and final long run is next weekend which is supposed to be 18 miles. I am hoping someone will say I won't need to attempt this distance in training as it probably won't be far off 4 hours. Or am I just being lazy and get on with it as per the training plan? Sorry to hijack the thread but feeling out of my depth.
soozie Aug 2017 7:31pm, 22 Aug 2017 189 posts	0 soozie Maybe a compromise and make my final long run 17 miles?
early bird Aug 2017 9:04pm, 22 Aug 2017 11,839 posts	0 early bird Interested in any replies for you too. It took me 3h 19m to do 14 1/2 miles and my marathon is in 3 weeks.