Tips for Surviving the Long Run (Part II)

Last week, I posted some of my tips for preparing for a long run. This week, I thought I’d spice it up by offering up some tips that other runners out there use and rely on to get them through. After all, what works for one, may not work for another. I might even incorporate a few of these tidbits into my run prep!

• I always carry water with me for long runs, especially in the summer, so I freeze half a bottle of water overnight, then fill it up the rest of the way with water (if I’m carrying a few bottles on my belt, I put Gatorade in one) right before I leave. It keeps the water cool and refreshing! Lisa @ www.thesplatteredapron.com
• I put music on while I get ready and dance around the house getting pumped for the run. If I’m running 5+ miles I wear my camelbak backpack. If less than 5, I plan the route so I know of I spot to get water. Katie @ www.katieheddleston.com
• I always drink a cup of coffee about 2 hours before my run to get things moving I also freeze bottles the night before if I am doing a long run- Natalie
• I make sure to lay out everything I’ll need the night before – including clothes, sunscreen, water bottle, watch, iPod – when I’m sharp. That way, in the morning I can just grab it and go! -Leah @ www.chocolateandwildair.com
• Since I run with a group of friends, I always make sure we have our meeting place, time, miles, etc. planned out. Nothing gets me out the door better than knowing I have my girls waiting on me!- Amanda @ http://misszippy1.com/
• I have to eat a honey wheat bagel with peanut butter, banana, and honey before a long run. And I have to have a glass of orange juice with it. It never fails to keep me plenty energized. For runs < 13 miles I eat half the bagel, for runs > 13 miles I eat the entire bagel. -Samantha @ http://www.runningandcupcakes.com/
• I always eat two pieces of bread– not toast!–with peanut butter, and then revamp my playlist or podcast selection. Nothing worse than the same music two weeks in a row! -Heather @ www.justacoloradogal.com
• Depends on the length, but usually just a banana with pb! I can’t do much more than that but I refuel every 45 min with gels and I just started trying dates as a more ‘natural’ fuel source mid-run -Dre @ www.themfdre.com
• This may sound silly but I always make sure I mentally prepare as much as physically prepare. A bad mindset can quickly make a long training run horrible. I draw a lot of inspiration and positive thoughts from other bloggers. -Tess @ www.crosscountrycajun.com
• I always save my favorite/high end running clothes for my long run, I dress up as if I am running a race and I make sure I feel good in my clothes, when I feel confident in my apparel, I feel more focused on my run…I don’t have to worry about being uncomfortable, something creeping up or hanging out. -Lisa @ http:// www.runwiki.org
• I like to have my route premapped and approx time I expect it to take – helps me prepare mentally. I drink 8 oz water with half a nuun tablet about an hour before I head out and then eat a small whole wheat bagel with chunky salted peanut butter, then a hard boiled egg and half an orange. I use the washroom, then get on my shoes, my watch and any necessary outdoor clothing and sunglasses and head out. I pack water – 16oz. bottle with a nuun tablet and usually take a GU or 2 or a couple of CLIF Shot Bloks and a few tissues. -Elle @ http://eatrunsail.blogspot.com/
• Hydrate the day/night before. Run it first thing in the morning so you don’t have time to dwell and don’t over eat. I like a banana, coffee and half of a granola bar. Then get pumped and crush it! -Katie @ http://www.momslittlerunningbuddy.com/

Stephanie

I am a mom to 2 beautiful boys and love everything health and fitness. I am dedicated to improving my own health, setting a good example for healthy living for my family and hopefully inspiring and educating others to do the same in their lives.