
Long Run Progression
Workout - Long Run Progression
- 30min @ 6'00''/km
- 3 lots of:
- 12min @ 5'50''/km
- 3min @ 6'00''/km
- 45min @ 6'00''/km
to import the workout after you install it.
Intro
Based on “Long Run Workouts For Marathon Training” from The FOD Runner. Here’s what you need. Watch the full video for the complete breakdown.
Key points
- Long-run workouts mix endurance mileage with targeted speed work to build aerobic capacity and mental resilience.
- A few approaches work: front-load easy miles then push the second half, drop in a tempo block in the middle, or use repeated “gap” or marathon-pace intervals.
- Beginners: try 2 mi easy then thirty-second surges in the third mile. This preps you to handle harder intensities when fatigued.
- A standard template: 30 min easy plus 3 x 12 min at half-marathon pace (or slightly faster “gap” pace) plus jog home, about 2 h total.
- As fitness builds, progress to 3 x 30 min at marathon pace to develop speed-endurance.
- Keep overall effort moderate. Lift cadence by about 4-6 steps/min or run 10-20 sec per mile faster than your standard easy pace.
Workout example
Total time: about 2 hours
1) Warm-up: 30 minutes easy (Zone 2, conversational pace)
2) Main set: 3 reps of 12 minutes at "gap" pace, slightly faster than half-marathon pace (about 10-20 s per mile faster than easy pace). Steady effort, hold form on tired legs.
3) Cool-down: easy jog or run for the rest of the 2 hours.
Beginner (5 mi total or less):
- 2 mi easy warm-up.
- 1 mi of 30-second fast bursts with 1-minute easy recovery between each.
- Easy jog back to finish.
Closing note Try this and adjust paces in the Pacing app to your training. Endurance plus race-pace intervals preps you for marathon day.
References
- Long Run Workouts For Marathon Training | FOD Runner - YouTube (YouTube Video)

