Saucony ENDORPHIN PRO - 20 Mile LONG RUN Test REVIEW | FOD Runner - The FOD Runner

Aug 13, 2025

Quick Summary

This is a quick summary of Saucony ENDORPHIN PRO – 20 Mile LONG RUN Test REVIEW from The FOD Runner. It’s a great watch — we’re breaking it down so you can try the workout today. Be sure to check out the full video for all the details.

Key Points

Long‑run focus: 18‑20 mi run with hills and rolling trails to simulate marathon‑day effort. While this workout is tailored for marathon training, the core principles of structured runs are essential for any distance. For those looking to excel at shorter races, you can explore specific strategies in our guide to Mastering the 10K: Proven Training Plans, Pace Strategies, and How a Smart App Can Elevate Your Performance.
Pacing strategy: steady 6:30 min/mile for the bulk of the run, then dropping into low‑sub‑6 min/mile for the final miles. This fast finish simulates pushing through fatigue on race day and requires a solid speed foundation. If you’re looking to build that top-end gear, check out our tips on Mastering 5K Speed: Proven Interval Strategies to Cut Minutes off Your Time.
Hill work: incorporated steep climbs (≈1,300 ft total elevation) to test the shoe’s responsiveness and build power. Hill repeats are a classic form of high-intensity work, and it’s a great way to break up a long run. For a deeper dive into the benefits of such workouts, explore our guide on Mastering Interval Training: Science-Backed Workouts and How a Smart App Can Personalize Them.
Practical tip: run the first 8 mi on a flat loop, then add hills/off‑piste for the remaining miles; keep the pace consistent and finish strong.

Workout Example

20‑mile long‑run (miles)
- Warm‑up: 2‑lap circuit on a flat track (≈0.5 mi per lap).
- At 8 mi: decide to push harder – add steep hill repeats.
- Main set: 12–14 mi of rolling trail/hill work, aiming for 6:30 min/mile.
- Finish: last 2–4 mi push to low‑sub‑6 min/mile (around 5:55‑5:45 min/mile).
- Total elevation: ~1,300 ft (mix of flat, hill, and off‑piste).

Tip: Use the Pacing app to input your target paces (e.g., 6:30 min/mile for the bulk, 5:45 min/mile for the finish) and let the app guide you.

Closing Note

Give this long‑run structure a try—adjust the miles and paces to fit your own training in the Pacing app, and enjoy the feel of the ENDORPHIN PRO on those hills. Happy running