Short Stops During Long Runs

[OakLeaf]

I don't have anything personal to offer as my longest run so far is just over 10 miles. But most of the reason I carry water and fuel with me is that I don't want to break my rhythm, even for a few seconds.

Here's an excerpt from a Chi Running article that was just linked to in this month's newsletter. (Emphasis supplied.)

There are psychological and physiological reasons we recommend working towards running consistently. Psychologically, if you depend on walking breaks for the long term, it can cut you off from discovering your potential, and it does not encourage you to think creatively or resourcefully. Physically, the transition from walking to running and back again can be more taxing than just running. As you learn the ChiRunning technique you'll find that you have a storehouse of tools for dealing with fatigue and pain, should they arise. When you get to the point where you can run 1-3 miles consistently without a break, your first response to pain or fatigue will be to figure out why you're tired or sore, and then try make any necessary corrections or adjustments in your technique. If you need to stop and walk, by all means do so. But there is no reason you should stop to walk if you don't need to. And, the more efficient you become in your running technique, the less tired you'll be. As you learn the ChiRunning technique, you'll see that letting off on your gas pedal and shortening your stride can be even more restful than constantly switching back and forth between walking and running.

[SJCzar]

Thanks for everyone's input.

You confirmed what I kind of thought - experiment a little and see what works for me now before I'm in the middle of the race.

I've tried grabbing a cup on the run during other events and I've always ended up spilling half of on me so if I do stop I would have to walk through the rest stop area. I have been thinking about getting a belt so maybe I should do that and give it a try while I still have weeks left to train. I do like the idea of having it there whenever I want it - not just when the designated stops are.

I didn't feel the need to take any walk breaks on the 8 mile run but that could be a possibility once I get to 12+ miles. I ended up taking two short walk breaks on the tail end of one duathlon I did last year and my time was still faster then I had expected. I'm going to train to try to run the whole time but if it takes a small walk break or two to finish comfortably I'm ok with that.

[Grog]

I must say that, although uncomfortable with the resulting amount of garbage, one of the perks from half-marathon races that I enjoy is not having to wear my fuel belt. Of course these are events that I trust are well organized.

It's like going out without a jacket on the first day that's warm enough in the spring. Liberating!

(At a recent race where I was, they had biodegradable cups, but nonetheless it's a lot of resources wasted.)

[kacie tri-ing]

I always train drinking water with a fuel belt, but on long runs, I plan stops to refill the belt. Then, I take in gels or sport beans (which I like because they taste good) for calories. I haven't had a problem (yet) with an event providing water, and that way I don't have to worry about the concentration of the sport drink. That is how I trained for my marathon and the half marathons. Also, if I need to stop to readjust, or go to the bathroom, or tie my shoes, I do that too. In a race, I will stop to do that if I need to as well. Just experiment. We are all different, and the nutrition is totalliy different for all of us.

[kacie tri-ing]

Oh, I never wear my fuel belt in the actual races. I didn't know how I could possibly fill it up enough to do a marathon in Florida, and I feel like stopping to fill it up again would waste more time than stopping at aid stations.

[katluvr]

As you can tell, very personalized.

I NEVER trust any event totally (1/2 marathon distance or greater). I carry my own drink and fuel. Yes, I will re-fill w/ theirs if I need. I just want to eat/drink when I need/want to.

You SHOULD be hydrating and fueling at the distance you are now. Practice it. My coach recommended like 1/2 a gel instead of a full gel more frequently--it worked nicely. So whatever your fuel is.

As for walk breaks. Various reasons to have them...just keep short. Or try a real walk/run program. Then your run has to be a bit faster to make your overall time. Lots of folks to the "structured" walk break.

I agree with....hmmmmmm--michelem--you need to simulate a bit of your "race" in your training runs. Maybe not the whole run at race pace, but definitely the fueling and even how you attack the race (i.e. fast finish, etc).

Good luck.
I can only speak to many 1/2 marathons--I'll see how this experience plays out when I do my first full marathon (it's on the plan!)