HOW TO TRAIN FOR LONG DISTANCES

Training for long distances does not mean only and exclusively being on your legs for many hours. Your long runs, in addition to having a variable duration according to the race distance you are preparing, can be developed in such a way as to work on both qualitative and technical aspects. Among other things, you will avoid running at the same pace all the time and many of the consequences related with slow high impact running.

The TRM Coaches have drawn up an essential guide on the main types of long runs that you can plan at this time of the year. The duration varies not only according to the type of target race but also according to the level of training, so it is to be understood as a general indicative parameter:

• CLASSIC LONG RUN 2h-8h. Single or Double,  performed in just 1 day or 2 consecutive days for those who have an ultra over 100K in their sights already in May. Also used to test gear, equipment, nutrition and more generally simulate the race by looking for similar trail tracks
• PROGRESSIVE LONG RUN 1h30-3h. Performed on a mixed flat/undulating track that can be run entirely, where the athlete progressively increases the pace at predetermined time intervals
• INTERVALED LONG RUN 1h30 to 2h30. Performed on a mixed flat/undulating track and with short climbs, the first part of the session, 20-30mn, is carried out at 75% of one’s HRmax, followed by 3 to 5 sections in progression of 5 and 10mn of duration with a HR between 80 and 88% (depending on the duration of the sections), recovering for half of the time of the fast fraction at a slow pace. The athlete will then finish the rest of the workout with 10-15mn at 75% of the HRmax
• TECHNICAL LONG RUN 1h30-1h45. Performed on a technical/rocky path, Vertical type, with 1-2 dry climbs> 1km and as many descent

Are you preparing an Ultra Trail? Would you like to be sure you are doing the right things?

Check out our personalized training plans: TRM Training Plans