Mid week long runs - UPDATED

[gt7301b]

I'm using Pfitzinger's 30 and under plan for my half and my only problem is the mid week long runs. How do you fit in a 8- 9 mile run in the middle of the week? I've been running at 6 and I think it will be too dark if I start at 5:30. I think I could do them right after work, but then it is hot.

Helllllppppppp. Or tell me to suck it up:)

I got up this morning was out the door by 5:30 and ran 8.5. (actually my long run this week, I had to move it from the weekend) It was still pretty dark, but by 5:50 or so it wasn't too bad.  I'm going to try and run my long run mid week next week too and I'll make a game time decision about when I run.  If it is not in the 80's in the afternoon I'll run after work.  I'm still a little worried about the mid week runs in October, but I'll make it work.

[clseale]

I go out right after work. That's usually 5:30 or 6:00. It also stays light until almost 9:00 right now, so that helps. When I was training in the winter, I'd start out for 10 miles & it would already be almost dark at 5:30.

[ebeth]

I go after work. I'll be shifting my work schedule so that I can get home earlier and get miles in before it gets dark out. I had grand plans about a running commute but it hasn't worked out.

Another option would be to bring your clothes to work and run immediately after near your office and then go home.

where are the pfitz half plans? I'd def be intrested in them.

[cinco]

i leave at 5:30am. It is light enough now, but in the Winter I hop on the treadmill for the first few miles before heading outside. The older kids are going to school earlier this year, so In a few weeks I'll have to figure something else out (jogging stroller and TM here I come!) Evenings aren't an option for me.

[breezy8407]

When I've had to do a few mid week long runs, I've started at work immediately after.

[Wines Not Whines]

Evenings aren't an option for me due to child care issues, so I have to go early in the morning. It's tough, because the sunrise is going to keep getting later. I started running in the dark this morning. I can stick to well-lit sidewalks until the sun comes up, and then I switch to the trail. It's a problem for me, too. I've also considered cinco's strategy of starting on the treadmill and then going outside.

[shorewife]

I usually take a long lunch on those days (shhhh don't tell).

[breezy8407]

Aug 6, 2013 10:10:25 GMT -5 shorewife said:

I usually take a long lunch on those days (shhhh don't tell).

I might have to start doing this towards the end of my 1/2 training. 

[gt7301b]

Aug 6, 2013 9:43:04 GMT -5 ebeth said:

I go after work. I'll be shifting my work schedule so that I can get home earlier and get miles in before it gets dark out. I had grand plans about a running commute but it hasn't worked out.

Another option would be to bring your clothes to work and run immediately after near your office and then go home.

where are the pfitz half plans? I'd def be intrested in them.

They are from Road racing for serious runners, I'll email you the 30 miles a week plan, that one I have pictures off on my phone. Let me know if you want the 30+ plan.

[ebeth]

Aug 6, 2013 10:41:08 GMT -5 gt7301b said:

Aug 6, 2013 9:43:04 GMT -5 ebeth said:

I go after work. I'll be shifting my work schedule so that I can get home earlier and get miles in before it gets dark out. I had grand plans about a running commute but it hasn't worked out.

Another option would be to bring your clothes to work and run immediately after near your office and then go home.

where are the pfitz half plans? I'd def be intrested in them.

They are from Road racing for serious runners, I'll email you the 30 miles a week plan, that one I have pictures off on my phone. Let me know if you want the 30+ plan.

I'd be interested in both.  Do you think the book is worth it though?  I'm not opposed to buying the book.  . . .

[joenali]

I use a headlamp in the dark. Could that be an option?

[gt7301b]

These are all great ideas, I think I may have to do some crazy combination of them to get the miles in. Luckily, we have a treadmill at home so I could hop on there before I run. I can also hit the trail after work on my way home, but I was just getting good about working out in the morning.

I'm doing eight tomorrow, cause I'm moving my long run and I might just stick to the lighted area till the sun comes out.

[gt7301b]

Aug 6, 2013 10:42:08 GMT -5 ebeth said:

Aug 6, 2013 10:41:08 GMT -5 gt7301b said:

They are from Road racing for serious runners, I'll email you the 30 miles a week plan, that one I have pictures off on my phone. Let me know if you want the 30+ plan.

I'd be interested in both.  Do you think the book is worth it though?  I'm not opposed to buying the book.  . . .

Sent ya the 30 mile plan.

I just use the book for the training plans, but if you want to get more into the weeds about the difference between VO2 max and Lactate Threshold pace it is the book for you. I use the Pfitzinger plans with McMillian paces.

[SuziSaysDa]

You need those knuckle light things someone posted about a few months ago.

I run in the dark and wear a bracelet with blinking lights to keep cars from running me over. Luckily their is very little traffic that early in the morning.

[gt7301b]

Aug 6, 2013 9:49:11 GMT -5 Mrs.flang said:

I do 8 miles starting at 5:15.  It's been getting darker and darker at that time, but brightens up pretty quickly.  I usually go with a friend at a park, but have also gone on the roads on my own.  I don't bring a light this time of year, but probably will have to starting soon.  Do you not feel safe starting out in the dark?

I feel safe, I'm more afraid of busting my face. I do have a headlamp I could bust out.

[pamela]

I run in the dark. No headlamp, just occasional street lights. Unless I run on the levee and just have moonlight. Its pretty even so my only fear with that is running into a snake or gator enjoying the still warm asphalt. I can see just enough to see them hopefully before its too late.

[taratru]

Aug 6, 2013 10:55:13 GMT -5 gt7301b said:

Aug 6, 2013 10:42:08 GMT -5 ebeth said:

I'd be interested in both. Do you think the book is worth it though? I'm not opposed to buying the book. . . .

Sent ya the 30 mile plan.

I just use the book for the training plans, but if you want to get more into the weeds about the difference between VO2 max and Lactate Threshold pace it is the book for you. I use the Pfitzinger plans with McMillian paces.

Ummm... Could you share with me? I have the 55, but am too cheap to buy the book for like two pages.

[gt7301b]

Aug 6, 2013 20:45:54 GMT -5 taratru said:

Aug 6, 2013 10:55:13 GMT -5 gt7301b said:

Sent ya the 30 mile plan.

I just use the book for the training plans, but if you want to get more into the weeds about the difference between VO2 max and Lactate Threshold pace it is the book for you. I use the Pfitzinger plans with McMillian paces.

Ummm... Could you share with me? I have the 55, but am too cheap to buy the book for like two pages.

Sure, PM be your address and I'll send them on.

[Deleted]

I did all of my long runs training for my half after work on Wednesdays. It sucked balls, but honestly, running the half in the morning seemed so much easier after suffering through it.

[lb2006]

I am in this boat as well. I was out the door by 5:15 this morning for my midweek 7 miler. I could only get 5 by the time i needed to be back to get ready for work. I'm going to have to leave at 4:30 as they progress higher.

Although i did read in a recent runners world that splitting midweek runs isn't necessarily all that bad - if your time is crunched, it's crunched.

I have a 2nd side job in the evenings, animals to care for and a gutted home that needs night supervising to make sure contractors didn't screw up.

I made my own bed to sign up for a marathon this year....so i'll run what i can