The Long Run

Training tips, running news and articles.

Another Runner’s Paradox: Seeking to Demolish “Impenetrable” Barriers

Another Runner’s Paradox: Seeking to Demolish “Impenetrable” Barriers

Another Runner’s Paradox: Seeking to Demolish “Impenetrable” Barriers by Kevin Beck for LowellRunning.com In preparing for a race a few weeks or months ahead and formulating a specific goal, have you ever concluded that you could not only better your previous best time at that distance, but blow it cleanly out of the water? AndRead more about Another Runner’s Paradox: Seeking to Demolish “Impenetrable” Barriers[…]

Marathon Training Basics: Have You Been Neglecting Tempo Runs – or Doing Them All Wrong?

Marathon Training Basics: Have You Been Neglecting Tempo Runs – or Doing Them All Wrong?

Marathon Training Basics: Part 4: Have You Been Neglecting Tempo Runs — or Doing Them All Wrong? by Kevin Beck — This is part 4 of a four-part series about the basic needs of serious marathoners. When I wrote an article about tempo runs for Running Times in 1999 (in those days, no one foresaw thatRead more about Marathon Training Basics: Have You Been Neglecting Tempo Runs – or Doing Them All Wrong?[…]

Marathon Training Basics: How Specific is Your Race Preparation?

Marathon Training Basics: How Specific is Your Race Preparation?

Marathon Training Basics: Part 3: How Specific is Your Race Preparation? by Kevin Beck — This is part 3 of a four-part series about the basic needs of serious marathoners. If you’re a modestly experienced competitor and getting ready to run  a 5K or a 10K, it doesn’t take a great deal of creativity toRead more about Marathon Training Basics: How Specific is Your Race Preparation?[…]

Marathon Training Basics: Are You Running Too Hard on Easy Days?

Marathon Training Basics: Are You Running Too Hard on Easy Days?

Marathon Training Basics: Part 2: Are You Running Too Hard on Easy Days? by Kevin Beck — This is part 2 of a four-part series about the basic needs of serious marathoners. One of the most common questions thrown around the running community is “How fast should I run on my easy days?” Evidently thereRead more about Marathon Training Basics: Are You Running Too Hard on Easy Days?[…]

Marathon Training Basics: Are You Running Enough?

Marathon Training Basics: Are You Running Enough?

Marathon Training Basics: Part 1: Are You Running Enough? by Kevin Beck — This is part 1 of a four-part series about the basic needs of serious marathoners. Look closely at that simple question and apply it to an honest assessment of your own running. What’s the highest mileage (or kilometrage) level you have reachedRead more about Marathon Training Basics: Are You Running Enough?[…]

Marathon Training Basics: Introduction

Marathon Training Basics: Introduction

Marathon Training Basics: Introduction by Kevin Beck — This post introduces a four-part series about the basic needs of serious marathoners.  Over 15 years ago, when I was working on a Running Times article about Keith Dowling, the top U.S. finisher at the 2002 Boston Marathon, Keith opined: “Some say there’s no magic formula. IRead more about Marathon Training Basics: Introduction[…]