A long run is 18 miles or more. Less than that, even a tenth of a mile less, does not qualify. Why, you may ask? Why make the threshold 18 and not 17 or 20? Why classify long runs at all? Good questions. Decades ago, back when 20 miles was the minimum for my long runs, I read somewhere that anything approaching 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) takes considerable effort and time, and therefore could be considered long. At that point, I knocked my threshold down a notch from 20 to 18. Don't get me wrong; twenty is still better than eighteen if distance is your goal. But many times eighteen is just fine or at least, good enough. I classify long runs as such because my log allows me to, But more than that, I prepare, pack, and act differently for my long runs. I drink more fluids and eat more carbs the previous day. I pack gels, bodyglide, and other stuff for the run. I also dress differently (or at least more thoughtfully), and at least begin long runs more conservatively whilst being more mindful of nutrition and hydration during the runs. For more long run information, see
this post where I republished an article on the subject.
Today's run on Lester Rail Trail (my most frequent long run venue) begins slow and easy. My expected 5:00 AM companions do not show up, so I am running alone until the 6:00 AM crowd arrives. That's okay; I enjoy the cool early morning darkness. After such a hot summer, the chill is quite welcome. The stars are like bright little diamonds shining down on me. I never quite wake up enough to get moving very fast, but only five days after
Akron, I don't mind too much.
The 6:00 throng of runners consists of Shannon Barnes. Slim pickings these days, but I'm very happy to have Shannon's company. Now, the pace improves significantly. That's good; it couldn't have gotten much slower. We talk a lot, and this helps pass the time and the miles. Soon, we're done with another six-mile loop, but we decide to do two more miles, just for the heck of it.
When it's time for Shannon to leave, I decide to call it a day as well. I have 14 miles in, and I'm well aware that 14 is less than 18. That's okay. It's not a long run failure, it's a short run over-achievement.
