As I get closer to my race at Oceanside, my workouts are getting longer and my workload is increasing.  While this is needed to maximize my training for the race, it does increase my risk of injury slightly.  Injury risk is greatest when running, so how do I reduce risk when running long?

One of the favorite ‘tricks’ my coach does, is to split up long runs. Tomorrow, I will run for two hours, but I will not be doing a two hour run.  Instead, I will complete two separate runs, of one hour each.  I will do the second run at least six hours after the first run.

Why do this?  Well, if I was to run for two hours, it is very likely that I will fatigue and lose run form, towards the end of that run.  When running tired and with poor form, I am more likely to roll an ankle or trip while running.  Splitting the run, mostly avoids this situation.

The training stress from running twice for an hour, is almost identical to a single, two hour run.  So it it worth doing this, to reduce the risk.

I will run the first hour tomorrow with our local run group.  I will then run the second hour at the local park, late in the afternoon.  It should be a good day of running long.