As summer comes to an end and the fall running season begins, many athletes target a marathon as their yearly goal. Due to the extended nature of the event, it’s important to train your body to be able to handle several hours of exertion. However, a mistake that runners often make is to place too much emphasis on the long run. Research has consistently shown that a long run of greater than 30% of your weekly mileage is a risk factor for injury.

Instead of placing such an emphasis on one stressful weekly long run, spread out your overall weekly mileage and substitute with other training instead. Cycling is a great activity to teach your body to resist the fatigue of a long race and doesn’t place as much stress on your musculoskeletal system that may take a long time to recover. In developing your weekly schedule, keep your long run proportioned to your overall mileage and add in some cross training to help build fitness.

The information presented is offered only as something to consider in your quest for health and well-being. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any lifestyle changes.

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