Skip navigation Search Sign in What should my longest run be?

Well, from long runs for the intermediate training program, I do have runs that go beyond the 20 mile mark. You know, I always give a range. You know, I'm a guy that isn't really married to the exact second or the exact mileage. You know, you see those people running around in the parking lot trying to finish off their run. I'm not one of those guys. I don't really promote that. That's fine. It's okay to do. But I always kind of give a range. And right now the range for the intermediate is somewhere in the 20, 21, even a 22 mile run. If you're feeling good and the plan says to run 21 miles, but you're feeling good and it's still three weeks out from the main event, go 22, 22 and a half. That's completely fine because the plan allows for really good recovery after the long runs. That's where we do most of the damage. But we also have to keep in mind that there's an accumulation effect. It's not just one long run that you prepare for the marathon. It's the accumulation of all the weeks, of all the years you've been running. So this plan just kind of sets you up to dial in your specific pace and endurance for the main event after the 16 weeks.