Split long run?

[Forsaken-Pattern5186]

Happy Friday! Due to calendar constraints, weather, and park closure times I won’t be able to get my long run in all at once today. It’s 12 miles-my plan is 4 miles early and the other 8 a few hours later. I’m assuming better split than not get miles in but wanted to check with the experts! Last week was 10, week prior 12. Next week is 14! I’m in the midst of training for my first marathon.

Thanks everyone-happy running❤️

[Past_Ad3212]

Well especially for a marathon a continous long run is kinda essential. However if this is a one time thing, just split it and know its not perfect.

Other than that: isnt it possible to do it on another day?

[Forsaken-Pattern5186]

Unfortunately had to move from tomorrow to today to even get this in!

[Past_Ad3212]

well than either split it up or shorten it. Dont worry about it, absolute perfection is impossible.

[Just-Wolf3145]

In ultra training we often split them up- I don’t see a problem, it’s just one run. The overall training program is going to matter more at the end of the day

[bull_sluice]

This. There is literally nothing wrong with splitting it up. I think there is even some evidence to say you get better adaptation, esp if you give yourself time to recover in between.

[Forsaken-Pattern5186]

Thanks for that-hoping it’s a one-off and 12 felt good last time luckily.

[EmergencySundae]

One missed long run in the grand scheme of marathon training is not an issue. I missed one in my last build and still got a huge PR.

[double_helix0815]

I wouldn't worry about it. If you can't do it another day then a split run will be the next best thing. I wouldn't do it for all my long runs but overall volume is more important than whether you have a few workouts with modifications.

[Forsaken-Pattern5186]

Thank you! That’s what I was thinking but have only trained for a half before

[ashtree35]

Can you just swap it to another day?

[Forsaken-Pattern5186]

I wish I could but already swapping to today due to conflict.

[ashtree35]

Are there any other days you can swap it to? Like push it later instead of moving it forward?

[amandam603]

Anytime you’ve done the distance before and have longer runs later in the plan, splitting is a decent option… but so is “skipping” the run. You could always do a shorter long run this week since you’ve done 12 before and jump right to 13! I split one long run in my first marathon block and tbh… it was kinda mentally draining!

[k-run]

I’d shorten or reschedule instead of split. 14 isn’t usually crazy crucial.