If you've been running the same type of long run every week—just going out, logging the miles, and checking the box—you're missing out on some powerful training adaptations.

Coach Brad breaks down why the long run is the single most important workout of the week, what's actually happening inside your body during those extended efforts, and the different strategies you can use to target specific adaptations. From Lydiard's foundation-building approach to Rosa's late-race fade prevention method, you'll learn exactly when and how to use each type of long run.

Whether you're building your base for the first time or training for your fastest marathon yet, this episode will help you get more out of every long run you do.

In This Episode

• Why the long run is the most important workout of the week (no matter what distance you're training for)
• The five critical physiological adaptations that only happen during long runs
• How to execute the standard long run: pace, duration, and common mistakes to avoid
• Arthur Lydiard's philosophy and why you can't rush aerobic development
• Bill Squires' surge strategy for building pace-change ability and fighting boredom
• Gabriele Rosa's fast-finish method for preventing the late-race fade
• Pete Pfitzinger's marathon pace segments for building race-day confidence
• How to decide which long run strategy to use based on your training phase
• Why variety in your long runs leads to better adaptations

Key Takeaways

1. Time on feet triggers adaptations that nothing else can replicate. Your body needs extended duration to increase capillary density, multiply mitochondria, improve stroke volume, enhance glycogen storage, and build mental toughness.
2. The standard long run should be conversational pace. Think 70-80% of max heart rate, or a 5-6 out of 10 effort. If you're struggling in the final miles, you started too fast.
3. Build gradually and respect recovery. Add no more than 10-15 minutes per week to your long run distance, and always plan an easy day or rest day afterward.
4. Use specialized long runs strategically, not randomly. Save surge runs, fast finishes, and marathon pace segments for race-specific training phases—not during base building.
5. Practice your race-day fueling during long runs. Once you're going beyond 90 minutes, use your long run to dial in your nutrition strategy so there are no surprises on race day.

Timestamps

(00:00) Introduction to the Long Run (02:01) Why the Long Run is Essential (02:45) Physiological Benefits of the Long Run (05:54) Standard Long Run Fundamentals (11:13) Specialized Long Run Strategies (18:24) Choosing the Right Long Run Approach (20:11) Conclusion and VMAX Training App

Training Methods & Coaches Mentioned

• Arthur Lydiard - New Zealand coach who revolutionized distance training with his emphasis on sustained aerobic development through long, steady runs on hilly terrain
• Bill Squires - Greater Boston Track Club coach who incorporated surges into long runs to teach pace changes and fight mental fatigue
• Gabriele Rosa - Italian coach of world-class marathoners who popularized the fast-finish long run for preventing late-race fade
• Pete Pfitzinger - Olympic marathoner and coach who uses marathon pace segments within long runs for race-specific preparation

Connect With VMAX

• Website: vmax.run
• Instagram: @vmax.running

Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with a fellow runner who wants to get more out of their long runs.