
Episode 1: Should You Limit Long Runs to Three Hours?
About this episode
In our first episode of the Tread Lightly podcast, we examine the popular "rule" that you should not run for longer than three hours in marathon training. Does the evidence support this?
We take an evidence-based and practical approach to long run duration. In this episode, we discuss:
- The origins of the three hour long run rule and how it may be outdated
- How to recover better from long runs
- What research actually says about long runs in marathon training
- How should 4, 5, or 6 hour marathoners train?
- How can you adjust your training to ensure that you are preparing yourself for your marathon (or ultra) without getting injured?
You can listen to Episode 5, The Applied Science on Long Run Fueling, for more information on how to fuel your long runs.
References:
PMID: 31704026
PMID: 32421886
PMID: 32403259
PMID: 32183425
Laura and Amanda bring over 20 years of coaching experience and expertise shared in thousands of articles, with the goal of helping you train smarter, not harder.
You can contact us with questions, listener comments, or topics for future episodes at:
@runtothefinish
@lauranorrisrunning
email: [email protected]
Get every episode summarized
Each time Tread Lightly Running Podcast publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Tread Lightly Running Podcast

Does Summer Running Really Make You Faster in the Fall?
Tread Lightly Running Podcast

What to Do The Week After a Half Marathon or Marathon: A Science-based Post Race...
Tread Lightly Running Podcast

Do You Need High Mileage? The Science of High Volume Running
Tread Lightly Running Podcast

Tune Up Race Formula: Timing, Recovery, and What the Training Theory Says
Tread Lightly Running Podcast