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You are here: Home / running / 5 things to love about LONG distance running

5 things to love about LONG distance running

June 5, 2015 by MCM Mama 44 Comments

It’s time for Friday Five again! And even though today is National Donut Day, the lovely ladies in the DC Trifecta (Mar, Cynthia, and Courtney), decided that they’d like to talk about National Running Day. Personally, I’d rather talk about my five favorite donut flavors (chocolate cake donut, chocolate filled donut, chocolate frosted donut, anything else covered in chocolate), but ok, I’ll talk about running.

Since I’m about to start training again, here are the 5 things I love about training for the half marathon or longer.

Reasons to Love Long Distance Running

1. 13.1-26.2 miles of peace and quiet. I love my children. I do. But sometimes, they just won’t stop talking at me. (Note I say “at” me. Because a lot of times it is just stream of consciousness babble…)

2. New running shoes. I love new shoes and I always start off a training cycle by adding a new pair to my collection. This time I have my eye on the Altra One 2.5 (affiliate link). I LOVE the 2, but I’ve heard the 2.5 is even more amazing, so yeah, that’s my next shoe.

3. New running clothes (or in my case a new Skirt Sports skirt.(affiliate link)) Yeah, I’m gonna go there. Never mind that I own a ** skirts. No, I’m not sharing how many. But there are still three patterns in this spring’s collection that I need and I obviously need a new outfit for Marine Corps. After all, it’s all about that skirt!

4. The sense of accomplishment. I may not always love running long runs, but I love how I feel when they are done. I like the feeling of being tired and having used my mental strength to get me through. At least I do once I get home. Not a huge fan of it in the middle of the run.

5. Did I mention donuts? I know I need to watch what I eat. It’s super easy to gain weight during marathon training (although last time I managed to gain it before I started and then couldn’t lose it during, sigh.) Still, if I run 3-4 hours, I’m gonna have a donut. Or a beer. Maybe both.

I guess I should actually sit down and figure out what training plan I want to use. I’m a Hal Higdon girl, but I like the idea of the Hansons plan and I feel like I can start at fairly high mileage if I start running again soon.

Do you like training for long races? Or are you more of a fan of short and fast? 

[Tweet “Tell me what you like about training for long distances! #runchat #fitfluential #sweatpink”]

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Filed Under: running Tagged With: long run, marathon, National Running Day, training

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Comments

  1. Kelli says

    June 5, 2015 at 4:56 am

    Mmmm, donuts and beer. I just signed up for a bicycle race that involved binge eating donuts and uses a combination of your cycling time (36 mile course) and number of donuts eaten to calculate the winner. I have to be careful I don’t get too carried away on that training plan!!
    Kelli recently posted…TriTalk Tuesday: TransitionsMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      June 8, 2015 at 8:46 pm

      Man, I’d probably eat donuts until I was sick during that race. Sounds like an interesting race…

      Reply
  2. CARLA says

    June 5, 2015 at 5:17 am

    oooh and NUMBER ONE IS WHY I NEED TO WALK MORE HALFS!!
    less the silent child and more the girlfriend time.
    CARLA recently posted…Why Im glad my daughter is an athlete (guest post).My Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      June 8, 2015 at 8:43 pm

      Yes, girlfriend time rocks!

      Reply
  3. jill conyers says

    June 5, 2015 at 6:16 am

    I love long distance! But, I think I’m going to focus on my fastest 5 or 10k for a while. We’ll see how long that lasts.

    Have a fabulous Friday!
    jill conyers recently posted…Five Things FridayMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      June 8, 2015 at 8:43 pm

      I think after MCM, I might back off on the distances for a while…

      Reply
  4. Angela says

    June 5, 2015 at 8:55 am

    I love this list! The sense of accomplishment is always a big one for me, every time I finish a long run, I feel a sense of pride! And Donuts? Yum, but I go for the Salt -n-vinegard chips or French Fries!! 🙂
    Angela recently posted…Trifecta Friday Five: 5 Favorite Inspirational QuotesMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      June 8, 2015 at 8:43 pm

      Mmm, salt and vinegar chips. Yummy!

      Reply
  5. Lesley says

    June 5, 2015 at 8:59 am

    I’m all about new shoes and new running gear. Family members don’t really have to ask what I want for Christmas or birthdays. Gift cards or cash that I can use to buy running gear is always on the list.
    Lesley recently posted…Chateau Montelena and DuckhornMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      June 8, 2015 at 8:42 pm

      Same here. I usually just buy what I want and give it to Beer Geek to give to me at Christmas. Saves time with having to return things LOL.

      Reply
  6. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    June 5, 2015 at 9:23 am

    The sense of accomplishment is one of the best feelings ever!
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – Five Things I Love About RunningMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      June 8, 2015 at 8:42 pm

      Yes!

      Reply
  7. Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says

    June 5, 2015 at 10:56 am

    Erika, I love training for long races…then I get to have more shoes – hahaha! Oh, and running clothes, too, of course! Are you enjoying a donut today for National Donut Day? How can you miss that one? Hope you have a great weekend!
    Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…National Running Day 2015!My Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      June 8, 2015 at 8:41 pm

      Any excuse for new shoes is a good excuse…

      Reply
  8. Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness says

    June 5, 2015 at 11:17 am

    I never even thought I would run a longer race, so my long runs are such an accomplishment. Of course I like the short an fast ones too!

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      June 8, 2015 at 8:41 pm

      It always amazes me how much more we can do than we think we can…

      Reply
  9. Jennifer Lefforge says

    June 5, 2015 at 11:35 am

    Yup. I totally get this particular brand of crazy. Sometimes the long runs of 18 plus miles get on my nerves but mostly just because I get bored! Great post.
    Jennifer Lefforge recently posted…Things All Kids Do That You Think Only Your Kids DoMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      June 8, 2015 at 6:36 pm

      Yeah, I prefer to do long runs by myself, so I get bored sometimes.

      Reply
  10. Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

    June 5, 2015 at 12:24 pm

    I just worked on my training plan yesterday – can’t wait to hear more about yours!
    Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC recently posted…National Running Day 2015 – 5 Marathon Training MistakesMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      June 8, 2015 at 6:35 pm

      I’m leaning towards Hanson. I need more days because I have another series coming up, and they are a 5-6 day plan.

      Reply
  11. Laura Zimmitti says

    June 5, 2015 at 1:23 pm

    All of the above, except shoes. Although I did get excited that my shoe Brooks Ravenna 6, just came out in new a new and fabulous color. I’ll add that my daughters LOVE the medals and I love showing them that hard work and dedication is rewarded.

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      June 8, 2015 at 6:34 pm

      I love new color shoes.

      Reply
  12. Char says

    June 5, 2015 at 1:46 pm

    I can so relate to the shoes and clothes. I’m sitting here at 3:30 am almost excited to go for my 37k run because I have a new running top. And it’s really cute!
    Char recently posted…My Week – Reader’s Digest VersionMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      June 8, 2015 at 6:34 pm

      Cute is good!

      Reply
  13. Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says

    June 5, 2015 at 6:07 pm

    yes to all of the above especially buying new shoes and skirts of course!
    Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Sport2People Resistance Band Review & Exercises On The GoMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      June 8, 2015 at 6:33 pm

      I may need to build an addition onto my house just for my skirts…

      Reply
  14. Montana @ Pretty Lil Mudder says

    June 5, 2015 at 7:51 pm

    Haha we all need an “excuse” to buy a new Skirt or compression socks, or shoes, shirts…this list could go on allll day.
    Montana @ Pretty Lil Mudder recently posted…5 Common Obstacles and How to Conquer ThemMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      June 8, 2015 at 6:33 pm

      I “needed” more compression this weekend.

      Reply
  15. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    June 5, 2015 at 8:54 pm

    You mentioned donuts, but I didn’t see anything about beer!
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…A matter of perspectiveMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      June 8, 2015 at 6:31 pm

      Beer with my donuts. ;o) And I drink beer even when I’m not training.

      Reply
  16. Karen @karenlovestorun says

    June 5, 2015 at 8:59 pm

    Love all of these reasons! I wasn’t a big fan of long distance running at first but now I enjoy it. I do love the high mileage as an “excuse” to buy some new running gear!
    KAREN @karenlovestorun
    Karen @karenlovestorun recently posted…Friday Five 6/5: National Running DayMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      June 8, 2015 at 6:31 pm

      Seriously – it all wears out so fast when you are running that much. Yeah, that’s why I buy it. ;o)

      Reply
  17. Jenn says

    June 5, 2015 at 9:06 pm

    I spent my first two years of running training for the distance. This year, after my marathon, I focused for the first time on the 5K. I don’t think I’ll ever be “fast” by regular standards, but I have worked hard at improving my speed. Now that’s summer, it’s time to go long again.
    Jenn recently posted…friday five: national running dayMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      June 8, 2015 at 6:30 pm

      I was just thinking I’m kind of bummed I need to start marathon training because I’ve been running fast lately and kind of like it. But as it gets hotter, I’ll be happy to go slower.

      Reply
  18. Emily says

    June 5, 2015 at 10:00 pm

    I think those are all GREAT reasons. My favorite distance is the half. It’s just the right amount of long, without the aftermath of a marathon. Yet, it’s also super tough especially if you’re gunning for a time goal.

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      June 8, 2015 at 6:29 pm

      I mostly run half marathons. This year I’m running three full marathons. I doubt I’ll do that again after this year.

      Reply
  19. Karen @ Fit in France says

    June 6, 2015 at 1:20 am

    Yes to number 5 ! Too funny and fully agree.
    Karen @ Fit in France recently posted…Virtual coffee date : JuneMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      June 8, 2015 at 6:29 pm

      One must have the occasional treat, right???

      Reply
  20. HoHo Runs says

    June 6, 2015 at 10:02 am

    A beer flavored donut! You know…both are made with yeast. It’s a win-win.
    HoHo Runs recently posted…Coffee Talk (June Edition)My Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      June 8, 2015 at 6:28 pm

      Hmmm… I think I’d prefer a donut flavored beer.

      Reply
  21. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    June 6, 2015 at 9:19 pm

    I’m in love with the long distance but I think my body needs a break. I think after MCM I need to focus on some shorter distances!
    Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Thinking Out Loud: Yes, I’m still alive….My Profile

    Reply
  22. Cynthia @ You Signed Up For What?! says

    June 7, 2015 at 10:40 pm

    Great reasons! I am not a donut person but I love having a cookie…
    Cynthia @ You Signed Up For What?! recently posted…Five Reasons to RunMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      June 8, 2015 at 6:28 pm

      Cookies, donuts, cake… It’s all good. ;o)

      Reply
  23. Jennifer says

    June 8, 2015 at 6:38 pm

    Yes to all your reasons, especially the sense of accomplishment and new clothes 😉
    Jennifer recently posted…Chicago Marathon Training Week 1 – 6/1-6/7My Profile

    Reply
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Who is MCM Mama?
A slightly obnoxious mom and wife who loves good beer and running, who struggles a bit with depression especially in the winter and when running isn’t allowed, who’d rather go on a fun vacation than upgrade the kitchen or add a master bath, and has a minor addiction to the Marine Corps Marathon.

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