After doubling regularly, should you start increasing the distance of your second run?

Training Advice/Discussion General

7 years ago 09/19/2016 10:58pm EDT

I'm following a general half marathon plan and running around 60-70 miles a week in singles. I'm also doubling 4-5x a week but only doing a short, very easy run of ~30 minutes (ends up being 3-4 miles).

I'm slowly increasing my singles mileage from 60 to higher up. At the same time, should I be increasing my second run too? Should I be going from 30 min to more like 35 min and then 40 min or am I getting enough benefits from just increasing the single runs while keeping the doubles in but at the same length?

7 years ago 09/20/2016 8:37am EDT

re: 4534535453

7 years ago 09/20/2016 9:33am EDT

re: 4534535453

When I ran mileage of 140 miles or more a week, I liked to get 14 to 17 on the first run.

7 years ago 09/20/2016 9:56am EDT

re: 4534535453

If you're doing longer distances, then just focus on extending the length of your first run.

If you're doing 1500-5k, then your doubles should be closer to even in length (and often at a faster speed, such as MP plus 20-30 seconds).

7 years ago 09/20/2016 10:03am EDT

re: 800 dude

800 dude wrote:
If you're doing longer distances, then just focus on extending the length of your first run.
If you're doing 1500-5k, then your doubles should be closer to even in length (and often at a faster speed, such as MP plus 20-30 seconds).

Haven't heard that before. Others' thoughts?

7 years ago 09/20/2016 11:29am EDT

re: Other options

Other options wrote:
800 dude wrote:
If you're doing longer distances, then just focus on extending the length of your first run.
If you're doing 1500-5k, then your doubles should be closer to even in length (and often at a faster speed, such as MP plus 20-30 seconds).
Haven't heard that before. Others' thoughts?

I would recommend increasing the length of both. As your fitness increases you can handle a higher workload so take advantage of it. Plus your secondary run sounds pretty easy so 5 additional minutes will not be a big new stress to you.

7 years ago 09/20/2016 11:47am EDT

re: 4534535453

I wouldnÂ´t put much focus how long is your single runs. 30 minutes second runs are a bit short for a long distance runner though, maybe I would lengthen those a bit, to 40-60 minutes. If the purpose of a run is "recovery run" then a 40min run is plenty. If want to get more training effect, then 60 minutes or so. As long as you get the overall mileage to level where you still can do good basic workouts around lactate threshold-10k pace (very important for HM), youÂ´ll be okay. Doubling frequently allows you to have more variation (intensity/duration) in your schedule than doing all or most runs in singles. But I would still do the weekly long run.

7 years ago 09/21/2016 6:10pm EDT

re: U.N.O.

youll know when to increase the doubles because they'll start feeling way too short.

Reply Replying to

Username

Password

Leave the password field blank to post anonymously.

Post Preview

By posting you acknowledge that you have read and abide by our Terms and Conditions.

Remember me on this device.

After doubling regularly, should you start increasing the distance of your second run?

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

You have been subscribed.

After doubling regularly, should you start increasing the distance of your second run?

Follow 800 dude

Block 800 dude

Follow joho

Block joho

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

Reply Replying to

You have been subscribed.