Long Runs
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

There is still time to sign up for one of the Detroit Free Press /Flagstar Bank Marathon races. Unlike last year, the half marathon will stay open for registration.   Runners will also have an opportunity to participate in one of the many long training runs during the next three weeks.

First timers, especially, can overcome some of their fears of conquering the marathon distance by running a twenty miler. The organized training runs have many advantages over going it alone.

It takes a lot more effort to run a certain pace by yourself. The adrenaline and endorphins kick in when you are part of an event (even a practice one) and have other runners around you. Plus you can draft behind people and soak up their energy when you begin to feel fatigued.

The organized long runs can help you simulate race situation without the pressure of racing. It's an opportunity to understand nervousness and learn about relaxing before an event. An organized long run is your ticket to improving your ability to focus on the positives.

Long runs also offer a place to try out all your race day equipment. Try out those socks, grease the rub spots in your shirt and shorts and find comfortable clothing that will wick away the sweat.

With five weeks to go it's time to decide if the shoes you plan to use on race day will make it through your training.   Otherwise invest in a new pair of shoes this week so they are broken in by October 23 rd .

The organized long runs usually provide water and Gatorade on the course. Learn how much water is enough and don't over hydrate.   GU will be located at 15 and 21 miles on the marathon course. Pin a couple packets on your shorts to try out during the training run.

If you have some experience running marathons and average more than fifty miles a week, I recommend substituting some of your long runs with two medium distance runs in one day.

If you go to the Free Press Marathon web site: www.detroitfreepressmarathon.com then click Training , you will find running stores and clubs that are sponsoring long training runs.  

September 18: Hanson's Running Store in Royal Oak has a 16 mile run; 248 616-9665.   Playmaker's Running Store in Okemos has an 8-20 mile run; 517 349-3803.

September 25: Capital City River Run in Lansing has a 10 mile race and you can run it twice to complete 20 miles; 517 332-2681. Windsor's Running Factory is sponsoring a 20 mile run; 519-945-3786.

October 1: Total Runner and the Island Road Runners has a 20 miler in Willow Metro Park, I275, south of I94; 734-282-1101.   Running Fit and Wayne County Parks is sponsoring a 20 Miler at Nankin Mills along Edward Hines Drive; 734.769.5675

October 2: Hanson's Grosse Pointe Store has a 16 mile run; 586-822-8606.

October 3: Gazelle Sports is conducting a 20-22 miler on White Pines Trail near Grand Rapids; 616-940-9888.

October 8: Bauman's Running Store at Flint's downtown YMCA has a 20 mile training run; 810-238-5981.

Contact Doug Kurtis at Detroit Free Press, 600 W. Fort St. Detroit, 48226