More than distance
The long run is where the race starts to feel real. That does not mean every weekend should become a race rehearsal at race effort.
It is practice: for starting under control, taking fuel before you need it, noticing tension, and staying useful when the run gets quiet.
Rehearse the boring things
- Wear the gear you plan to race in.
- Take fuel on schedule.
- Practice drinking while moving.
- Finish with enough awareness to describe what worked.
Strong racing is usually built from ordinary decisions repeated until they become familiar.