Respect the Distance!

This is one bit of advice that I haven't taken in the past and it's come back to haunt me.It's very easy when training is going well (or in some instances, not so well) to take the foot of the gas and not realise the enormity of what you are training for. 26.2 miles is a long distance and deserves respect, as do those long runs in the lead up to the marathon.
Preparation is key for those long runs and ultimately the longest run, the marathon. I have often, in the past failed to prepare for that long run and that's cost me! Easing off on the training or indeed increasing intensity of training in the lead up to these long practice runs can have detrimental effects on the day of the run as those last few miles seem a massive struggle.
Lack of water and gels on route, can also be seen as a sign of dissrepect of what you are training for and can come back to bite you if not prepared properly!
Pre-nutrition and rest are also key components, that if not taken seriously can make that long run a really tough slog.
The message is simply this - don't fear the distance as your training programme will help you cope for the tough miles ahead, but definitely give the distance the respect that it deserves!

Todays Scheduled Training:  20 mile Long Run