splitting a run in two

runrabbit

I'm finding one of my weeknight runs a bit of a struggle due to other commitments, and was wondering if I split it from a 50 minute run into 2 x 25 minute runs would I lose the benefits of the longer run or does it make any difference? I'd be standing around for an hour and a half in between the two runs. One of my concerns is having to do 2 warm-ups, especially on the cooler nights when I can get quite chilly in between. I feel I might be wasting too much time warming up and missing out on the quality miles in the middle?

Any thoughts or advice?

shels4ever

I would think that if its a key session or a mid week long run then it should not be split, if its a recovery day and just an easy run then it maybe possible.

Mac Cormaic

runrabbit wrote: »

I'm finding one of my weeknight runs a bit of a struggle due to other commitments, and was wondering if I split it from a 50 minute run into 2 x 25 minute runs would I lose the benefits of the longer run or does it make any difference? I'd be standing around for an hour and a half in between the two runs. One of my concerns is having to do 2 warm-ups, especially on the cooler nights when I can get quite chilly in between. I feel I might be wasting too much time warming up and missing out on the quality miles in the middle?

Any thoughts or advice?

Run them both a little bit faster, and you should get the same results. Also if you maintain the consitency of doing two shorts runs an hour or two apart on a regular basis, it should train the body to more easily adapt without the second warmup.

shels4ever

Mac Cormaic wrote: »

Run them both a little bit faster, and you should get the same results. Also if you maintain the consitency of doing two shorts runs an hour or two apart on a regular basis, it should train the body to more easily adapt without the second warmup.

I don't think i'd agree with that, its basically getting rid of one good session and replacing it with 2 not so good.

YFlyer

Do some gym work, drills or strength exercises during the hour and half period.

Mac Cormaic

shels4ever wrote: »

I don't think i'd agree with that, its basically getting rid of one good session and replacing it with 2 not so good.

Not necessarily. Several factors would have to be considered. Pace of run, mileage per week, and intended goal. If its speed work, two sessions could be just as beneficial, and if its distance, running the two shorter runs at a slightly faster pace could greatly improve times down the line. The bodies metabolism, would actually be in a more awakened state for the second run.

ecoli

runrabbit wrote: »

I'm finding one of my weeknight runs a bit of a struggle due to other commitments, and was wondering if I split it from a 50 minute run into 2 x 25 minute runs would I lose the benefits of the longer run or does it make any difference? I'd be standing around for an hour and a half in between the two runs. One of my concerns is having to do 2 warm-ups, especially on the cooler nights when I can get quite chilly in between. I feel I might be wasting too much time warming up and missing out on the quality miles in the middle?

Any thoughts or advice?

My advice would be that if you are looking to double it is not smart to do them so close together. if you can try get one in the morning before work / lunch if you can spare time. You wont get the same aerobic benefits as you would from one longer run than these however you will still get the benefit in terms of muscle coordination so I would recommend giving it a go if you can space them out.
Other option is making that run your recovery run (very very slow) as an extra day and do your longer run on another day

runrabbit

Thanks to all for the advice, some things to think about there!

I can't do any gym work/other exercise during the hour and a half as I am otherwise engaged, and I don't have another spare evening to move the run to. I can't split the runs to further apart either as I get up at 5.45am and couldn't face getting up any earlier. I only get a 30 minute lunch break so that's out too

So I think I'm just going to have to suck it up and stick to the longer late evening runs rather than trying to get half of it out of the way early. As the evenings are getting warmer and brighter it should feel like less of a chore !