Why 20 Mile Long Runs Matter for Marathon Success

Great Video once again!!!
Question here: I'm Male 24. I'm aiming for sub-3H this november (my current PR is 3.09 6 months ago).
For my marathon prep i usually only do 10-12-week prep (40m/week and peaking up to 55m/week). My milage isnt IDEAL for building perfect base, but i have better speed than endurance (my 5k is 17.38). In my peak weeks, should i focus more on 80/20 (80% being mostly zone 2 and low zone 3) OR maybe should i make it like 65/35 -70/30? (kenyans usualy do 85/15 due to fact that they run A LOT OF MILAGE weekly so their 20% of hard milage is still lot of distance). my 20% would only be 10 miles hard weekly. YES for my next marathon i'll probably do higher milage and 16-week buildup but should i focus on classic 80/20 or try 70/30 and even 65/35 on peak weeks.
My purpose of this comment is to learn be EFFICIENT with my milage. i dont wanna be running 100m/week(injury risk) while i could have almost same results with 70m/week for example. Thanks for always replying! You are one of the best running channels compared to other running "infuencers"

Good tips Nathan 😊. I think a harder longrun every 3rd wkend cant go wrong as the physiology points to 3 to 4wks to adapt to the stresses we place on our bodies. Many unhealthy new runners probably also need to really focus on 6-12wks of Base Training 1st to support increased Mitochondria/ Aerobic enzymes 🎉. Cheers

Great insight coach! The long run really is the backbone of a marathon training plan. I was wondering how much marathon pace miles would it be advisable to do at the peak of training during a dress rehearsal long run? The argument of diminshing returns when doing too much of it does make sense but personally, with 6 marathons training blocks under my belt, what works for me is to build up to a 23 miles long run with 15 miles of marathon pace throughout. I cannot think of another session that conditions the body better to endure the late stage fatigue of marathon effort and also test the fitness. Is it crazy :) ?

♡ your channel with all the great , quality tips & advice 👌

These long runs are tough, awesome teachings , much needed, thanks Coach Nate🙏🙏

Love this guys videos. Talks sense without the fluff around the sides. Seems down-to-earth too.

Can't wait to build up to 20 mile long runs. Right now I'm only at 12 k/ 8.6 miles. 🫡

Like the idea of a really long run every 3rd week. Easier to deal with psychologically.

As my block progresses my long runs get faster and faster....with my final long run being run at very close to marathon pace. Builds huge confidence for me and really allows you to see your fitness building week on week

10 day taper worked out so well for me during my last marathon and PR. I felt great on race day and didn't feel anxious or like I was losing fitness during the taper. I'm looking to do around 40 miles/week for the next few months before starting another build for CIM in December. During these few months in between the last race and the next 16 week build, would you still recommend doing those long 20 mile runs? Or should I back off a bit and let my body recovery before the next build?

Gold. I’m about 6 weeks out from Grandmas. My long run this weekend is about 13.1 miles in Zone 2 and then the final 10K at goal Marathon pace before finishing last 15-20 cool down. Interesting to see how it goes in this structure.

For those easy recovery runs, is it possible to go TOO slow, to the point it's not benefiting me in any way?

Thanks for these videos I've learned so much from you!

what is your reaction to the hanson method that only goes up to 16 mi for the long run?

You are right. You have to push yourself!

Are you training people? If so would you be willing to set up a time to talk. If not, no worries just looking for help to achieve my goals