CBRC

I've read about fast finish long runs. Yesterday I tried/did a fast fnish medium run. I ran abt 9mi at my regular pace, then the next two at abt 20-30s per mile faster, than the last one at about my 5K race pace. It was fun, I have to say.

Anyone have experience with or thoughts on fast finish long (or medium) runs?

I had read somewhere that this was a good thing to do to help you finish strong. I actually did this on many of my long runs when training for Baltimore last summer/fall. Of course I am a slower runner, my average long run pace is anywhere from 9:30-10:30 mpm, so for me to pick it up the last mile or two coming home meant running a 8:45-55 mile. But I was able to do it on most of my long runs including the 20 & 21 milers. Did it help? Not sure, since I kind of bonked at B-more. I still find myself trying to run my last mile or so faster though.

So you often did a faster 2 miles at the end? Did you find yourself dreading that part, looking forward to that part, or nothing different?

Almost without exception, the last mile of my long runs (even up to 24 miles) is the fastest.

In longer races, starting fast is easy, finishing fast - not so easy. So I start my long training runs intentionally easy and tend to pick up the pace as I go.

Sometimes its a little painful , but more often than not it feels good to fly at the end.

I found myself looking forward to picking it up at the end. Like Blackberry mentioned sometimes it hurt a little, but then I was done.

Thanks for the feedback Sue & Rick

The fast finish really helps my endurance and ability to keep good form and push hard at the end of a race. If you did a mile at or close to your 5k pace after 11 miles, you can do a real 5k faster than that supposed 5k pace.

It really is rewarding to be taking it easy on a long run and then hit the gas and push a fast finish. I think mine get down to my 10 miler race speed.