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The Benefits of (Sometimes) Taking a Break During a Long Run

Reasons You Feel Like You Need a Break—And What to Do About It

The Bottom Line on Stopping During a Long Run

You lace up, cue up your running playlist , and head out for your long run . But 40 minutes in, you hit an extra-long stoplight (and you won’t be caught jogging in place). Then at mile nine, you stop to take advantage of a working water fountain. At mile 14, you find yourself hiding in the shade of a tree, questioning your life choices. By now, you’re wondering: Does this run even count?

Of course it counts. “The long run is all about time on feet ,” explains Alison Marie Helms , PhD, a NASM-certified personal trainer and UESCA-certified running coach. “Taking a break—or a few breaks—doesn’t negate the run.”

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Taking walking breaks is actually built into the run/walk method , which isn’t just for newbies.…