Easier version
short
Harder version
long
Progression RunRPE 5Medium★★★★☆

PROGRESSIVE LONG RUN

A challenging long run that starts easy and progressively builds to marathon pace or faster. Develops endurance and race-specific fitness.

Effort Profile

TRAINING FOCUS

This workout targets multiple training zones for comprehensive development. Focus on maintaining consistent effort levels and proper form throughout each interval.Primary Purpose: Build aerobic endurance, practice race pacing, develop mental toughness, and simulate race-day fatigue management.

Workout Overview

Duration
1h 30m
Distance
18km
Intensity
5/10
Target Race
Marathon
Terrain
road
Difficulty
★★★★☆
Tags
progressivelong runmarathon paceendurancerace simulation

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WARMUP
Training ZoneEasy
Effort Level
3/10
Duration20m
Begin with very comfortable easy pace to settle into rhythm
Segment 1 of 6
20% of workout
MAIN
Training ZoneSteady
Effort Level
4/10
Duration20m
First progression block - easy to steady pace
Segment 2 of 6
20% of workout
MAIN
Training ZoneTempo
Effort Level
5/10
Duration20m
Second progression block - steady to moderate effort
Segment 3 of 6
20% of workout
MAIN
Training ZoneTempo
Effort Level
6/10
Duration20m
Sustained marathon pace effort - the meat of the workout
Segment 4 of 6
20% of workout
MAIN
Training ZoneThreshold
Effort Level
7/10
Duration10m
Final fast finish - slightly faster than marathon pace
Segment 5 of 6
10% of workout
COOLDOWN
Training ZoneEasy
Effort Level
3/10
Duration10m
Easy cooldown to complete the long run
Segment 6 of 6
10% of workout
0:00
0:15
0:30
0:45
1:00
1:15
1:30
1:40

Workout Structure

Complete breakdown with effort-based RPE color coding

Training Purpose

Build aerobic endurance, practice race pacing, develop mental toughness, and simulate race-day fatigue management.

1

Easy Start

Begin with very comfortable easy pace to settle into rhythm

Effort Level
RPE 3
Light
Duration
20m
Zone
Easy
Notes
  • Very relaxed pace
  • Focus on finding your rhythm
  • Check in with your body
  • Prepare mentally for the progression ahead
2

Progressive Build Phase 1

First progression block - easy to steady pace

Effort Level
RPE 4
Moderate
Duration
20m
Zone
Steady
Notes
  • Gradual increase from easy pace
  • Steady, controlled effort
  • Maintain conversational pace
  • Focus on efficient running form
3

Progressive Build Phase 2

Second progression block - steady to moderate effort

Effort Level
RPE 5
Somewhat Hard
Duration
20m
Zone
Tempo
Notes
  • Continue gradual build
  • Moving towards marathon pace effort
  • Breathing becomes more controlled
  • Stay mentally engaged
4

Marathon Pace Block

Sustained marathon pace effort - the meat of the workout

Effort Level
RPE 6
Hard
Duration
20m
Zone
Tempo
Notes
  • Target marathon race pace
  • Comfortably hard effort
  • Practice race-day breathing patterns
  • Stay strong and focused through fatigue
  • This is the key segment - maintain pace and form
5

Final Push

Final fast finish - slightly faster than marathon pace

Effort Level
RPE 7
Very Hard
Duration
10m
Zone
Threshold
Notes
  • Slight increase from marathon pace
  • Practice strong finish like in a race
  • Push through fatigue
  • Use mental strength and focus
  • Finish strong and controlled
6

Recovery Finish

Easy cooldown to complete the long run

Effort Level
RPE 3
Light
Duration
10m
Zone
Easy
Notes
  • Immediate return to easy pace
  • Focus on relaxation
  • Celebrate completing a tough workout
  • Begin recovery mindset

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Important Notice

These workouts are for educational purposes only. Always consult with your personal coach or qualified training professional before starting any new training program. They can provide personalized guidance based on your fitness level, goals, and individual needs.