​ Long Run Schedule

Long runs leave from Joint Ventures (533 Commonwealth Ave in Kenmore Square, Boston) at 8:00 am. Doors open at 7:30 am with access to changing area and water.

New to running? Follow our "How to Safely Start a Running Program" 4 week guide
​
 Week 1 (12/16)  6 - 8-10 miles
Week 2 (12/23) 6 - 10 miles
Week 3 (12/30) 8 - 10 miles
Week 4 (1/6) 10 - 12 miles
Week 5 (1/13) Riverside #1 | 10.3 miles
Week 6 (1/20) 10 - 14 miles
Week 7 (1/27) Riverside #2 | 10.3 miles
Week 8 (2/3) 12 - 16 miles
Week 9 (2/10) Riverside #3 | 10.3 miles
Week 10 (2/17) 14 - 18 miles
Week 11 (2/24) 10 miles
Week 12 (3/2) Riverside Extension | 16 - 18 - 20  miles
Week 13 (3/9) 8 - 12 miles
Week 14 (3/16) Longest run 18 - 20 - 22 miles
Week 15 (3/23) 10 - 14 miles
Week 16 (3/30) Riverside #5 | 10.3 miles
Week 17 (4/6) 6 - 8 miles
 RACE DAY - April 15th, 2024

Click here for a Modified Long Run Schedule​

Key Points for Long Runs

  • Pick a mileage that suits your current training status
  • Run these runs at an easy pace
  • Build mileage slowly, 1-2 miles/week initially, then as runs get over 10-12 miles, a 2 mile jump every other week is appropriate
  • Add in walking breaks as needed
  • Practice hydrating and snacking as mileage increases (runs over 90 minutes)
  • These runs are performed on the most difficult sections of the marathon course

Hill Run Schedule

Starts: January 17th, 5:30 pm
Location: Boston Common, at junction of Charles and Beacon Street, just inside the Boston Common gates
Week 1: 1/17 - 2-3 hills
Week 2: 1/24 - 3-4 hills
Week 3: 1/31 - 4 hills
Week 4: 2/7 - 5 hills
Week 5: 2/14 - 6 hills
Week 6: 2/21 - 7 hills
 ​Week 7:  2/28 - 7 hills
Week 8: 3/6 - 8 hills
Week 9: 3/13 - 9 hills
Week 10: 3/20 - 10 hills
Week 11: 3/27 - 8-10 hills
Week 12: 4/3 - 7-8 hills
​Format: Easy 1.5-2.0. mile jog around the perimeter of the common
  • Run up Beacon Hill (500 meters) at about 75-80% effort
  • Run back down hill at steady pace
  • Build up each week- start at 2-3 hill repeats, build to 10+ 3 weeks prior to race
  • Easy jog at end
Benefits: second to long run as most important part of training 
  • Gets you acclimated to both up and downhills of Boston
  • Makes you faster and more efficient
  • Builds confidence and mental toughness

Important Dates

  • November 14: First weekly email newsletter sent
  • December 1-3: Heartbreak Hill Running Company discount shopping weekend
  • December 16: First group long run departing from Joint Ventures in Kenmore Square
  • January 13: First Riverside run. Starting at Riverside T station- run to Joint Ventures
  • January 17: First group hill run in Boston Common
  • Week of February 5: First group nutrition class
  • March 16: “Longest” long run (18-22 miles)
  • April 6: Final group long run
  • April 15: Boston Marathon
  • April 16: Final weekly email