Even as a seasoned racer (in all distances save the marathon), I still get overwhelmed when looking at training plans. With a single marathon under my belt, I feel like I should have an idea of what I want to do again and what I want to change for training this time around.
But there are so many options! Each one has its own pros and cons so I'm going to break them down. This is really more for myself than anyone else, but many bloggers have pointed out there are quite a few of us who are training for marathons starting in the summer, so maybe this will be useful to others as well.
Hal Higdon: Hal's plans are good for various reasons. There are many levels to choose from, from novice to expert. I like that the plans allow for some flexibility and that his website gives you information on how to use the plans...That's actually one of the cons, though. He goes into a TON of detail explaining everything before you even see the plan, which can be helpful to some runners but feels overwhelming to me.
Hanson: The Hanson method for marathon plans is really intense! A huge part of me wants to be able to do this plan, but realistically I know it's probably not for me yet. Hanson plans consist of more than one long run in a week. This is great for learning how to run on tired legs, but if you're a newer marathoner they might not be for you. That said, I know many marathoners who absolutely swear by this method...I just don't think I'm there yet.
Galloway: I'll admit that I'm reluctant to look into using the Galloway method because I would rather not walk on my long runs. I know that I did end up walking for my last marathon but it was due to extenuating circumstances. I would like to be able to run the entire marathon. I think that realistically, I will be able to run it as long as I treat my body right during taper. Still, there are perks to Galloway's plan.
Nike: I had no idea that Nike had free marathon training plans until I was recently on their website and they were advertising them. While I do think that they look interesting and like a viable possibility, I don't like their setup. The plan is a set of "cards" labeled by number 1-7 (for days of the week) and general information on the workout; this plan is definitely missing the specificity I'm looking for in a marathon plan, but for a general running schedule it's pretty nice.
Smart Coach: This is the plan that I used last time and I really like it. I would possibly consider paying for the upgrade this time around so that I could make a more detailed plan, but even the free Smart Coach training plan is really good. I like that it's flexible and that I can make it a longer plan than the usual 18 weeks. The only thing I didn't like about the Smart Coach plan last time was that it was only three days of running and I would really like to work up to four days of running during training. (I think I can adjust this somehow by changing the intensity level.)
I'm glad I have time to decide what my plan will look like and to get some insights from other marathoners! There's a lot to think about this time around because I'd like to see an improvement in my performance!
What factors do you keep in mind when choosing a race plan?
Do you rely on a personal trainer for bigger races?
ABK
What factors do you keep in mind when choosing a race plan?
Do you rely on a personal trainer for bigger races?
ABK
This is a great post to sort out and go over the various types of plans out there. I personally use Hal Higdon plans for my races, but I have been curious about the Hanson's Method. I just don't think I could handle all the mileage!
ReplyDeleteI literally thought of you when looking at Hanson's because I DO think you could pull it off. I know for sure I'm not ready yet!
DeleteAfter maybe my first 3 marathons, I just wrote my own plans. The main rule I always go by- the last 4 weekends = 20, 12, 8, RACE. And rest for 3 full days before the race! That's the Megan Michael plan. But it only works for Megan Michael hehehe. Before that, I think I followed Hal Higdon. When I trained for my 10k, I used Hal Higdon's and changed it just a bit to fit me and my wonky knee. I had no idea how to train to race such a distance so the training plan was really helpful.
ReplyDeleteI like your taper weekends...I definitely fell headfirst into taper this time because I got sick, but I'm hoping to have a proper taper next time!
DeleteWow there are a couple plans here I didn't even know about! I work with a coach now, so she makes a custom plan for me which is great. Hanson looks SO intimidating! I can't believe it's time to really think about fall races. I have to decide what I want to do soon and prepare! Can't wait to follow you on your marathon training!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny because I wrote this and then immediately found like 6 more plans! There are SO MANY out there!
DeleteWow, I had no idea that the Galloway plan went up to 26 miles! Last time I only went up to 20, but I think this time I'd like to do a 22 or 24 miler as my last long run. I remember getting to mile 20 in the marathon and thinking "holy shit there is still 10K to go, how will I make it?" I think a 20+ miler will help with mental confidence in those last few miles this time around. We'll see... by the time it gets to the end of training I may only want that one 20-miler!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking I'll make one of the 20s in my plan a 22 this year. I did fine with just going to 20 but I think the confidence boost of 22 would help because I remember miles 21-22 being ROUGH on race day!
DeleteI had no idea about Smart Coach. This year I think I will use the plan I was given when I sign up for a training group (I ended up training on my own due to my schedule) and modify it a bit based on other plans. I work with a trainer for strength (she happens to be a runner) so I may ask for her advice on the plan. I thought about a coach, but may wait until 2016 (I'd like another go around to see how I can do without one for #3). Thanks for sharing - this was a great post.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have all your plans and ideas in order...I can tell you've put some thought into it!
DeleteThank you for sharing this! I'm debating which training plan I should use for my marathon (if I choose to run it!). Hope you are doing well!!!
ReplyDeletePS~ I started my blog again :)
I think I am going to use the same plan that I used on my last marathon, with modifications. It had 6 days a week of running, I would like 5. It had races built into it, and some of the long runs were double run days, which worked well for me because I did a RAgnar towards the end of training. I am just about to finalize my MP decisions. My Mother's Day present was an upgrade to Strava premium, and there are training plans on there too...(my old plan was from Runner's World--Doug Kurtis)
ReplyDeleteWhich plan did you use? I mean, was it a specific one just for you on RW or a general plan? That sounds intense but effective!
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