When most people start running, they just get out there and go. That can be a good thing, as overthinking things early on can lead to analysis paralysis.
But it can also be a bad thing, leading to either inconsistent training on the one hand or overtraining on the other.
When it’s time to take your training to the next level – and “next level” can mean anything from running your first organized race to chasing down a Boston qualifying time – it helps to work off a specific training plan. There are many available on the internet, and a few popular ones have been documented in books.
I’ve tried to go through many of the more popular training plans and provide some analysis and overview of who should (or shouldn’t) use them and what you can expect. Take a look, and hopefully you’ll find the right training plan to meet your needs and get you to your goals.
When are you ready to run your first marathon? That depends a little bit on what your expectations are. You can run a marathon with very little training. But it probably won’t be enjoyable. The more prepared you are – with months of running and mileage under your belt – the better your experience will … Read more
Pfitz marathon training plans are a popular option among serious runners. They are challenging, and they’ll help you get to the next level. But they’re also scaled to various levels. So you can pick a plan that matches up with your current level of experience. The plans are not a good choice for beginners. But … Read more
The marathon is a beast of a race. You can wing it through a 5k if you’re in decent shape. You cannot wing it through a marathon. Or at least you won’t have a very enjoyable time if you try. This is kind of event that demands a well thought out training plan and schedule. … Read more
So you’re looking to take your training to the next level and hit a new PR in the marathon distance? That means it’s time to find a proper marathon training plan. There are tons of options out there, and it can be confusing to figure out which one to use. Based on your circumstances, you … Read more
So you’ve been bitten by the bug, and you’re thinking about running a marathon, huh? 26.2 miles is a long way. You’re going to need to commit some serious time to training for that, and you should definitely follow some expert advice on how to structure that training. Luckily, there are plenty of marathon training … Read more
Are you looking to challenge yourself with your next marathon and push your limits? You should find a good training plan to follow. But it can be hard to know which one is right for you. There are a lot of options out there, and they are most definitely not all created equal. Two of … Read more
Whether you’re running your first marathon or looking to improve over your last one, it usually helps to follow a training plan of some kind. But there are tons of training plans out there, and they vary wildly in quality. Which one should you choose? Today, I’m going to look at the marathon training plan … Read more
If you are looking for an advanced marathon training plan, Pfitz and Jack Daniels are two of the most popular options. They are often recommended to runners asking questions at /r/AdvancedRunning. Runners tend to find their way into one camp or the other. As a result, many runners lack a full understanding of the other … Read more
Are you looking for a training schedule to get you through 26.2 miles and hit a new PR? Well here’s an overview of a great choice – the Pete Pfitzinger marathon plan. Pfitz – also known as Uncle Pete – is an accomplished distance runner. He studied exercise science and wrote several books about training. … Read more
If you’re planning for your next marathon, you might want to consider a Jack Daniels marathon training plan. The 2Q plan is challenging yet flexible, and it could be the right choice to push you to a new PR. There are a bunch of marathon training plans out there in books and on the internet. … Read more