Note: If you want to be self-trained, but have a little extra guidance without the cost of a coach, I provide support to members of my running course with their training plans, whichever ones they choose to use. Running Coach Pfitzinger’s Advanced Marathoning Plan is specifically designed for experienced runners, and there are no beginner or intermediate options. This differentiates it from generic plans that accommodate all levels. Utilizes a variety of training methods at strategic times to challenge the body and prevent plateauing. That pretty much is it---usually the periods I follow are: race----one month of active rest (30 mpw, tennis, a few beers, whatever), then 6-8 weeks of a base phase, then beginning the 12 week Pfitz plan for another race.

Before I used a plan from that book, I used Strava Premium training plans for years. Strava has plans for multiple distances, including 5K, 10K, half marathon and the full marathon. While I really like the Strava half marathon plan and I set a PR in my half following it, I burned out on those plans. That’s part of what led me to buy that book. The mileage increases rapidly. If you’re not prepared, this can lead to burnout or injury. The lowest mileage plan increases 50% over two months. This makes me skeptical of the advice that you’re “ready” for the plan if you’re regularly running the week one volume.Many runners enjoy doing multiple 20 mile runs because it gives them the confidence they need to cross the finish line, while others simply feel burdened by that schedule. That’s when you need to consider just how much you’ve missed. As a general rule of thumb, if you’ve missed four weeks or more then you probably won’t have the time to catch up till race day. The Galloway plan could reduce your training stress significantly, but if you're not used to Walking Breaks you will have to ease into this gently. While walking may seem trivial compared with running, the transition between the two states can cause some unexpected stress.

The Pfitzinger Marathon Plan stands out for its specific focus on endurance, making it a top choice for long-distance runners. With this training program, athletes can increase their stamina and build the necessary foundation for successful race preparation. Training so far mostly consist of: Easy, Tempo and Long Runs (usually around HM distance) with limited speedwork/anaerobic running.

The plan’s meticulous design offers varied intensity levels throughout the course of marathon preparation while ensuring essential rest periods between rigorous sessions. With numerous customization options, users can tailor the regimen to meet their individual needs and abilities.

No one specific way of training will lead to a Boston Marathon Qualifying time. But certainly you’re going to find that more likely with enough interval training, specific goal pace work and usually higher weekly mileage. Weeks To 16. This is the number of weeks from the start of the plan to the first 16 mile long run. This section of the training plan I've called the "initial ramp up" that brings a runner from their initial level of fitness to what I consider the threshold of performing long runs.Galloway. All plans use Walking Breaks and some include training runs longer than the marathon distance. The general structure of the Strava training plans is pretty much the same, no matter the distance and I was craving variety. If you’ve never used them, you’ll likely enjoy for a while! Just perhaps don’t use it for dozens of races like I did. The program names are based on weeks / peak week mileage. So the popular 18 / 55 program would be 18 weeks with 55 miles being run in the peak week.

The final training schedule is 81 to 100 miles. This schedule includes seven days of running throughout, and many of the recovery and easy days include doubles. If you’re prone to injuries as a runner, look for lower mileage plans that incorporate low-impact cross-training to lessen injury risk. And if dread speed work, choose a plan that involves longer runs a couple of times a week but less emphasis on intensity. #3 Training Timeline Later in this article we’ll look at the questions you need to ask yourself to choose the right marathon training plan. But when looking at the overall structure of a marathon plan it should follow some key principles.principle should be followed to prevent injuries. This means 80% of your weekly workouts are an easy effort.