Well, we have made it to Friday. I’ll admit, there were times this week I wasn’t sure whether Friday was creeping closer, or pulling further away!
This weekend, I’ll be running and doing some wedding planning. Someone has to!
But I’ll also be reading this:
I have been perusing various training plans, trying to see which one is most likely to suit me for marathon training. Up until now, I have always used Nike training plans. But for the forthcoming RnR Madrid half, I’ve decided to try out Hal Higdon’s training plan. If I’m honest, the iPhone app seems pretty cool, so that persuaded me!
I’m really looking forward to comparing it to the ones I’ve used in the past, to see how it fits my running.
But, the wonderful Full Moon Runner suggested I read Greg McMillan’s book. I downloaded it last night, and got stuck in!
I’m only a few chapters into it, but so far, I’m already thinking differently about how I run, and how I train. I can absolutely understand why you’d personalise a training plan, and I’m excited about that, too! I’m sure that this book will be devoured over the weekend, and I promise to give you all my views on it 😉
Which training plan do you use? Do you develop your own? Have you read this book yet?
TartanJogger 
I am all for the Hal Higdon plans. They are nice and easy to follow. I have done 10k and on the half marathon novice plans but I am not sure what the intermediate plans look like. Good luck! 🙂
Thanks! They are straight forward, so I’m hoping I won’t lose my place as easily!
I print them off and put the date of each Monday in so I don’t get lost. Also I like ticking off the days 🙂
I usually check them on my phone, hence the easy confusion!!
What ever plan you choose, remember its is flexible and not cast in stone, it needs to fit in with your life! Huge good luck. Exciting times
That a very good point, thanks!!
It’s been a long time since I’ve followed a running plan – mainly because I’ve been pregnant/running for the last few years. I’m excited to get back to a 1/2 marathon plan -just have to find the right one for me!
I haven’t read that book yet…looks good though!
It’s quite exciting, searching for the right one- let us know which one you settle on!
I’m so glad you find the book helpful too! It’s also really made me think differently about my running (which, after 10 years, is saying a lot!) and I love taking control of my training plans, rather than just using generic ones. Also, the workouts make a lot more sense now! Best of luck!
I’m fining that already, thanks for letting me know about the book!
Definitely important to have a training plan that suits you and your life. You also need to be flexible enought to change it when necessary. Good luck!
Thanks; I totally agree with you! The Nike ones could be intense, but were easy to tweak. I suspect that Hal Higdon will be the same!
I’ve used Hal Higdon plans as well as plans found in my running magazines. I’m considering hiring a ‘running coach’ this year to see if a more personalized plan will help with my next Half.
Ooh, that’s a great step- let us know how you get on!
I can’t wait to hear about it! I tried a Hal Higdon plan to go from 5K to 10K but I don’t know if it was just too fast for my own body or what, but that’s when I got injured in September. It only moved up 1/2 mile for the “long run” each weekend but maybe for me that’s too fast…who knows!
I guess it’s all about finding the right plan, that’s the tricky part!
I’ve been meaning to read that book, especially since I’m using a McMillan running coach. Glad to hear its a good book.
Definitely worth a read!
I tend to go with – “Run, run, run” and “If you want to be fast, you must train fast.” While the group I coach for marathon training is provided a training schedule (complete with speed and hill work outs), I don’t follow it. I DO make sure to include hills at least once a week and two of my runs I go as fast as I can to push my threshold. The biggest thing I follow is the long run. Whatever our program prescribes, I make sure to hit that mileage. Because at the end of the day, the most important thing is that you have the confidence in your legs to carry you 26.2.
With this being said, most of my training buddies love Hal’s program. So I don’t think you can go wrong there. 😉
Oh, good! Thanks for this- I definitely always build in hills, but I should probably push myself more a couple of times a week!
Never read the book but I will have to check it out. Looking forward to hearing your reviews. I have never followed a running plan before. Something I should probably consider too.
Happy weekend.
I’ll keep you posted!
Whoop!
I used Hal Higdon for my last half marathon and liked it; it’s nice and straightforward. For my first marathon, I decided to go with the Runner’s World Challenge… it hasn’t started yet but I look forward to seeing how it goes!
Keep us updated as to how it goes!
I’m a big fan of Higdon. Follow it closely!
That’s the plan 😉