Higdon or Galloway?

[J3nn78]

Hi!
I am looking for some feedback on which training program to go with. Personal experience, pros and cons

I was initially going with Hal Higdon's training, but now I am also looking at Jeff Galloway's

What I like about Galloway is that there are no longer runs during the week. Not that I cannot do them, but with Higdon's I am worried about finding the time for a 8-10 mile midweek run. I am a full time working mom of two little boys. Right now, I can squeeze in just under an hour most midweek days to run/exercise, but I cannot do it consistently because of meetings after work, doctor appts, kid stuff, etc... Getting up and doing it before work is not an option either.

What I worry about with Galloway is: Is it enough miles each week? Will I be as prepared if I do not put in as many midweek miles?

Any thoughts, opinions, etc... is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[WDWMarathonManiac]

I have run 6 marathons, 4 half-marathons and three half-ironmans using Galloway's training program. I have always been prepared for the race and have been injury-free! I am happy to answer any questions that you have about his plan.

One year while running the WDW half-marathon, I ran with Galloway for about 4 miles! I got to ask him lots of questions.

 

[cewait]

What you are not saying is your experience level. Assuming a first time marathoner I’ll throw this out for your thought

First both plans will get you to the start with no issue.

Neither plan is perfect for everyone. You have done the initial analysis of your life and commitments. Fitting a plan into your life is the most important thing about choosing a plan for a newbie. Saying that you have focused in on the main difference between the two – the mid week work. Galloway has enough miles to get you to the finish. Look at the long run schedule and you will see three really long runs. If you are true to the long run and make a couple 20 mile runs you are there. Higdon’s plan is a little more old school with more prescribed distance in the week but not as much on the weekends. It really sounds like you are favoring Galloway based on your time commitments. You can improve the Galloway plan – keeping the same midweek run times – if you add some speed play and hill work to the mid week runs. His plan seems to call for going out and running just to run. If you make one of the mid week runs a speed interval day and another severe hill work, you will be better prepared and still get you midweek runs complete within the hour you mention.

To give you a little more to think about you could combine the two plans. Run Higdon on weekends if you prefer his build up and the 2-3 one hour midweek runs.
I hope I have not confused you. What I am really saying is that either plan works well if it fits your schedule. Neither plan will work if you do not have time to commit to the plan. The real secret to getting to the finish is to commit to a plan that gradually builds up your miles in a controlled fashion.

 

[WDWMarathonManiac]

Galloway does have plans that incorporate speedwork and hill play. These elements can be found in plans with goals for specific finish times. They used to be free on his website, but now you either have to pay for them or buy his book.

I believe that these plans do take up more weekday time than the "to finish" plan. I have not used them, since I have a medical condition that prevents me from exercising at very high heart rates.

 

[J3nn78]

I am a beginning marathoner. I have been running for about 10 months as of now.

I am serious and can commit to a plan, I think that Galloway fits better for me then. I have some serious hills right here at home, so I have the ability to make the shorter midweek runs more challenging.

THanks for the feedback. Keep it coming. I am probably just overthinking things-which I have a tendency to do if I have not yet experienced it.

How cool to run with Galloway!!!

 

[cewait]

I am a beginning marathoner. I have been running for about 10 months as of now.

I am serious and can commit to a plan, I think that Galloway fits better for me then. I have some serious hills right here at home, so I have the ability to make the shorter midweek runs more challenging.

THanks for the feedback. Keep it coming. I am probably just overthinking things-which I have a tendency to do if I have not yet experienced it.

How cool to run with Galloway!!!

Better to overthink now than realize in November you are on the wrong plan.

 

[J3nn78]

Better to overthink now than realize in November you are on the wrong plan.

That is my philosophy- I find it much better to over think and be prepared for anything.

Thanks for the great advice!

 

[Duanerice]

I've used Higdon in the past and was very pleased. Actually used the Intermediate plan because I liked the back to back runs. I also have the time to do the weekday runs. I get home around 7 pm and can go out then since I no longer have kids at home. Besides it is much cooler at that time

You have to figure out what works for you. To just finish you need to have enough miles on your feet(weekday runs) and a few good long runs (weekend runs) without increasing your miles too fast (10% rule). Nothing mysterious about it.

Trust Coach Charles, he knows what he is talking about.

enjoy,
Duane

 

[marathonmommy]

To muddy the waters even more, you could consider Bingham!

 

[wdwprncess77]

Here's another vote for Galloway! I'm a fairly beginner runner. Did C25K last year and didn't get beyond the 3 miles until I started Galloway in May. I had tried Higdon and also read MFM(great book regardless of which training you choose). I joined a Galloway group so this might sway my beliefs. But I do find myself committed to my weekday runs b/c they are short and I can always fit them in. And on the weekends I surprise myself with the mileage I have been able to do free of injury. After my 3rd week of Galloway I was sold. I'm training first half (Wine N Dine) using this plan and can't say enough wonderful things about it.

Best of luck to you regardless of which plan you choose!!!!

 

[J3nn78]

I am very familiar with Bingham. I read all his books, just decided not to use his training program. Loved the books-he and Jenny make a great pair!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

As already said, either plan has been tried and will definitely get you over the finish line. Make whatever plan you choose your own. Meaning that you follow the outline, push yourself during your weekly times and know it is ok if you're not feeling right don't push too much. You don't want to be too aggressive every time so as to injure yourself. Pick your week day to push a bit more (those hills, or speed drills). As your training moves up in mileage and your equipment (shoes) get more mileage, pay attention to making sure you have good shoes. If you are feeling that something is hurting, do not be afraid of backing down if you need for a time. Either plan you will pick is a fine plan, pay attention to you and feel where you can go. Don't forget to stretch after. Enjoy the long runs.