Higdoon - Novice or Intermediate

[marathonmommy]

Okay...so I've decided I will use a Higdon plan instead of Bingham. I've used Bingham before and would like to try something new. I'm also looking forward to the challenge of the increased mileage.

Now, I have yet another question for Coach Charles or anyone with experience. How do I know if I should do the Novice plan or shoot for the Intermediate one? The Intermediate has more speedwork and more miles - I kind of like that.

I plan on doing a half in Philly on Sept. 19 and then the Wine and Dine on Oct. 2. At first I was worried about doing two so quickly but the build up of miles on the plans is similar . . . and I will just be "extending" the training plan for an additional two weeks. I am already registered for the Philly one but was able to work out the logistics of Wine and Dine. I will not be racing "all out" for either one - instead just trying to beat a 3 hour half time (would prefer closer to 2.5, though) and enjoy the experience.

I'm not a frequent poster, so sorry I've done so much of it in the last two days with so many questions.

 

[FireDancer]

I would pick the one that interests you more. It sounds like the track work and the longer miles in the intermediate interest you more then the novice plan. As long as you feel that the added miles aren't outside of your comfort zone I don't see why you shouldn't go with it.

Something else that is a factor in the choice is your existing running base. Just because you are doing your first half doesn't necessarily mean you are a novice. If you have completed the C25K program and have been running or jogging regularly for a little while and are stepping up to the half I would say you are not a novice runner and should have no problem with the intermediate program.

 

[cewait]

I agree with Frank on where are you existing miles. Though if I am remembering the other post you are at an 11 minute mile (I know that is you goal half pace).

I think I would start with the intermediate. you can always rack back to the novice if you find yourself pushed too hard. Even then, you can modifiy to a blended novice/intermediate plan if needed. (you can see that I do not subscribe to any one plan but have borrowed from many).

Make sure to keep an honest dialog open with your body in while training. It will tell you before injury (at least on overuse injuries). Listen and do not be afraid to back off a bit.

I think you will do fine.

 

[crewmatt]

Good luck, I'd say if you've done a marathon before you're fair game for the intermediate. The beginner plan is all about getting you to the line, once you really know what running 26.2 miles feels like you can start working on running it faster, which is where the intermediate comes in.

 

[joan4mickey]

I'm not an expert or any where near...
I have used Higdon intermediate...
The first time was just over 3 years ago when I started my running journey. I did the 15K Minnie and used his program (almost perfectly) and came in at 1:26:?. I used it again that year for a fall 15K run and came in at 1:19:?. I have had to cut back to running only 3 times a week because of IT band issues, but I still use Higdon intermediate as a starting point and change to meet my needs. I like the speed and tempo workouts and use them with the long runs and then cross train the other days and always take one day off a week. I have used it for the two half princess races (2:28 and 2:09) and am using it for the DL 1/2. You can achieve the 2:30 mark if you stick with it and feel good the morning of the race.