What training plan do you use?

[UGAFan0829]

Just curious as to what plan everyone here follows? I'm in the middle of training for the ToT 10-miler and am a little worried. I'm wondering if I need to switch, but I don't know if that would be good or not!

 

[Ariel484]

Just curious as to what plan everyone here follows? I'm in the middle of training for the ToT 10-miler and am a little worried. I'm wondering if I need to switch, but I don't know if that would be good or not!

What plan are you using? What's worrying you about it?

 

[cewait]

My vote... Other

I say stick with the plan you are on and not try to change up unless you are failing due to trying one too advanced. Saying that, what issues are you having and is there anything I can help with?

 

[LuLuO]

I'm using Train Like A Mother. I've been using it for about a month and love it so far.

 

[UGAFan0829]

Basically I'm using the Marathoning for Mortals Run/Walk plan. I'm just seriously doubting myself at this point. The runs just don't seem to be getting any easier. Coach, I know you said the weekly runs should be at a harder/faster pace and the weekend long runs should be at an easier pace, but I'm having a hard time doing that. I'm just afraid that come race day, running 4 minutes and walking 1 is going to be too much.

 

[John VN]

Voted "other"

I just go with my own flow and do what feels good.

 

[JCH]

Basically I'm using the Marathoning for Mortals Run/Walk plan. I'm just seriously doubting myself at this point. The runs just don't seem to be getting any easier. Coach, I know you said the weekly runs should be at a harder/faster pace and the weekend long runs should be at an easier pace, but I'm having a hard time doing that. I'm just afraid that come race day, running 4 minutes and walking 1 is going to be too much.

Is there a reason you need to do that much running? Why not 2/1 or 1/1? I find 2/1 to be a good race pace. Is it just for the sake of walk breaks at 5 minute marks? You can follow a basic plan and still switch up the intervals to whatever works for you...

Of course, this is assuming you just want to finish. If you have a time goal, ignore me completely.

 

[buckeyecinderella]

I'm using Galloway training for the marathon now. So far I like it because it only requires running three days per week. This fits well into my schedule and I do crosstraining on my off days. I wanted a low mileage plan because I don't want to aggravate some severe tendinitis I developed last year while training.

For my first half marathon, I used Marathoning for mortals. it worked out just fine for me too.

My goals for training are to finish in the allotted time without injury. Also, I never follow strictly the intervals that either of the plans suggest. My intervals vary from run to run. 4-1, 1-1, 1:15-:30, or whatever I feel like doing, so that the runs stay comfortable for me.

I still want some time improvement, so I run harder on my two week day runs, and just take it easy and enjoy myself on the weekend runs.

For me a training plan is more about the number of miles I need to do each run each week and ramping up slowly than the actual run walk intervals they might suggest.

 

[UGAFan0829]

Is there a reason you need to do that much running? Why not 2/1 or 1/1? I find 2/1 to be a good race pace. Is it just for the sake of walk breaks at 5 minute marks? You can follow a basic plan and still switch up the intervals to whatever works for you...

Of course, this is assuming you just want to finish. If you have a time goal, ignore me completely.

No ma'am, there isn't any particular reason other than that's what the plan calls for. I guess I just don't feel confident or experienced enough to know what I should or shouldn't be doing. My only goal is to finish.

Thanks so much for your input!

 

[Ariel484]

Is there a reason you need to do that much running? Why not 2/1 or 1/1? I find 2/1 to be a good race pace. Is it just for the sake of walk breaks at 5 minute marks? You can follow a basic plan and still switch up the intervals to whatever works for you...

Of course, this is assuming you just want to finish. If you have a time goal, ignore me completely.

No ma'am, there isn't any particular reason other than that's what the plan calls for. I guess I just don't feel confident or experienced enough to know what I should or shouldn't be doing. My only goal is to finish.

Thanks so much for your input!

This is a great point. Why not try a different interval next time? Maybe run 3/walk 2?

Where/when do you run? A lot of us are struggling in the heat right now, so that may be a big factor for you. And don't be afraid to take an extra rest day here or there if you need it.

 

[UGAFan0829]

This is a great point. Why not try a different interval next time? Maybe run 3/walk 2?

Where/when do you run? A lot of us are struggling in the heat right now, so that may be a big factor for you. And don't be afraid to take an extra rest day here or there if you need it.

As of now, my training runs are 3/2...but towards the end of the plan and pn race day, it calls for 4/1.

I usually wait until around 7:30 or so to run, which is done outside since the humidity has calmed down a tiny beat and the sun is starting to do down by that time. Even though my training plan calls for running on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday with long runs on Saturday, I've only been running on Mon, Thurs and Sat, so I feel like I'm resting more than what the plan calls for. It calls for cross-training on Tuesday and Friday, which I haven't been doing either.

 

[John VN]

As of now, my training runs are 3/2...but towards the end of the plan and pn race day, it calls for 4/1.

I usually wait until around 7:30 or so to run, which is done outside since the humidity has calmed down a tiny beat and the sun is starting to do down by that time. Even though my training plan calls for running on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday with long runs on Saturday, I've only been running on Mon, Thurs and Sat, so I feel like I'm resting more than what the plan calls for. It calls for cross-training on Tuesday and Friday, which I haven't been doing either.

When I go out for a training session later in the day, I do not expect a session that would result in the effort or lap times I could achieve in a morning session. Even if I do not work too hard during the day I am still not fresh and I would think this might be partly responsible for your training not becoming easier. You mentioned the weather improves in the PM but even with the little bit of improvement it's probably not enough for better results.

Not knowing what your history is regarding past running I will also mention that a good base is needed for long term improvement. Keep it fun while training and things should fall into place.

 

[walkdmc]

As of now, my training runs are 3/2...but towards the end of the plan and pn race day, it calls for 4/1.

I usually wait until around 7:30 or so to run, which is done outside since the humidity has calmed down a tiny beat and the sun is starting to do down by that time. Even though my training plan calls for running on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday with long runs on Saturday, I've only been running on Mon, Thurs and Sat, so I feel like I'm resting more than what the plan calls for. It calls for cross-training on Tuesday and Friday, which I haven't been doing either.

On the runDisney site there is a printable Jeff Galloway Tower of Terror training program. He outlines the program with the dates leading up to the run. If it would make you feel better, look it over and see which week you fall into. Galloway's program only calls for 3 days of running/week and lists crosstraining as optional.

As another poster said, play with the intervals. It's great you're running at night since the TOT is a nighttime race.

I'm doing JG's TOT program and switched from a 3:1 ratio to 30 seconds:30 seconds and am doing well. I also use JG's half-marathon app on my iPhone. Don't be afraid to back down on your running ratio if you're feeling too tired to complete long runs or you start dreading your runs.

We still have plenty of time to improve!

 

[Robert 31320]

Voted "other"

I just go with my own flow and do what feels good.

This

 

[justcruisin]

UGAFan0829, I think you're worrying too much about what the plan says or pushing yourself too fast too quickly or have set an unrealistic goal.

As others have suggested take a look at Galloway - that's the only plan I'm familiar with and I am loosely following it. My schedule simply doesn't let me stick with a training schedule.

With my schedule and assorted minor injuries and pains I get in a long run once a week and a 30 min run (fast-ish) once a week. Long walks with the dog too and plus a day or two of weight. Fast-ish is 12-13 min/mile.

I run for 2 min, walk for 1. Sometimes I use 1-1. After talking with experiences marathoners and ironman competitors the take away I had was to JUST KEEP MOVING FORWARD on the long runs. Slowly increase the distance or time of your long runs.

After 2 minutes I am ready for a walk break! I'm up to 7 miles in 96 minutes and I think if someone told me to run for 4 minutes straight I would have a really really hard time and I certainly wouldn't be able to take a quick break and do it again.

My plan is run/walk for 3 hours which should put me about 12 miles. When I can confidently do this I know I'll finish the half and enjoy myself.

Take a look at other plans then find one or modify one that works for you! Remember this should be FUN.

JUST KEEP MOVING FORWARD (that's my new mantra)


(PS. I'm 47 and decided to do the wine and dine half, having not run since highschool so I'm definitely a new runner ... I should say walk/jogger instead of runner LOL)

 

[walkdmc]

....
JUST KEEP MOVING FORWARD (that's my new mantra)


(PS. I'm 47 and decided to do the wine and dine half, having not run since highschool so I'm definitely a new runner ... I should say walk/jogger instead of runner LOL)

According to JG, I'm a walk/shuffler, LOL. I like your new mantra.