Which marathon training plan?

[bunnyfoo]

I know it's several months away but I'm trying to decide which training plan to use in September. It will be my first full but not my first race and my goal is just to finish. I'm wondering if I should use a beginner's plan or an intermediate plan. In the past I've used Hal Higdon's plans to train for my 1/2 races, his marathon plans are 18 weeks. Is that enough training time or should I try to find a longer plan?

TIA

ETA: I should have done (attempted) at least 2 30K races by the time I start training in September.

 

[Creativebeth]

Vicky: If your goal is just to finish, and you are using Hal Higdon's plan, I would use the beginner plan. He does some really heavy mileage in the intermediate plan. My friend Heidi started with the intermediate, and had to back it down to the beginner level as the mileage was killing her knees!

If you have a good base going into training, 16 to 18 week plan should be fine.

The training plan I am looking at has me running 2 20 milers before marathon day. We'll see! The last time I only did one, and it was a difficult one to do!

Beth

 

[Bookwood]

I used John Binghams "Marathoning for Mortals" run walk plan for my full, I had no trouble finishing - except the weather (2007 was VERY hot and the liquids were in short supply)

 

[timmac]

Echoing what's already been said. Since this is your first marathon (and the fact that you weren't sure and needed to ask) definitely says to go with the beginner plan. Intermediate and advanced plans are definitely for when you've done it before, have an idea on time goals, etc. Also agree that Hal's stuff is pretty intense.

Also agreed, work on base training until you're 18 weeks out. Note that base training doesn't mean light and easy so much as it means consistent, and moderately intense.

 

[jmasgat]

Vicky I used the FIRST running plan for a first-time marathoner. Run 3x/week, incorporates speedwork and tempo runs and has 1 20-miler. I liked it.

http://furman.edu/first/2006 marathon training-first marathon.pdf

Maura

 

[bunnyfoo]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! I definitely plan on keeping a solide training base. I'm planning to run my first 30K at the end of March and then another towards the end of August. I'm hoping these races will get my body use to running longer distances.

bookwood - Good to know about the liquids situation... I'll have to remember to bring my Fuel Belt.

Maura - I meant to ask you what you thought of running Disney as your first full. Curious to see what you thought of doing the bigger LR in the cold. Our winter was pretty mild this year and we've barely gotten any snow. Maybe I should have trained for the full this year.

Beth - I get knee pain too so I'll stick with the beginner's plan. I think part of me does like the beginner's plan because there's only 1 weekend day of running.

 

[wtpclc]

Vicky - traning in teh cold is tough. DH and I figured that your body works about 20% harder when it's cold and you go through snow. However, that gives you great training ocme race time. Some people have been known to do up to 22 on the TM, but we just can't go there. You'll want some yak trax if you plan to go out in the snow. I shoudl add that you do ease your way into it and we'll take cold over TM any day.

 

[jmasgat]

Vicky I agree with Carrie about the snow (although I like the cold). I did my 20 miler with a couple of inches on the ground and it was awful for trying to maintain an specific pace--well, that was one of the reasons why! Otherwise, the nice thing about the January marathon is getting to do all the long runs in cool weather.

Maura

 

[smacky1]

Good luck Vicky with your training. Which ever plan you use, dont forget to listen to your body and take an extra rest day if you need it. I trained for a marathon last summer and was so focused on running every run in my training program I ended up with a stress fracture. Looking back, I remember that once my long runs got to 15 and 16 miles, my legs were just TIRED all the time. I should have taken extra rest days or even rest weeks. Ive learned its OK to slow down my pace and rest when I need it. Where is your marathon? Im running my first in October but Im using a 30 week schedule to allow more rest weeks from the long runs. Good luck.

 

[crewmatt]

I recommend hal's plan, he's very simple and his book has tons of straightforward advice for the whole experience. Honestly well worth the read.

 

[Hockeychic]

Vicky are you doing the full at Scotia?????