Two posts in one day? OMG I am on top of things tonight!
The reason for my second post is because a reader (Sarah) asked me a question about what training plan I’m following for my upcoming marathon.
The training plan I am following is from New York Road Runners. I am doing their “Basic Marathoner” plan. I used their “First-time and Casual Marathoner” plan for my first marathon and found it easy to keep up with as well as excellent preparation. I decided to up the mileage this time because I’m in better shape starting out and I’m hoping to improve my time by at least 20 minutes.
I like their plans because the mileage during the week isn’t too high – I just don’t have the time or energy to be regularly running 8 miles during the work week. I also like that there’s no speed training, cross-training, fartleks, hill work, etc. Honestly, what is a fartlek? Can someone tell me? I don’t feel like doing research to run a marathon, the physical exertion is tough enough. Cross-training would probably be a good thing but I have yet to have any injuries (knock on wood) and would prefer to just run since that’s what I love doing. Also I like that there are a few 20 mile runs required in this plan. It really helps prepare me mentally to know that I can definitely run that far.
In all honesty, I’m not following the plan to the letter. The thing I’m most concerned about is keeping up with the long run schedule on the weekens. As for during the week, I run what I can based on what my schedule allows. Somedays I try to run a little extra knowing that later in the week I’ll have to cut runs short. I try to keep my milage close to what the plan recommends, but really I just do the best I can with it. Long runs are the clincher for marathon training and should not be f***ked with. Ibelieve in this so strongly that I’m going to create a training shirt that says “Respect the Long Run”.
Ok, I’m too lazy for that. But y’all get my drift, right?
that sounds like a perfect marathon training plan to me. thanks!!