Don't get too hung up on what they call them. I wish Hansons would just call those runs "MP runs" and be done with it. By the way I am a big fan of those workouts when training for a marathon.
Don't get too hung up on what they call them. I wish Hansons would just call those runs "MP runs" and be done with it.
By the way I am a big fan of those workouts when training for a marathon.
Yes, nothing wrong with calling them what they are: MP runs. I also love those.
PRs: Boston Marathon, 3:27, April 15th 2013
Cornwall Half-Marathon, 1:35, April 27th 2013
18 marathons, 18 BQs since 2010
This is what I have learned from you & a number of the other experienced/fast people here; one of the reasons I decided to go with Hanson vs some of the other plans.
While we are on the subject - the fairly minimal taper concerns me a bit. Has that worked out OK for people?
Dave
This is what I have learned from you & a number of the other experienced/fast people here; one of the reasons I decided to go with Hanson vs some of the other plans. While we are on the subject - the fairly minimal taper concerns me a bit. Has that worked out OK for people?
Didn't you do Pfitz last time? I find the taper with Pfitz 18/70 as concerning. But trust the plan.
Damaris
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The first Hansons Advanced cycle the 10 day taper worried me but it ended up working out well. I magically felt awesome on race day and it felt so much easier. The second cycle I chose a more aggressive MP and added miles and arrived at taper feeling very worn down and it just wasn't enough to make me feel good on race day. I think I could have used a longer taper. So I think you have to see how you feel and take extra time if you think you need it.
I have never done a formal plan. But I based my last taper loosely on Pfitz; to me it seems much more generous than Hansons.
I can only speak for myself but I like a two week taper. I've raced 11 marathons now and I know that three weeks is too long for me.
I will also say that the taper is probably one of the things that is really dependent on the person. Three weeks seems to be the general rule of thumb but I know a number of runners that utilize 10-14 day tapers. However, they do tend to be more intermediate to advanced runners.
I would work backwards from race day, and pick up the plan from that point on. Just adjust for mileage if necessary. You just came off some faster races, so I assume you put in some speed work so that will take care of that somewhat.
Take a look at how the beginner plan ramps up the quality work. They start with a base of easy miles, then I think they cut the speed workouts in half (compared to the advanced) but maintain the strength workouts. The tempo runs also start later, but ramp up a little faster so that you end up in the same place. I believe that they also shorten the warmup and cooldown on the quality days so that you're not putting as much time on your feet it.
I would look at the beginner's plan since you would be right up to where the speedwork starts and/or mileage starts to build, so you still have time. You can always add more miles to the easy runs and warmup/cooldown to make it closer to the Advanced plan if you decide on the beginner's.
OK after going back & looking at the Beginner plan, this makes a lot of sense. It doesn't start any quality work till week 6, but then after that the 2 plans start to merge & ultimately become pretty similar. With the exception of reduced mileage on the easy days, which if I am feeling good I will be beefing up anyway.
KillJoyFuckStick
I can only speak for myself but I like a two week taper. I've raced 11 marathons now and I know that three weeks is too long for me. I will also say that the taper is probably one of the things that is really dependent on the person. Three weeks seems to be the general rule of thumb but I know a number of runners that utilize 10-14 day tapers. However, they do tend to be more intermediate to advanced runners.
+1
Two weeks is the perfect marathon taper in my book.
You people have issues