Best Running Plans (Read 168 times)

Just wondering what running plans/training guides are used around here. I am going to train for my third half marathon inside of a year coming up and have used a runner's world guide as well as a Hanson's Running plan. Are they're any guides/plans that are widely considered as really good or conversely bad? If it matters my goal is to break 90 minutes in the next half. Thanks!

I find it absolutely the best - "Faster Road Racing: 5K to Half marathon". I recommend you to buy that book - it's not only contains very detailed training plans for different weekly mileages and different distances with an explanations, but it also gives you a lot of additional information that will help you understand how you can become faster and why you become faster. Seriously - best $18 you would spend on running education.

I think it kind of depends on what type of runner you are and what type of running you most enjoy doing. Do you like high mileage? find a high mileage plan? do you like to mix it up alot with different types of workouts? Do you like to run in phases? I personally have had good success with Lydiard plans. But popular plans are Hansons, Pfitz and numerous others. Did you enjoy something about the previous plans you used? What did you not like about them? Is there a method you would like to try ?

So far my mileage has been running around 30-45 miles per week which is fine by me right now. I really like a routine to be set and for each week to kind of look the same with the exception of my two speed/tempo days a week. Basically I do one long run a week, 2 speed/tempo day and 3 easy days to build mileage. I think one thing I'd like to change to is running less miles on speed days but running for faster tempos/speeds. I'd rather push myself to run harder for 3 miles than less hard but get in 6 miles of tempo work. So I think I'd like to adjust those two days a week to a "less is more" approach when it comes to miles.

I'm using a 5k plan in the book Calbears recommended. I also like Brad Hudson's book Run Faster from the 5k to the Marathon. I've bought most of the training books used onn Amazon, I think I usually pay more for the shipping than the actual book--so if you want to sample several books/plans, go used. Some local libraries have the books, not sure if they are accessable on-line though..

With both Hudson & Pfitz, for a half, typically you will do a long run & a "not quite as long run". Depending on the plan/mileage, it may look something like a long run of 14 and a medium long run of 10. Hudson often has you do HM pace work in the not-quite-long run.

 

Ha-ha - I am surrounded by the results of this approach .

 

Then there is THE ONE AND THE ONLY magic book with magic plan for you young man - Run Less Run Faster - enjoy!

Thanks for this suggestion. I have this book already....is it similar?

https://www.amazon.com/80-20-Running-Stronger-Training-ebook/dp/B00IIVFAEY

interesting recommendations here, I may well take a look at some of these!

I've actually found that the running plans on RunKeeper Go (the premium subscription) are actually really good.

You tell it your goal, when you want to complete the goal, how often you can run and your recent PBs & voila, you have a tailored training plan!

I used this for my first marathon and it got me across the line at the exact time I aimed for!

Just wondering what running plans/training guides are used around here. I am going to train for my third half marathon inside of a year coming up and have used a runner's world guide as well as a Hanson's Running plan. Are they're any guides/plans that are widely considered as really good or conversely bad? If it matters my goal is to break 90 minutes in the next half. Thanks!

I used Hal Higdon's plans for most of my runs. Currently this one: https://www.halhigdon.com/training-programs/half-marathon-training/intermediate-2-half-marathon/

I bought and tried "Run Less Run Faster" book two or three years ago, but was annoyed at having to pay attention to running pace during each run; I missed the relaxing "base runs" where I would just spend 30min or 1 hour running at a feel-good pace and letting my mind wander. That's part of what I love about running, I'm not ambitious enough to make every single run a performance exercise.

If you are interested in differences between different training plans, the fellrnr website has a very good comparison.  http://fellrnr.com/wiki/A_Comparison_of_Marathon_Training_Plans . The rating on there might or might not agree with your philosophies, but you get a good overview what plans are out there and how they differ.

How about an approach where you have 2 hards work outs a week and every other day is comfy with perhaps some striders? This works very well for Half and Marathon training. You do quality work within a mid week semi long run and on your long run. The quality work varies each week and can also include multipace work within it. This helps you prepare for the demands of Half racing and works very well on your miles per week.