Do you always follow a training plan when you’re getting ready for a race? Or do you simply run by ‘feel,’ and run the speeds and distances you feel are right for you? One of the things I’ve always wondered is, as you gain more experience as a runner, how much you need to depend on training plans vs. how much you simply listen to your own body. What works best for you? — Terrell
I've used Jeff Galloway's training plans for my first 5, 10, and 15K races. Highly recommended. I used "The Penguin's" plan for my first half marathon, and am currently using Galloway's Marathon training plan for my first marathon in November. I like knowing what I need to do, on the day I need to do it. Helps keep me on track and stay focused.
As I gain miles, have the big races behind me and continue my journey I will likely develop my own plans. But, I will have to have a plan. It will take a while until I get into the mode of, "I just can't do anything else until I get my run in!!!". There are shades of that today, but my body (and mind) still protests.
What would also be interesting to know is how many people incorporate other forms of training besides just running into their weekly routines.
I guess I do a combo of both. I always choose a training plan for a longer distance race, but the runs themselves are usually dependent on what my body feels like that day. I'll go the distance prescribed in the plan, but at my own pace. I'm not much on speed or tempo workouts. I'm in it to finish upright, uninjured, and with a smile on my face. :)
I probably should follow a designed plan but I typically cut back my mileage the final week before the race and do what feels good. That isn't the time to make or break miles so i go off my own body and how it feels.
For my first few races, I followed a training plan. Now, I just cross train 4 times a week and run 5 times a week. I always make sure I get speed work and hill work in every week. The distances I run vary. When it is hot, I run for time and when it's cooler I run for distance. I have certain paces that I shoot for during my runs. I've discovered that now that I cross train, I don't have to run as many miles as I used to and I'm getting better results. I typically run right after the cross training sessions as well. So I'm running on tired legs at least 3 days a week. I try to taper the week before my races. I average 12 half's a year with 10Ks sprinkled in between. I'm hitting paces in the 7 min range so I'm pretty happy with my routine. Before I started cross training, my average pace was in the mid 9 minute range. So for me, cross training was key for me. I have friends who only run and they average 40 to 50 miles a week. As much as I love to run, I was finding running those kind of miles a week was a little monotonous.
Every other day running 3-6 miles and I am the walking runner. Meaning I run for a set time (2-4 mins) then walk (1-2 mins). I break the walk periods into half of what the running part is. I run at my goal pace per mile which ranges from 6-7 mins/mile. That is my base; when I have had 4 weeks running under me I will bring in speed work/distance work.
Distance runs of 2-4 mins with 1-2 min walks at my 7 min/mile pace. Speed days will be 1:1 ratio at 6 min/mile pace. I will go with a 3 days on 1 day off, 2 days on, 1 day off split with my speed run on Saturday and my longest run on Sunday with Mondays and Fridays off of running.
I build in upper strength and lower strength every other day mixed with my running. Would love to know with others because I have been told I'm crazy for doing this from XC coaches and distance runners but it works for me and I'm a track coach.
Have never followed any running plan. Usually each day I have a high and low mileage goal. Might be 6-10 miles as an example. Somedays I change routes at last minute. I basically run the same mileage now as an ultra runner that I did in 2015 as a 1:28 half marathon runner. Two biggest dieerence are I run far more hills and I run more by feel as opposed to pace. Also mote long runs, for upcoming August race- In June I got in a 27,18 and 23 mile long runs. This month will be 1 long run. Highest week will be 90 miles. Days off- I run 7 out of 8 day, a floating day I can take any day. Btw age is 62 and still improving my times. Not having a hardcore plan allows me to cut back if not feeling great and to push the mileage when I do feel really great. This has kept me injury free.
Obviously important to do what’s best for your body type especially following a healthy training diet but personally(In my late 40’s) I find that running 5 days a week is better for me because I have time for my old legs to recover.. I have injuries too(torn meniscus 2 years ago, torn calf muscle 3 years ago) so that makes things interesting especially on the long runs.. Since I’m relatively new to running I have just recently discovered that I have to run less miles when I’m strength training to avoid more injuries and for recovery purposes. After I’ve felt that I’ve done enough strength training I systematically increase the actual miles I run for the endurance training. An example of the benefits of strength training would be, a half marathon race I ran last year I finished with a 9:50 average pace but this year in the same race I ran it at a 8:05 pace. I felt stronger and had enough energy to run run the last 2 miles at just barely over 14 minutes. While the pace is nothing to boast about I was personally happy to see improvement and the strength training was the difference maker..Everyone is different that’s for sure and if I started running at a younger age I’d be running twice a day averaging at least 70 miles a week but I’m stuck at 45 miles a week and I don’t imagine my body would allow me to do much more. But who knows..
I’ve tried following plans, but it hasn’t always worked for me. I’ve gotten hurt with pulled muscles. Now, I push myself; but, do what is good for me and my body. I’m 62 years old and still running and winning medals for my age group, so I guess it’s working for me. I
That is a loaded question Terrell ;-) .. If we are talking about following a formal plan start to finish I personally never have and believe that few actually do, even those that try. I've also never seen a one-size fits-all training plan. Variance comes into play as we progress in our plan, as we learn what our strengths are and where we need to improve. I think that is largely the point - going into a plan can be great. It can provide motivation, it can hold you accountable to yourself, it can provide support and structure, and help set [hopefully realistic] goals. That said, one needs to be prepared to adjust in order to optimize their training and make the plan work for them.
Plan the work and work the plan!
Add in the foundational prerequisites of our health, sleep, nutrition, hydration - not just drinking enough water, but learning your electrolyte consumption and replenishment needs, with adjustments for recovery from recent workouts, extra long runs, heavy lifting days, long rides in the saddle... This being a 'Half' thread topic I think most of us understand that our bodies need balance and the strength to run. We cannot achieve that balance through running in itself. Even with a good mix of track/tempo/long/fartlek/etc... That only goes so far. If we go into a plan with the understanding that the plan itself is simply an outline, a construct of advice to point us in the right direction, and we know that supplemental activity is required to assess our capabilities and identify areas of improvement - then we are setting ourselves up for success, physically and mentally. Those areas of improvement [most] often require building strength in ways one may not consider to be directly related to running. I am a big believer in core strength, as that has yielded the largest benefit for me personally in recent years. The stronger my core the faster I get, the less fatigued I become, the stronger I am overall. It is not just about cardio, but balance, impact, sustainability. This may not be true for some, but I don't recall every hearing a story where "too much core strength" hurt anyone. I try to do as much as I can to stay strong, during training, and back off in the week to 10 days prior to a major event. During my outline/plan I'll often split my cardio and strength sessions, meaning I'll focus on different areas on different days, as most of us intuitively do. I often do multiple workouts per day and on those days I provide myself with a few, usually 6 or more hours, between different types of workouts when working out more than once per day. I do not see that in many 'plans', but I find it of great value personally as it allows my body time to benefit and recover from different types of workouts - and I can get the biggest benefit from training on those days when my body is recovered and I can go for two, or even three workouts - those are among my most productive, educational days where I perform above my baseline and learn something more about myself.
Even if we commit to and master the 'running plan', life events, illness, and our work-life balance become variables in the training plan equation. Following, or forcing, a training plan over the course of weeks is a challenge in itself, with months you have more time to adjust, but life still happens, plans change - YMMV. That said I personally focus on something new leading up to a major event, competitive or not, running, biking, focused on the pool or the gym - I spend an extra session or three a week where I feel I am lacking, I listen to my body and trust the data (I'm big on data, tech being what it is today numbers rarely lie). A good example is yesterday; I went for a trail run in ~90F hazy heat. Partially in preparation for an upcoming trail run, which I expect to be very hot, at an elevation I am not used to, so some elevation and heat acclimation was in play there, but I was also trying out some different breathing techniques, and tweaking some breathing that I have been using with relative success in recent months. With my upcoming run a few weeks out I have time to experiment. Those are things not in many training plans =) ... If I were closer to race day I'd likely be more focused on the 'plan', proper, the right mix of tempo, hills, and distance, decreasing duration and/or intensity while maintaining, or increasing frequency - with a taper in mind.
Will I start a new running plan again in the future? ..Absolutely!
Will that plan be the textbook step-by-step guide, start-to-finish? (finish-line pun intended) I sure hope not, because that would be a little scary, an anomaly at best, but more likely a sign that I was not pushing myself in the right ways to improve my performance and learn during the journey.
When I do start that next outline/plan I will have four rules to follow:
1. Trust my body - If it hurts don't do it
2. Do not force workouts on days when you are not prepared/recovered
3. Get one full rest day per week (mine are generally reserved for yoga and meditation)
4. Do not try to 'makeup' a missed workout, as that will likely have a negative impact on upcoming workouts, increasing the possibility of injury and general discontent along your training journey.
In my old competitive days, it was Jeff Galloways method, combining some long, and some fast. Now at age 65, it is all easy running, and that is enough to have scored a first and a second in age group in half marathons in the last 6 months.
Always is a dangerous word, but it's one that I can use in this instance. I have used Hal Higdon's novice training schedules and in fact, I just began one for my half marathon coming up this fall. It's comfortable, familiar and has been successful for me. The one thing I like and I need is that whatever it says to do on a day, I do it whether it's a run day, a cross train day or a rest day. I like that Hal's training regimines give permission to deviate a bit, but I find that I seldom do.
I downloaded a twelve-week marathon training plan, which may not be intense enough. It only recommends running four days per week. I am definitely open to suggestions or recommendations!
One thing i've come to terms with is my *brain* needs a training plan. I seem to thrive with order and routine and symmetry in most things, and so if I don't have a training plan I fall off training all together. And I also appreciate that my training plans mix up the runs really nicely.
But one related thing that I've always wondered is... does anybody go out for a run with NO plan? No distance, no time, no route, nothing. Like, "I'm gonna tie my shoes, go out the front door, turn right, and see what happens..." I feel like there might be something liberating about that, but I can't bring myself to do it...
I normally adopt a training plan and tweak to suit. I’ve been learning a lot about my body as it constantly makes adjustments and I take note of that and listen to it. So there are times when I change my routine a bit. Intuition plays a great part and if something isn’t feeling right for me or if I’m in doubt... I leave it out. I mix my running days with strength and cross training. I’ve seen improvements over the past year and have a goal pace I’d love to run in future which I’m working towards. I don’t rush what I do. I just do what I set out to and allow it to flow. If it’s not in sync then I don’t fight it. When I have an upcoming race, I review what I did before to see if it worked or if I need to make changes. Still I’m learning a lot (information overload) but I sieve all of that going with what I feel compelled. So far. So good. It’s a process.
There are a lot of good thoughts here. As a marginally experienced runner (3-1/2+ years) I have gone the gamut. I started out strictly following a beginner plan to prepare for races my first year. I loosely follow them now. I am following one for the AF marathon in Sept.
I also am on Day 35 of a streak. I have read more about their long term payoff. I have also read about how to do a good “recovery” run in the midst of a streak. So I slow down on recovery days. I also have joined a gym for weight work. It is too soon to know if there will be long term payoff for the streak but I have totally enjoyed it so far! It has kept me from making excuses to skip a running day. Even this past week I have been dealing with some sinus issues and a headache but kept at it.
I love all the encouragement you give us in your writings and getting us to think mindfully about what we do in our training and everyday running life! Keep up the great work!
First couple of years, followed a plan religiously. These days, I know how much I need as far as distance to finish an event. Not at all interested in going fast. I simply complete the distance, I don't compete. Know why you are doing this. For me, finish times are irrelevant. Listen to your body. If you're tired, skip it. Training while exhausted will guarantee an injury.
I ran for 15 years before I started running "races." I started with the half marathon. I just listened to my body and increased my long miles for the week. I also try to get in yoga, weights and other cross training. I don't usually run more than 4 days a week. I 've been running half marathons for 10 years now and its the perfect length for me. I run to make ME happy.
At 48 I have to listen to my body. I’ve had to accept that walking a 12-13 minute mile is okay and running only 2-3 days a week is acceptable as long as I can power walk the following day. It’s been a difficult transition but I finally decided working out daily was more important than running on & off.
I didn't start racing half marathons till I was 59. My first few were done on my own but also looking at on-line training schedules. My last one (Las Vegas in Nov.) was done using an online coach. He had me doing HIT training at home on my off days and also added speed training during the week. I hated it at first - I'm not fast - and would never have done this on my own. I found that they actually did help me. For the first time, I felt great after running my race.
I am using him again for my race at the end of July. I do wish I could just run by feel but having someone as a coach or trainer keeps me accountable. I also wish I could do the run/walk program but I can't get the guilty feelings out of my head every time I walk. I feel like its cheating!
I run 4 days per week with 1 day of cross training (usually elliptical) and 1 day of full body strength training (includes plyometrics and endurance style strength at ~70% intensity) I'm currently training for a marathon in Oct. My run days consist of Speedwork (mile repeats), Hills/Inclines, a Tempo run and a Long Run. Plus stretching on all training days. I need to have a structured plan to stay on task (may be that is the running coach in me-ha) I make adjustments to my training plan as needed, and I will take rest days when I feel my body needs it. Looking forward to seeing how I progress in the next few months!
I'm following more on training program plan which I find on internet, but in some cases I have to listen my body, example by clicking on this link: https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/10km/a760079 /rws-4-week-10k-schedule-3-days-per-week/ under website runner's world 4-week 10k training plan was written, like Monday to run 2M easy, then 8 x 400m or 80 secs fast, with 400m or 2-3 min jog recoveries, then 2M easy, in this case I need to listen my body, becouse right now under my body shape how I'm feeling for me to run 8×400m speed 80 seconds is too fast, I will be ran about 100 seconds for each 400m, in this case mean to me to listen my body.
Well, i'm most a "feel" runner..but honestly IT doesn't Work..means by my halfmarathon I'm performing worse Thank before:-(... So i think following a running programm Is Better. Go people go!!
I'm following more on training program plan which I find on internet, but in some cases I have to listen my body, example by clicking on this link: https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/10km/a760079/rws-4-week-10k-schedule-3-days-per-week/ under website runner's world 4-week 10k training plan was written, like Tuesday to run 2M easy, then 8 x 400m or 80 secs fast, with 400m or 2-3 min jog recoveries, then 2M easy, in this case I need to listen my body, becouse right now under my body shape how I'm feeling for me to run 8×400m speed 80 seconds is too fast, I will be ran about 100 seconds for each 400m, in this case mean to me to listen my body.
now I run on my own plan. Every body is different. What works well for some may not for others. Early in my training I went by training plans. I found out what works best for me and I go with it. Good luck with your running
Been running and racing now for 40 years. Usually go by listening to my body, even if and when utilizing some training plan. I’ve looked at many, but always modify to make it more personalized. What works for some doesn’t always mean it will work for you
I started running a few years ago, so I joined a running group in my hometown to learn how to train for a half marathon. I know I would not have had the discipline had I not done that. Later, I went to a trail running camp in Colorado and learned how to create my own training plan. The next year I used my own developed plan to train for another half. I think it's a combination of using a training plan and knowing your own body. You have to make adjustments along the way if an injury occurs or your job interrupts your plans. I definitely think all runners should learn how to create their own plans based on the distance they are running. It helps you not to overtrain and to keep your runs structured so you can be prepared.
I've used Jeff Galloway's training plans for my first 5, 10, and 15K races. Highly recommended. I used "The Penguin's" plan for my first half marathon, and am currently using Galloway's Marathon training plan for my first marathon in November. I like knowing what I need to do, on the day I need to do it. Helps keep me on track and stay focused.
As I gain miles, have the big races behind me and continue my journey I will likely develop my own plans. But, I will have to have a plan. It will take a while until I get into the mode of, "I just can't do anything else until I get my run in!!!". There are shades of that today, but my body (and mind) still protests.
What would also be interesting to know is how many people incorporate other forms of training besides just running into their weekly routines.
I guess I do a combo of both. I always choose a training plan for a longer distance race, but the runs themselves are usually dependent on what my body feels like that day. I'll go the distance prescribed in the plan, but at my own pace. I'm not much on speed or tempo workouts. I'm in it to finish upright, uninjured, and with a smile on my face. :)
I probably should follow a designed plan but I typically cut back my mileage the final week before the race and do what feels good. That isn't the time to make or break miles so i go off my own body and how it feels.
This is my first year as a runner, as this previous year I mostly used to lose weight.
As a cross trainer: I do spinning and use the gym 1-2 times a week for weights.
I run 5-6 times a week with one rest day.
Though as of late the gym as helped me with my times and workouts. I also do the treadmill for some of my runs.
Trying to build my times and finish my half marathon time this year. Last year my best was 1 hour 44 minutes at a average pace of 7:58
For my first few races, I followed a training plan. Now, I just cross train 4 times a week and run 5 times a week. I always make sure I get speed work and hill work in every week. The distances I run vary. When it is hot, I run for time and when it's cooler I run for distance. I have certain paces that I shoot for during my runs. I've discovered that now that I cross train, I don't have to run as many miles as I used to and I'm getting better results. I typically run right after the cross training sessions as well. So I'm running on tired legs at least 3 days a week. I try to taper the week before my races. I average 12 half's a year with 10Ks sprinkled in between. I'm hitting paces in the 7 min range so I'm pretty happy with my routine. Before I started cross training, my average pace was in the mid 9 minute range. So for me, cross training was key for me. I have friends who only run and they average 40 to 50 miles a week. As much as I love to run, I was finding running those kind of miles a week was a little monotonous.
Every other day running 3-6 miles and I am the walking runner. Meaning I run for a set time (2-4 mins) then walk (1-2 mins). I break the walk periods into half of what the running part is. I run at my goal pace per mile which ranges from 6-7 mins/mile. That is my base; when I have had 4 weeks running under me I will bring in speed work/distance work.
Distance runs of 2-4 mins with 1-2 min walks at my 7 min/mile pace. Speed days will be 1:1 ratio at 6 min/mile pace. I will go with a 3 days on 1 day off, 2 days on, 1 day off split with my speed run on Saturday and my longest run on Sunday with Mondays and Fridays off of running.
I build in upper strength and lower strength every other day mixed with my running. Would love to know with others because I have been told I'm crazy for doing this from XC coaches and distance runners but it works for me and I'm a track coach.
Have never followed any running plan. Usually each day I have a high and low mileage goal. Might be 6-10 miles as an example. Somedays I change routes at last minute. I basically run the same mileage now as an ultra runner that I did in 2015 as a 1:28 half marathon runner. Two biggest dieerence are I run far more hills and I run more by feel as opposed to pace. Also mote long runs, for upcoming August race- In June I got in a 27,18 and 23 mile long runs. This month will be 1 long run. Highest week will be 90 miles. Days off- I run 7 out of 8 day, a floating day I can take any day. Btw age is 62 and still improving my times. Not having a hardcore plan allows me to cut back if not feeling great and to push the mileage when I do feel really great. This has kept me injury free.
Obviously important to do what’s best for your body type especially following a healthy training diet but personally(In my late 40’s) I find that running 5 days a week is better for me because I have time for my old legs to recover.. I have injuries too(torn meniscus 2 years ago, torn calf muscle 3 years ago) so that makes things interesting especially on the long runs.. Since I’m relatively new to running I have just recently discovered that I have to run less miles when I’m strength training to avoid more injuries and for recovery purposes. After I’ve felt that I’ve done enough strength training I systematically increase the actual miles I run for the endurance training. An example of the benefits of strength training would be, a half marathon race I ran last year I finished with a 9:50 average pace but this year in the same race I ran it at a 8:05 pace. I felt stronger and had enough energy to run run the last 2 miles at just barely over 14 minutes. While the pace is nothing to boast about I was personally happy to see improvement and the strength training was the difference maker..Everyone is different that’s for sure and if I started running at a younger age I’d be running twice a day averaging at least 70 miles a week but I’m stuck at 45 miles a week and I don’t imagine my body would allow me to do much more. But who knows..
I follow a training plan for a Marathon. Not necessarily done to the exact mile or pace on every day, but I like to keep it on schedule.
I’ve tried following plans, but it hasn’t always worked for me. I’ve gotten hurt with pulled muscles. Now, I push myself; but, do what is good for me and my body. I’m 62 years old and still running and winning medals for my age group, so I guess it’s working for me. I
That is a loaded question Terrell ;-) .. If we are talking about following a formal plan start to finish I personally never have and believe that few actually do, even those that try. I've also never seen a one-size fits-all training plan. Variance comes into play as we progress in our plan, as we learn what our strengths are and where we need to improve. I think that is largely the point - going into a plan can be great. It can provide motivation, it can hold you accountable to yourself, it can provide support and structure, and help set [hopefully realistic] goals. That said, one needs to be prepared to adjust in order to optimize their training and make the plan work for them.
Plan the work and work the plan!
Add in the foundational prerequisites of our health, sleep, nutrition, hydration - not just drinking enough water, but learning your electrolyte consumption and replenishment needs, with adjustments for recovery from recent workouts, extra long runs, heavy lifting days, long rides in the saddle... This being a 'Half' thread topic I think most of us understand that our bodies need balance and the strength to run. We cannot achieve that balance through running in itself. Even with a good mix of track/tempo/long/fartlek/etc... That only goes so far. If we go into a plan with the understanding that the plan itself is simply an outline, a construct of advice to point us in the right direction, and we know that supplemental activity is required to assess our capabilities and identify areas of improvement - then we are setting ourselves up for success, physically and mentally. Those areas of improvement [most] often require building strength in ways one may not consider to be directly related to running. I am a big believer in core strength, as that has yielded the largest benefit for me personally in recent years. The stronger my core the faster I get, the less fatigued I become, the stronger I am overall. It is not just about cardio, but balance, impact, sustainability. This may not be true for some, but I don't recall every hearing a story where "too much core strength" hurt anyone. I try to do as much as I can to stay strong, during training, and back off in the week to 10 days prior to a major event. During my outline/plan I'll often split my cardio and strength sessions, meaning I'll focus on different areas on different days, as most of us intuitively do. I often do multiple workouts per day and on those days I provide myself with a few, usually 6 or more hours, between different types of workouts when working out more than once per day. I do not see that in many 'plans', but I find it of great value personally as it allows my body time to benefit and recover from different types of workouts - and I can get the biggest benefit from training on those days when my body is recovered and I can go for two, or even three workouts - those are among my most productive, educational days where I perform above my baseline and learn something more about myself.
Even if we commit to and master the 'running plan', life events, illness, and our work-life balance become variables in the training plan equation. Following, or forcing, a training plan over the course of weeks is a challenge in itself, with months you have more time to adjust, but life still happens, plans change - YMMV. That said I personally focus on something new leading up to a major event, competitive or not, running, biking, focused on the pool or the gym - I spend an extra session or three a week where I feel I am lacking, I listen to my body and trust the data (I'm big on data, tech being what it is today numbers rarely lie). A good example is yesterday; I went for a trail run in ~90F hazy heat. Partially in preparation for an upcoming trail run, which I expect to be very hot, at an elevation I am not used to, so some elevation and heat acclimation was in play there, but I was also trying out some different breathing techniques, and tweaking some breathing that I have been using with relative success in recent months. With my upcoming run a few weeks out I have time to experiment. Those are things not in many training plans =) ... If I were closer to race day I'd likely be more focused on the 'plan', proper, the right mix of tempo, hills, and distance, decreasing duration and/or intensity while maintaining, or increasing frequency - with a taper in mind.
Will I start a new running plan again in the future? ..Absolutely!
Will that plan be the textbook step-by-step guide, start-to-finish? (finish-line pun intended) I sure hope not, because that would be a little scary, an anomaly at best, but more likely a sign that I was not pushing myself in the right ways to improve my performance and learn during the journey.
When I do start that next outline/plan I will have four rules to follow:
1. Trust my body - If it hurts don't do it
2. Do not force workouts on days when you are not prepared/recovered
3. Get one full rest day per week (mine are generally reserved for yoga and meditation)
4. Do not try to 'makeup' a missed workout, as that will likely have a negative impact on upcoming workouts, increasing the possibility of injury and general discontent along your training journey.
In my old competitive days, it was Jeff Galloways method, combining some long, and some fast. Now at age 65, it is all easy running, and that is enough to have scored a first and a second in age group in half marathons in the last 6 months.
Always is a dangerous word, but it's one that I can use in this instance. I have used Hal Higdon's novice training schedules and in fact, I just began one for my half marathon coming up this fall. It's comfortable, familiar and has been successful for me. The one thing I like and I need is that whatever it says to do on a day, I do it whether it's a run day, a cross train day or a rest day. I like that Hal's training regimines give permission to deviate a bit, but I find that I seldom do.
Plan your training, train to your plan. The plan holds you accountable.
I downloaded a twelve-week marathon training plan, which may not be intense enough. It only recommends running four days per week. I am definitely open to suggestions or recommendations!
You’re welcome. This is the other Ben, not Ben Tracey who ran in Peachtree.
One thing i've come to terms with is my *brain* needs a training plan. I seem to thrive with order and routine and symmetry in most things, and so if I don't have a training plan I fall off training all together. And I also appreciate that my training plans mix up the runs really nicely.
But one related thing that I've always wondered is... does anybody go out for a run with NO plan? No distance, no time, no route, nothing. Like, "I'm gonna tie my shoes, go out the front door, turn right, and see what happens..." I feel like there might be something liberating about that, but I can't bring myself to do it...
I normally adopt a training plan and tweak to suit. I’ve been learning a lot about my body as it constantly makes adjustments and I take note of that and listen to it. So there are times when I change my routine a bit. Intuition plays a great part and if something isn’t feeling right for me or if I’m in doubt... I leave it out. I mix my running days with strength and cross training. I’ve seen improvements over the past year and have a goal pace I’d love to run in future which I’m working towards. I don’t rush what I do. I just do what I set out to and allow it to flow. If it’s not in sync then I don’t fight it. When I have an upcoming race, I review what I did before to see if it worked or if I need to make changes. Still I’m learning a lot (information overload) but I sieve all of that going with what I feel compelled. So far. So good. It’s a process.
There are a lot of good thoughts here. As a marginally experienced runner (3-1/2+ years) I have gone the gamut. I started out strictly following a beginner plan to prepare for races my first year. I loosely follow them now. I am following one for the AF marathon in Sept.
I also am on Day 35 of a streak. I have read more about their long term payoff. I have also read about how to do a good “recovery” run in the midst of a streak. So I slow down on recovery days. I also have joined a gym for weight work. It is too soon to know if there will be long term payoff for the streak but I have totally enjoyed it so far! It has kept me from making excuses to skip a running day. Even this past week I have been dealing with some sinus issues and a headache but kept at it.
I love all the encouragement you give us in your writings and getting us to think mindfully about what we do in our training and everyday running life! Keep up the great work!
First couple of years, followed a plan religiously. These days, I know how much I need as far as distance to finish an event. Not at all interested in going fast. I simply complete the distance, I don't compete. Know why you are doing this. For me, finish times are irrelevant. Listen to your body. If you're tired, skip it. Training while exhausted will guarantee an injury.
I ran for 15 years before I started running "races." I started with the half marathon. I just listened to my body and increased my long miles for the week. I also try to get in yoga, weights and other cross training. I don't usually run more than 4 days a week. I 've been running half marathons for 10 years now and its the perfect length for me. I run to make ME happy.
At 48 I have to listen to my body. I’ve had to accept that walking a 12-13 minute mile is okay and running only 2-3 days a week is acceptable as long as I can power walk the following day. It’s been a difficult transition but I finally decided working out daily was more important than running on & off.
I didn't start racing half marathons till I was 59. My first few were done on my own but also looking at on-line training schedules. My last one (Las Vegas in Nov.) was done using an online coach. He had me doing HIT training at home on my off days and also added speed training during the week. I hated it at first - I'm not fast - and would never have done this on my own. I found that they actually did help me. For the first time, I felt great after running my race.
I am using him again for my race at the end of July. I do wish I could just run by feel but having someone as a coach or trainer keeps me accountable. I also wish I could do the run/walk program but I can't get the guilty feelings out of my head every time I walk. I feel like its cheating!
I run 4 days per week with 1 day of cross training (usually elliptical) and 1 day of full body strength training (includes plyometrics and endurance style strength at ~70% intensity) I'm currently training for a marathon in Oct. My run days consist of Speedwork (mile repeats), Hills/Inclines, a Tempo run and a Long Run. Plus stretching on all training days. I need to have a structured plan to stay on task (may be that is the running coach in me-ha) I make adjustments to my training plan as needed, and I will take rest days when I feel my body needs it. Looking forward to seeing how I progress in the next few months!
Copy a training plan then tweak it fo my own needs
I'm following more on training program plan which I find on internet, but in some cases I have to listen my body, example by clicking on this link: https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/10km/a760079 /rws-4-week-10k-schedule-3-days-per-week/ under website runner's world 4-week 10k training plan was written, like Monday to run 2M easy, then 8 x 400m or 80 secs fast, with 400m or 2-3 min jog recoveries, then 2M easy, in this case I need to listen my body, becouse right now under my body shape how I'm feeling for me to run 8×400m speed 80 seconds is too fast, I will be ran about 100 seconds for each 400m, in this case mean to me to listen my body.
Well, i'm most a "feel" runner..but honestly IT doesn't Work..means by my halfmarathon I'm performing worse Thank before:-(... So i think following a running programm Is Better. Go people go!!
I'm following more on training program plan which I find on internet, but in some cases I have to listen my body, example by clicking on this link: https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/10km/a760079/rws-4-week-10k-schedule-3-days-per-week/ under website runner's world 4-week 10k training plan was written, like Tuesday to run 2M easy, then 8 x 400m or 80 secs fast, with 400m or 2-3 min jog recoveries, then 2M easy, in this case I need to listen my body, becouse right now under my body shape how I'm feeling for me to run 8×400m speed 80 seconds is too fast, I will be ran about 100 seconds for each 400m, in this case mean to me to listen my body.
now I run on my own plan. Every body is different. What works well for some may not for others. Early in my training I went by training plans. I found out what works best for me and I go with it. Good luck with your running
Been running and racing now for 40 years. Usually go by listening to my body, even if and when utilizing some training plan. I’ve looked at many, but always modify to make it more personalized. What works for some doesn’t always mean it will work for you
I started running a few years ago, so I joined a running group in my hometown to learn how to train for a half marathon. I know I would not have had the discipline had I not done that. Later, I went to a trail running camp in Colorado and learned how to create my own training plan. The next year I used my own developed plan to train for another half. I think it's a combination of using a training plan and knowing your own body. You have to make adjustments along the way if an injury occurs or your job interrupts your plans. I definitely think all runners should learn how to create their own plans based on the distance they are running. It helps you not to overtrain and to keep your runs structured so you can be prepared.
I’m doing my first half marathon in the fall and I am following a rather progressive plan by the Boston Athletic Associated and I love it.