Choosing The Right Training Plan

Not all training plans are the same, just like all runners are not the same and their goals aren't all the same.

So first, think about your goals.  Are you racing simply to finish?  Are you aiming for a certain time goal?  Are you trying to improve your time in a distance you've raced before?

If your goal is just to finish, a novice plan would be best.  You can probably get by on running 3-4 days per week.  Or a run/walk combo plan.

If you are aiming for a specific goal time, you will have to find or create a plan that includes pace runs.  You have to train your body to run comfortably at that desired pace,

If you are trying to improve upon a time, you may want to find a plan that does pace runs, speed work and hill repeats to make you a stronger and faster runner so you can tackle that distance head on at your next go!

With any plan I would advocate a day of cross-training and weights to prevent injury and make you a stronger overall runner and athlete.

I had to do this today, search through the numerous plans out there to find one that fit with my goals and my schedule for my attempt at a much better time in Marathon #2!  

Happy Running!  See you at that finish line!