After a long stretch of easier, more relaxed running, marathon training kicks off in earnest next week. I spent some time sketching out my plan and I think I have a pretty good idea of what the next couple months will look like run-wise. Of course, a key part of my plan is to keep up my Pure Barre habit – I know it helps me to be stronger overall. I love seeing other folks’ training plans so I thought I’d share my marathon training plan with you all. I will also start back sharing training recaps in a few weeks.
This is a peek into my schedule for July. As you can see I’m running four days a week. Three days are focused runs – speedwork, tempo and long run and then I’ve added on an easy run as well. This plan is basely most on the Run Less, Run Faster plan which you may recall I used during my last training cycle. This plan will keep my legs fresh and I’ll be taking Pure Barre classes two to three times each week. I’m really hopeful about this training cycle and excited / scared to get going!
I always dread speed workouts and this go around is no different. I’m already looking ahead to my speed workouts and dreading them. They are hard and push me and I know they are necessary. I actually learned to love tempo runs last summer. They are also hard but I feel so accomplished afterwards. I’m excited about adding tempo runs back in to my schedule. And of course long runs are the foundation of marathon training. Now that I have my training schedule set, I’m ready to get started!
How do you choose your training plans?
I’m a many runs a week kind of girl, so I’m planning to try out Hanson’s plan this time. I need to train for some back to back races on my way to the marathon, so it seems like the bet plan to help me reach all of my goals. I keep saying I want to try RLRF, but I always seem to have a reason to run more runs LOL.
MCM Mama Runs recently posted…TOTR: Hot weather running + Timex GPS watch giveaway
I have a few friends that have had great success with Hansons. I think you will too!
I always base my training plans off Run Less, Run Faster…love that book and the 3 quality workout approach. I actually need to lay out my plan ASAP since my marathon is in September!
Michelle recently posted…Weekend Race Recap x2 + Flashbacks and Motivation
I know a lot of people love that method but I’ve never had good success with it. I know it’s primarily because I cannot motivate myself to physically run faster (which is needed). I can’t wait to follow along with your marathon training 🙂
Hollie recently posted…Staying Busy
Thanks Hollie. I can only imagine the paces the plan would require at your speed. For me, it’s scary but doable (for the most part). 🙂
I usually look for a marathon plan based on number of days a week I’m running and speed work. My current plan that I love has a tempo run, 2 easy runs, one speed work, and one long run. That is my ideal week!
Meghan @ Getoffyourbuttandrun recently posted…Motivation Monday: 6/8
that sounds like a great plan! similar to what i’ll do but with the addition of an easy run. i like it!
Looks great! I am definitely interested to hear feedback on any plan that calls for less running 🙂 I think I’m going to have some time conflicts for future race training schedules. Those mini humans – they’re always causing problems. 🙂
Heidi recently posted…Warrior Dash Maryland
Hahaha, I hear that last for awhile 🙂
I agree on hating speed workouts. I know they are good for me but I just cringe thinking about them!
Yes. They are important but SO HARD!
Can’t wait to follow your training! I have been working with a coach, so she creates the plans for me, which has been great. You have made such great gains in your speed, so I’m sure you’ll be flying by the time the marathon comes around! 🙂
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Be Well Philly Boot Camp Recap
Thanks Janelle – my keys will be focusing on building up mileage and staying HEALTHY! I’m really excited for marathon season but want to get there with no injuries!
Looking good, friend! I’m just starting to research plans for my next one now (although I’m not quite sure yet when the next one is). You’re going to kick butt and I’m excited for you! <3
Salt recently posted…Feeling like a Super Mom
I know when you’re next one is 😉
Aw, thanks! BTW we are ON for Friday night drinks 🙂 Can’t wait! xx
Yay for marathon training plans!! I love plans and having structure. I follow a “plan” even when I’m not training lol
Helly on the run recently posted…Let The Training Begin!!
that’s impressive! and which race are you trying to get lauren to run? 🙂
welp apparently you’re reading my mind b/c just last night and this morning i’ve been thinking about how i need to pick a plan asap and start training for my fall marathon. thx for affirming that! 🙂
hahaha, the time is now! 🙂
Yes!!! So excited for you, Wineglass is going to be so fun. I am dreading the track workouts as well… you know me and loops… not a fan haha.
Jennifer recently posted…Chicago Marathon Training Week 1 – 6/1-6/7
hahaha, indeed, my friend! lol 🙂
Yay for marathon training starting up again! Tempo runs are my favorite once I get into them, and I LOVE how I feel once I’ve finished!
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…The Importance Of Conversation Pace Runs
Yeah I discovered that last summer 🙂
After my experience of going through what felt like 3,000 different marathon training plans last year, I leave this up to my coach now. I’m already building mileage (30-40 miles per week) to get ready for “real” marathon training in the fall. I have no doubt that you are going to do great, Courtney! Speed work sucks in the summer but, for some reason, I still look forward to it; we can do it!!! I’m excited to follow along in your journey – woo hoo!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Training Recap
You are really killing it, Tara – I love following what you do each week!
Great plan! I’d love to stick to around 4 days of running so I can fit in crosstraining too.
Lauren recently posted…The Ways Gilmore Girls Just Gets Me {Now and Always}
I’m (kind of) excited to really get into the thick of it (pun intended w/this humidity!)
haha, cracking up at “i want to both run less and faster.” don’t we all? 🙂
I am using The Marathon Method for the MCM because I used it five years ago when I first ran the race. However, I’ll be checking out ‘Run Less, Run Faster.’ I want to both Run Less and Faster so I can’t wait to see the plan. Looking forward to following your training!
I bought the Run Less Run Faster book last fall and I love the idea of it, but I’m afraid that it won’t be enough mileage since I ran 5x a week for my first marathon (but fought injury a lot of the time). Did you feel trained come race day?
Christy recently posted…100 Miles of Summer – JD8
Yep, I did. Everyone is different but you could just always add a run, which is what I’m doing.
I know several people who swear by RLRF. I’m probably teaming up with my running coach again for my fall races – I don’t mind the track work, but tempo runs always put a little fear in me 🙂 Good luck with your training!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…3-Day Refresh Review
I keep thinking about the coach thing but just haven’t bit the bullet yet.
Can’t wait to follow along! Hang in there…speed work bites!
Thanks – it’s never easy, but that means it’s pretty much always worth it!
Looks awesome. Love that you are keeping Pure Barre. When I start half training in August I really want to keep as much OTF as I can.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Top 5 Tips: How to Run in the Heat & Humidity.
oh yeah, i have to or else NO cross training 🙂
When I made my training plan for MCM I based it off RLRF too, love that concept. But then I decided to use a coach. I”m trying something very new, so I will only be getting my workouts 2 weeks in advance!! That makes me a little nervous because I’m such a planner, but it’s time to change it up!
I’m exited for you. Who is your coach?
I looked into the RLRF plan for a 1/2 marathon but I never used it. I am thinking about it for the Philly 1/2 in November! LOVE to follow your marathon journeys girl, excited for you!
Karen @karenlovestorun
Karen @karenlovestorun recently posted…Currently Training For…
My coach makes my training plan; the running is similar to what you are doing. I start in July too! Yikes!
Wendy@takingthelongwayhome recently posted…A running adventure
Yay! I mean, yikes! Scary but kinda fun, right?
Yay! Sounds like a really great plan. I enjoyed following you when you did RLRF last time so am excited for it this year. I know RLRF and Pure Barre has really helped you in the past, so I have no doubt that you’ll do great on this plan. The RLRF speedwork intimidated me just reading about it, but I know you’ll kick butt just like you did last time!
Jennifer @ Running on Lentils recently posted…The Success-Failure Cycle
Here’s hoping! Speed work is so scary!!
Good luck with your training! 🙂
Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner recently posted…Places to Run in San Diego: Lake Murray
I’m running my first marathon (Chicago!) in October and using Pure Barre as my cross training too! Also joined a training group through Pacers and my coach had nothing but positive things to say about PB for runners. Good luck with your training!
That’s awesome. PB is GREAT for runners. Chicago is on my list – maybe next year 🙂