Now that I’ve committed to running the Richmond Marathon, I figured I should get myself on some sort of training schedule. I know that I have quite a bit of time before the race (it’s November 16th), so I was looking for a plan that would take that into consideration and that would encourage me to train smart. I stumbled across the most glorious resource! The New York Times Run Well Resource allows you to enter in the date of the race you are training for and then choose between 9 different plans, ranging from beginner to advanced. I am a fan of having “all the information” before I make a decision, so I loved being able to compare plans side by side. I ended up choosing “Run Your First Marathon” based on the book by Grete Waitz. I liked the symplicity of the program and the fact that I’m running 4x a week with this plan.
I chose to start my training on 6/10. But keep in mind, that since my race is so far away, the first 8 weeks are really just building weeks to get me to running 4x a week consistently. Of course, this hasn’t been a problem, since I’ve been running a lot lately, but I liked the idea of going ahead and starting and having a goal. I am giving myself the flexibility to switch up the runs during these building weeks. For example, for the next 2 months, I’m to run a 3 mile run, 2 4 mile runs and 1 5 mile run each week. I will make some of those runs longer and slower and some of those runs shorter and faster. I think it’s important for me to have variety during this phase so that I don’t get bored. As long as I’m running 15-20 miles a week, I’ll be happy.
My “real” training begins August 5, and I have two races scheduled between now and the marathon. I’m running the Annapolis 10 Miler on August 25 and the Bull Run 1/2 Marathon on October 20. Once I get into the real meat of my training, I’ll post my plan here for anyone interested.
Are you running a marathon this fall? If so, have you started training?
I ran the Richmond marathon last year. I really love their races. I’m running MCM in October and officially started my training this week though I do a lot of 1/2 marathons so my mileage has been at the 1/2 way point for a little while. Good luck with your training and enjoy Richmond!
Thank you! I’m very excited about Richmond. Enjoy the MCM — I would’ve chosen that race, but I’m in a wedding that weekend. Have fun!
I am running the Chicago Marathon in October. This my first marathon too! I have been training for the past 3 weeks but before then I have done several half marathons. I am following one of Hal Higdon’s 18 week plan. Good luck on your running! Happy Running!
That’s awesome. I was just in Chicago for work and had a couple of great runs. Good luck w/your training 🙂
I need to check that resource out. I would love to see your training plans for the 10 miler and half!
Emma @ a mom runs this town
Emma, you should totally check it out — it’s pretty awesome! Since my full marathon training will already be ongoing, I’m just plugging my 10 miler and 1/2 right into the schedule!
I’m running my first marathon in October, and training officially started last week! Running 15+ in this Virignia humidity won’t be easy!
Woohoo for first marathons! This is the year of the marathon 🙂 Are you doing MCM?
That sounds great – I will check out that resource you posted. I’ve run 2 marathon and for the first trained with a group in a beginner marathon program, and that was amazing to have a structure like that. The second time I used a Hal Higdon plan. Love having a plan and a goal!
I’ve got a lot of blogger friends running Richmond this year, from all I hear you are in for a great race!
I’ve been on injury, but all signs are pointing towards running again soon! I look forward to slowly building the mileage up again soon, and getting in a few marathons later this fall myself:) (fingers crossed:)
Yay! I hope your rest continues to go well and hope to read about you running again soon! 🙂
You are just like me! I recently signed up for my first half marathon, and THEN looked for a training schedule. I can’t wait to follow along on your journey !
I also just wanted to see if you are posting the winner of the giveaway soon! 🙂
Yay! Good question — giveaway winner is being announced TOMORROW 🙂
What a great resource, now that I am doing a marathon this November (thanks to the encouragement from you amoung others) I need to pick a plan like yesterday
Awesome! Glad you signed up — which one did you choose?