I am currently training for the Shamrock Half Marathon in Virginia Beach this March and I’ve been using an adapted version of the Hansons Half Marathon Training Program (read more about my training schedule here). I thought I’d check in and share some of my thoughts on Hansons Half Marathon Program as I go through each stage of training. 
My overwhelming feeling so far is that I’m tired. Some of this is the training plan, for sure but I also haven’t been sleeping well and have been extremely busy at work and working just about every single day. I know I need to fix this – especially because the harder weeks of the training program are still to come. In two weeks, I’ll be running 40+ miles a week (I’ve been averaging about 36 so far) and that is going to be really challenging. I’ve got to start sleeping better or my running will suffer.
One of the things that I’m most enjoying about the program is that it’s changed my mindset in terms of my runs. Instead of thinking “I’ll run when I can”, I now know that I will be running just about every day (thank goodness for Wednesday rest days) and I’m very vigilant about planning out when I will run each and every day. I no longer just “let the day get away from me” without getting my run in. Of course I do anticipate that over the course of training, I will probably have to miss a run or two. Sometimes it’s just inevitable with life. However, with my mindset being “find and schedule a way to get it done,” I know that I will only miss a run if I absolutely have to do. This has not always been the case for me and so I’m thrilled that so far, I’ve been able to stick to my commitment to this plan.
I also feel like the plan is working. I’m hitting paces pretty consistently in my workouts and I haven’t yet had to bag a workout because I couldn’t hit the paces. It is very hard to hit the paces in my speed work and tempo runs and so that’s always a struggle but I’m able to do it. I’m really pushing myself out of my comfort zone with this plan and I’m glad I decided to try Hansons. I have to say though, that I’m glad that I’m trying this program out training for a half marathon before using it for a full. I can not imagine running more mileage than this right now. However, I know that post Hansons I’ll be in a really strong place and have a strong base for fall marathon training.
Finally, I’m getting used to running alone. I really like doing training runs with others – it just helps me mentally. I knew that with this plan, I’d be running alone quite a bit for the simple fact that I’m running six days a week – I knew I wouldn’t be able to find a run bud for six runs. Typically, it shakes out that I run alone on Tuesdays, Thursdays and sometimes Sundays. Tuesdays and Thursdays are also the hardest runs I have all week – track work and tempo runs. This plan has been really getting me mentally strong as I’ve pushed through physically (and mentally) hard workouts all by myself. I’m often actually by myself since the weather has been not the best and most other folks aren’t running outside. It’s been hard, but I think my mental game is getting stronger.
What training plan are you currently using?
Great work so far!!
I’ve been really interested to read your thoughts on this plan. Hansons scares me a bit because of the volume, but I’m seeing a lot of people embrace the plan. Looks like it’s going well so far! I’m hoping I’ll be down in VB to cheer at Shamrock 🙂
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Ooooh I hope you’re in vb too! That’d be great. Hansons always scared me as well (and still does) but part of the benefit is discovering I’m stronger than I thought I was.
Hansons is hard, but it works. I’m not sure I’ll ever use it again for a full marathon, but perhaps I should actually start training for my half in March LOL.
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Ha, what are you running in March?
Sounds like its going great!!! I hear you about being tired….and I’m only running about half the mileage you are right now! Life can really kicknuour butt sometimes. So excited for the rest of your training!
I’m kind of nervous about the next stage because that’s when it gets REALLY tough…like 2×3 mile repeats tough…hopefully I can get on a better sleeping schedule by then!
I’ve read their book and thought about trying to use the plan. Yet, I always back off because I know right now, I’m not in a space to commit to running 6 days a week. Maybe if I do not work full-time outside the house when we move to Kansas for a year, I will give it a whirl! And, thanks for sharing because it is great to hear how it works for real people and not just elites!
So I totally get the time thing. It’s basically a full hour + of running almost everyday. I work full time but have the option of running at lunch which has been helpful with the weather lately.
I’ve heard Hansons prograns is pretty moderate and time consuming. It also sounds like you have a lot going on right now too. It sounds like it is a great plan and I can’t wait to see how you continue to progress with it.
Yes. I was thinking that I don’t know if I’ll always be able to do a plan like this time wise, but right now it’s working!
This plans sounds like a lot of running but I’m glad it’s been working out for you!
It IS a lot of running but so far, so good!
that is a lot of running but it sounds like you’ve taken to it! I just got my running plan for my April half so working with a coach is my new plan – excited!
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I’m excited for you and excited to hear more about your training!!
Courtney, I think you’ve hit the nail on the head, my friend; when you strike out with a goal and prescribed paces, it’s often tough to run with someone else or a group. As much as I enjoy running with friends, during training I have to really focus on the big picture and determine which aspect is most important at that time. Running 40+ miles a week was definitely an education experience for me, as well; I quickly learned that it would be early to bed and early to rise until the end of training! You’re doing great; your work is going to pay off, BIG TIME!
Yes, it is fine to go to the track with someone because we can do our own thing, but I’ve realized those tempo runs really need to be solo!
Running solo is great for your mental game. I think it’s interesting what you said about using this plan for a half first. I told you that I’m interested in it but I definitely need to build up a consistent base again first!
I was just re-reading the marathon training plan and I definitely think that going through the half plan first is the better choice for a runner not used to high mileage. The marathon plan isn’t TOO much more mileage (it tops out around 50 miles per week, so about ten more miles than my plan) but jumping straight into that without knowing that I can handle higher mileage would’ve been difficult.
nice job so far! I used hansons for my 2013 marathon and that was when I PRed. It is really tough and you are right, you’re tired a lot, but I really do believe running more helps build strength for the marathon. those tempo runs were my least favorite! I always doubted I could do it but would end up hitting the paces…it’s definitely more mental!
I definitely have bought into the philosophy behind the plan!
This is awesome to see Courtney! Crazy about your mileage–that’s so awesome! I’m using a slightly modified version of Hal Higdon’s Intermediate Half Marathon Plan, and am really liking it so far. I like that I alternate between tempo runs and 400m repeats each week, but also have a ‘pace’ run every week. And I think running 5 days a week vs. 4 is definitely helping my endurance as well. I’m the opposite and have actually always run by myself, but I’m looking to branch out from that! Although it sounds like our plan of a Sunday run this weekend is unlikely 🙁
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Yes, this weekend’s runs are going to be kind of on the fly and probably more of a snowshoe event than a run, lol. Sounds like your plan is working for you, which is awesome! 🙂
I was interested to read your thoughts so far because I got both the half and full Hansons books for Christmas. I just think with school and work it’s really hard for me to commit to 6 days/wk of running right now, but I would like to try it.
It’s just like anything else – you just make your runs a priority. It’s not always easy but I bet you could do it! 🙂
It’s interesting to hear your thoughts. I know a 6 day a week plan wouldn’t work for me. But it will definitely give you a great base for marathon training.
I’m glad to hear you’re adjusting to the 6 days a week of running! I know you were initially a bit nervous about it. I hear you on how lack of sleep impacts training. I hope you start to sleep a bit better in the coming weeks as mileage increases.
I appreciate your honesty on this plan! I get tired just reading your recaps, but know you will be hella strong going into fall marathon season. Yay you! I am working from a modified Hal Higdon half marathon plan. His plans work for me, but I would love to eventually try something like Hansons.
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Hanson’s scares me because it’s so much mileage but I’m glad you are finding your groove with it!! I can’t wait to keep reading about your training…maybe I’ll tackle Hanson’s at some point 🙂
It scares me too! But I’ve found that I’m stronger than I thought. And I also did a bit of a build up to prepare for this trading cycle. I think you could definitely do it.
I was excited to read your thoughts on the plan so far! I’m glad you’re feeling physically and mentally strong with it and feel the plan is working for you. In the next phase, the strength phase, when the mileage is at its highest, I made it a priority to get more sleep than I usually would. If you can manage that, I highly suggest it. I think getting enough sleep and proper fueling really helped me through the workouts. I will say, also, that this time around has been much tougher for me than it was last summer, even though I like cold weather running better. I think the cold and the dark makes it even harder. Given that, you are doing GREAT. And trust me, it will pay off on race day!
Thanks Jennifer! I remember reading your experience during the next phase & so I’m definitely trying to get more sleep. I’m so glad you detailed your experience with the plan because I’m really happy I’m doing it!
You’re killing it! I have definitely noticed a difference in your training (just from Instagram stalking) and think it will be a huge help come race day! Proud of you for venturing out of your comfort zone, esp given the weather and those longer mid-week runs. Keep it up chica!
Thank you! I’m really hopeful for race day and honestly doing this plan has changed my thoughts about training. Although I’ll be honest. I’m still terrified when I look ahead at what’s coming up in the plan, lol. But all in all I’m happy I decided to try it!
**Thumbs up** I love reading and hearing how Hansons have worked for you and how it has worked for Jenn. Hoping to get my times back down this year, maybe by fall my tempo runs will be around your easy runs and I can join you for some of those hehe 🙂
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You know I would love that, girl!!! And I’m so excited for you with your new coach!!
Awesome job so far! I’m doing one of Hal Higdons half marathon plans, which only requires 4 days a week. I can’t imagine adding another 2 days in! You are a BEAST!
Your mental game, focus and connection to your pace and breathing will ALL improve when you run alone. I know this because I do most of mine alone 🙂 But truly, it helps the end result so much. You should be so proud of yourself for pushing through this plan, especially in these frigid temps. I love seeing your smiling face on Instagram so keep it up!!!
Aw, thank you so much. I get so pumped when some of my fav runners (spoiler alert: you’re on that list) say that I’m on the right track. I feel like I have a good balance of running with others and alone and it’s working out right now 🙂
That’s a lot of miles Courtney! But it sounds like you’re managing it well. It is good to be pushed out of your comfort zone to see what you’re capable of. I’m in base-building mode right now – still have to figure out my training plan for my spring half.
Wow – killer mileage, mental strength, hitting all your pace goals, running 6 days a week without missing. You are killing it. Can you bottle that motivation and sell it? I’ll buy!
I am currently using Jeff Galloway training plan for 4:40 marathon. It calls for 4 runs a week (3 if you are over 40 – which is my case). So I run 3 or 4, but there is no way I could run 4 (or more) every week. My body and Schedule wouldn’t handle it and I would be afraid of burn out. I am more than half way through and love the plan so far.
So glad you found a plan you love!
I’m using a plan from my Saturday training group. I’m sure it’s based off of one of the big ones, but I don’t know which ha. I’m also doing more solo runs and planning runs ahead of time. I had a crap two weeks where I missed one long-ish run, but now I’m back at it and feeling similar to what you’ve described above. Even though some runs are super tough, I’m having a good time overall!
This is a really tough plan and you are doing great! How is PB fitting in with this? As for the sleep, are you just up working late or not having quality sleep?
I’m doing 2 PB classes a week, which is about all I can handle! As for sleep, both lately. Things should be calming down a bit with work though so I’m hopeful.
You’re doing an amazing job! Always so impressed to read how your training is going (plus you’re killing it in this blizzard ha!). You will be so incredibly strong for Shamrock! I have been using a modified plan from the runDisney site and it’s been working really well for me. Only 3 runs a week, but you make them count. Can’t wait for Shamrock!!
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Thanks Lindsey! Glad to hear your plan has been working for you as well!