One of the great benefits of having blogged since my first marathon is that I can easily go back and read about my training and analyze, compare and explore what worked in the past, what is working now and what I might want to consider in the future. As I was thinking about how different this marathon training segment is, I thought it would be interesting for me to compare this marathon training cycle with some of my previous cycles – specifically my first training cycle and my last. Since this week’s Friday Five is discussing fitness, I’m sharing five things that are different training with Hanson’s Marathon Plan (as opposed to previous marathon training cycles). Make sure you check out my co-hosts for the linkup – Mar and Cynthia. Have a great weekend!
- One of the major differences in terms of my marathon training is mileage. Last summer I used a version of Run Less, Run Faster – I ran four days a week. One run was a speed workout, one was a tempo run, one was a long run and one was an easy run. During that cycle, I topped out at 133 miles – which I ran in the month of August. I ran 101 miles in July and 96 miles in September and 93 miles in October (keep in mind, I ran two marathons and the Army Ten Miler in October – that mileage includes those three races). The Hanson plan is a high mileage plan and so, my mileage is much higher than it has ever been. To compare:
[table id=1 /]
- Another major difference between prior training cycles is my mental focus. I worked really hard on the mental aspect of running last winter while training for the Shamrock Half Marathon and while it’s never perfect, it did work. I generally am careful to not do things to pysche myself out of workouts before they begin. This summer, that’s meant that I generally don’t check the weather before a run. This summer has been brutal in terms of weather and checking and reading that it is already 80 degrees with 80% humidity just gets in my head. I assume the weather will be bad and just head out the door. Sometimes I’m pleasantly surprised. Sometimes I’m not. But either way, I’m not convincing myself the run will suck before I even leave home. Another thing I’ve done is during tough workouts, I pretend I’m at mile 22 of the marathon. I ask myself what I want my story to be and usually that helps me get my mind right.
- Consistency is the third difference. As you can see in the chart above, my mileage is much higher than prior cycles and I do think that is helping me in this cycle. I’ve determined that I actually respond really well to a higher mileage training. I said this before on Instagram, but one of the the things I think is beneficial for me on this is that because I run almost every day, I can not afford to just skip a run because I don’t feel like it. If I miss a run (I have missed one in three months of training) it is because I can literally not run (I missed one run when I got stuck an extra night out of town for a business trip and slept about 3 hours) not because I’m not in the mood. Prior to this training cycle, I would skip a run just because and then I would never make it up because life gets in the way. When you remove the option of skipping a run unless truly necessary, you make it easy to stick to your plan. And that consistency builds results, it truly does.
- Variety in pacing. With this plan, I’m running easier and slower on some days and working really hard three days a week and I think this has helped greatly. Learning how to pull back and run slower is truly necessary for the recovery runs. On the flip side, knowing how to pick it up and dial in to race pace is excellent preparation for race day. I used to pretty much run all my runs around the same pace. OR I just didn’t think about pace much at all – I just ran. Being intentional about pacing is a big difference for me.
- My level of tiredness. I’m just gonna be real – I have never been this tired before in training. I know that because I’m training so hard, but man is it an adjustment. I am heading up for bed at 9:30pm most days and feel like I could sleep in almost every single morning. I have been napping for at least 2 hours every weekend – the struggle is real, y’all!
Tell me, have you ever used the Hanson method?
After reading what several bloggers had to say about hansons, I. Think it would be too intense for me.
I have heard of the Hanson method, and know it is not for me LOL I just simply cannot do high mileage (physically AND mentally). I admire the peeps (like you!) who seem to thrive on it, but I know I’d be miserable. I learning (slowly) how to run slower and faster than what my “normal” pace is. The faster pace I can do (sort of), but I really struggle with going slower…and it’s NOT because I’m a naturally gifted sprinter…ha!
I’ve always used Hal Higdon’s plans but I’ve been thinking about trying Hansen’s. I’ve been following your training and I can’t wait to see what you do in your marathon. I may try Hansen’s on my next go around. Keep up the amazing work!
Can’t wait to continue following your training to see how things go training on a different plan. I am definitely feeling a need to shake things up a bit!
I’m not sure I’m going to do another marathon after MCM, but if I do, I want a spring marathon so I can really use Hansons. I always forget how much I hate running in the summer. The heat, combined with wacky schedules makes it really hard for me to follow this plan. In the winter, with cooler weather and the kids in school, I think it would finally get me the PR I’ve been chasing. But I hear you on the tired – I’ve never made it all the way through (yeah, 2 summers in a row), but when I was hitting most of my mileage with the plan, I was always tired.
Can’t wait to see how the marathon goes for you!
MCM Mama Runs recently posted…5 Reasons Half Marathons are the Perfect Distance
I purchased the book years ago to learn about their method of training but it’s not for me who is injury-prone when I tackle high mileage. It’s great to hear that you are thriving on it. It definitely takes discipline and mental strength to get out the door to do the specified workouts especially during the summer.
Elaine @myRUNexperiment recently posted…Downhill Running: Weakness Revealed
I am so impressed by your dedication and consistency. You are going to rock your race !
Hansons is an incredible program for those with legs that can handle the mileage but need some help with the mental stamina aspect. It isn’t for everyone, but I’m glad that you seem to be enjoying it!
Marathon training is exhausting. The struggle IS real!
Great insight! I am not good at trying to hit certain paces unless I’m at the track, but I’m trying to run by feel and let my pace be what it will be for an “easy” or “hard” effort. It helps that I don’t notice when my Garmin hits a mile split.
I have not tried this method. I always follow the Garmin training plans but I feel like I need something different. Actually I think I need either a coach or a psychiatrist! LOL! but seriously, I have been in better mental and physical shape than I am now. It’s been tough going this time around due to my foot operation in May which is basically me injured the rest of the season… and I’m training anyway…
As I’ve said before I give you all the credit in the world for using Hanson Method. I used it two summers ago for Erie Marathon. I agree that the plan doesn’t offer any wiggle room. You can’t skip a workout or move things around or the whole things falls apart. I work in construction sales and summer is our busiest time. Trying to do Hanson and handle my work load left me on edge and burnt out the entire summer. I go into work at 6;30am and some nights I worked until 7:00. I was frequently running late into the night so that I didn’t miss a day. I wound up missing out on a lot of functions with my friends and family that summer because I had to get my runs in. I think that Hanson is a great program, I PR’d Erie that year in 4:04:34, but it didn’t work with my life well. I work in a different area of sales now and I’m seriously considering giving Hanson another shot next summer. I’m targeting Wineglass 2017. Your blog has been a great reminder of how tough Hanson is and I’m really excited to see how you do in Chicago. You’ve put in so much hard work and it will show on race day!
This is so interesting- I’ve just discovered your blog, and this post was really helpful. I’m using RLRF at the moment, although I’ve been typically shitty and resting and have had to take a cutback week due to sheer exhaustion. Oops. But i’m really interested in Hansons method, i might give it a go when I’m honing in on a London Age Group entry. As for the mental work, I’m going to go back and stalk your blog and find out what your techniques were- I really struggle with the mental aspect of running, and it’s been particularly hard the past week or so of training when exhaustion and muscle fatigue is kicking in in a big way. So expect lots of blog traffic 😛 xx
I’ve glanced at Hanson’s and it’s too much running for me. I’m trying to get into 3 runs a week, but I’m feeling better and better with it. I still have to really focus on strength training to not re-injure myself.
Wow! I run pretty high mileage myself, but I need to have the flexibility with work and kids. Sometimes I need to shift things around, run twice, sometimes three times a day, etc. And I hear you on the tired. I feel like that’s my biggest struggle – trying to train through the constant fatigue. It’s a delicate balance because pushing too hard when in that state can lead to injury. Can’t wait to hear about your race!
Jenn @ Run With Sole recently posted…Bulldog 50K Race Recap
I’ve been following the Hansons plan this cycle as well and o definitely sleep way better at night lol highest mileage to date for me too!
Jess run pink recently posted…#FridayFive: 5 Ways to Balance Marathon Training on Vacation
I have about it. I would worry about the high weekly mileage but then again I may never run a full.
GL.
You will do great!!!
This sounds like a really tough plan! It seems to be really working for you.
I’m doing a modified Hansons plan this cycle for NY and did the double weekend days for SF with a friend. I’m mostly doing it for the 16 mile cap as I was dead tired from San Fran and LA this year. I like splitting the longest runs over two days.
I can’t wait to watch you CRUSH Chicago with your strong training!!
I have to agree with all of your assessments. I’ve loved the plan so far and I wasn’t sure I would with all that running. But like you said, the fact that it doesn’t have a lot of wiggle room is what I like! I’m kinda forced to run or I’d mess up the whole point of the plan, lol!
You are going to rock Chicago. I can’t wait to follow you!
You’ve done great dealing with the high mileage! I think this plan would be too intense for me.
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Reflecting on Summer Fitness Goals
What a great comparison. Yes blogging does help with being able to go back an see what worked and didn’t.
All the miles are not for me but I know many who have really done great.
I’m so impressed with you! Right now my 3x a week training plan has been working, but maybe one day I’ll try something a little more intense. I think the only reason I got my sub 2 half was because of my mental game. I wanted it SO bad and kept telling myself that stopping wouldn’t feel as good as celebrating 🙂
Sigh, I am always tired too. I was off this summer and was able to do my runs (I did miss a couple) and even that was tough. I am back at work but “luckily” have a few more weeks of training.
I have not tried the Hanson’s plan. I would like to build up to more mileage. However, since I have some medical drama and am a bit more injury prone I don’t think I can take it quite this far.
I usually do 4 days of running, plus 2 days of Orange Theory (which means running just about 1.5 – 2.5 miles on those days).
It is a strenuous plan, but for people like you who can handle it there should be great results.
I think the key is finding what works for you – and you are doing that!!
I just love reading your perspective on the Hanson’s method! Your mileage definitely speaks for itself, and I hope you get a big PR to go with it. Truthfully I’ve always found the time commitment that plan requires to be really intimidating, but I’ve surprised myself with how much swimming, biking, and running I’ve been able to manage for Ironman training. I have found the same thing with my training that you feel about yours – since there’s always something to do, there’s kind of no choice but to stick to the plan. It stresses me out and makes me super tired but I agree, in a way it works for me. I’m really wondering now that I’ve gone through that experience if I might actually have the guts to give this plan a try for a future marathon….most likely far in the future, haha!
This plan would be too tough for me with my work schedule as a hiking guide. I’m incredibly physical for work during Spring, Summer, and Fall. In winter I might be able to follow this plan, but I’d worry about it being too intense. Your dedication is amazing!
Such an interesting read! I ran my first marathon in May 2016 and am training for my 2nd – 4 weeks away! I have added another day of running and could see eventually trying a training plan like this but I know it definitely takes time for my body to adjust to the increase in mileage. I also just really love adding in 3-4 days of strength and conditioning (and I think that would be pretty tough with much higher mileage). The struggle is definitely real – more training = so much more sleep!
Danielle @ Wild Coast Tales recently posted…27 running mantras & quotes to motivate your next run or race
It’s been really interesting to see how the Hanson’s Marathon Plan has been working for you. Running 6 days a week it seems you’d have no choice but to get so much stronger and faster! But I can definitely see how exhausting it can be – kudos to you for never complaining about it!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Philly Marathon Training Week 6 Recap
Haha – I DEF complain about it – just not much here 🙂
Very interesting! Great tip for imagining you’re in mile 22 of a marathon during tough workouts. I’m definitely going to try that!
It seems like I’ve been doing that each SOS workout, 🙂