Millions of different "correct" ways to train for a marathon!

Pisco Sour

From searching through the net and reading a good few different training advice articles and reading lots of comments on boards it seems that there are about a million different ways to train for a marathon. Each one contradicting the next. My head is dizzy!!!

Racing Flat

You obviously haven't seen the 'Hal Galloway 13 week advanced marathoning programme for couch potato to 2.02 marathon' the definitive correct way to train for a marathon. The key session for me was the 2.3 mile easy run on the 4th Wednesday of the second phase, so if you're to do one run in preparation for a marathon that would be the one to go for. At 9.99 per month the on-line training plan is reasonable enough, but they do suggest that you record your training using Microsoft Word in your own time, which makes it better value. :pac:

T runner

04072511 wrote: »

From searching through the net and reading a good few different training advice articles and reading lots of comments on boards it seems that there are about a million different ways to train for a marathon. Each one contradicting the next. My head is dizzy!!!

Pick a reputable one, trust it and stick to it.

There are different ways to approach it but the good ones generally get you there. Remember these schedules work as combinations of sessions : cherry picking different sessions from different schedules may not work. Best to decide on one and stick to it as best as circumstances allows.

bart simpson

it depends on where you are in your running career i think, if this is your first marathon training campaign i think you should pick an easy training program... i used the runners world smart coach one.... its very low milage compared to others... but as it was my first campaign my body was experiencing new challenges and i believe if i tried a program with higher milage there was a greater risk of injury..... my next marathon i will increase my weekly milage because my body will be better able to cope with the demands... cross training and rest are very important

Racing Flat

My post above was in reference to some of the tailored programmes over complicating something which is fairly simple.

When I first started running a few years ago I stumbled across one such beginners programme (I couldn't really go longer than 15mins without stopping at the time). I remember one day having to write it down on a piece of paper as it went something like 'jog 2 mins, run 30secs, jog 3 mins, run 1min, jog 2 mins, walk 1 min, jog 3mins', and so on. I didn't stick with that for long. Then again, I didn't have stop watch either so detached the timer from the cooker (it was like a little alarm clock) and used to carry that with me. With the paper instructions in one hand, the clock in the other, the football socks and rugby jersey and the fact that I occasionally had to walk, I doubt if I put much fear into any passing joggers.

aero2k

Racing Flat wrote: »

With the paper instructions in one hand, the clock in the other, the football socks and rugby jersey and the fact that I occasionally had to walk, I doubt if I put much fear into any passing joggers.

Could be a scary enough look in the right context...

Bobby04

Racing Flat wrote: »

Then again, I didn't have stop watch either so detached the timer from the cooker (it was like a little alarm clock) and used to carry that with me. With the paper instructions in one hand, the clock in the other, the football socks and rugby jersey and the fact that I occasionally had to walk, I doubt if I put much fear into any passing joggers.

And you went on to run some fantastic times .... you were just sand bagging back then me thinks!!

shels4ever

04072511 wrote: »

From searching through the net and reading a good few different training advice articles and reading lots of comments on boards it seems that there are about a million different ways to train for a marathon. Each one contradicting the next. My head is dizzy!!!

You could always join a club and follow a plan there. I've looked at a lot of plans some simple and some more complex and have kind of my own idea of what my body can take during a training plan, Start with a simple plan learn as you go, everybody is different and the key is to learn as you go.

nerraw1111

Racing Flat wrote: »

My post above was in reference to some of the tailored programmes over complicating something which is fairly simple.

When I first started running a few years ago I stumbled across one such beginners programme (I couldn't really go longer than 15mins without stopping at the time). I remember one day having to write it down on a piece of paper as it went something like 'jog 2 mins, run 30secs, jog 3 mins, run 1min, jog 2 mins, walk 1 min, jog 3mins', and so on. I didn't stick with that for long. Then again, I didn't have stop watch either so detached the timer from the cooker (it was like a little alarm clock) and used to carry that with me. With the paper instructions in one hand, the clock in the other, the football socks and rugby jersey and the fact that I occasionally had to walk, I doubt if I put much fear into any passing joggers.

lol.

You must've looked like a really badly dressed terrorist, with the timer, detailed list of number sequences and sweating profusely

Racing Flat

nerraw1111 wrote: »

lol.

You must've looked like a really badly dressed terrorist, with the timer, detailed list of number sequences and sweating profusely

You should see me now, I don't look like a terrorist at all: satellite receiver on wrist, black leggings, black running top, black gloves, black beanie, concealed mysterious looking strap attached to my chest - oh hang on a minute :eek: