Today on Friday Five with Cynthia, Mar, and Courtney, the topic was a day in the life. Since I did one on Wednesday, I figured I’d do something different. I am currently about halfway through my training for Marine Corps Marathon using the Hansons Marathon Method, so I thought I’d share my impressions so far.
1. The mileage is higher than you realize. I’ll admit, I looked at the training plan before I read the book. And the mileage didn’t scare me. Well, some of the runs are longer than they are on the plan because if you are doing a tempo or a speed workout, you are expected to run a warm up mile (or 3) and a cool down mile. End result? I’m spending a lot more time running than I expected.
2. 6 days a week is a lot more than 5 days a week. I know it only seems like one more day, but trying to fit in 6 runs a week is challenging when the shortest run each week is 6 miles. I’ve done a run streak – I can always fit in a mile. I can’t always fit in 6.
3. This is not a flexible plan. My training mode has always been to fit in the runs where I can. I might do a long run on a Tuesday one week and Thursday the next week. With three “hard” runs each week (tempo, speed work, and long run), it’s hard to keep from ever doing back to back hard runs.
4. Mind the paces. Hansons does their runs a little differently. Tempo is “race pace.” Speed work is 5K pace. The long run is done about 30-45 seconds per mile faster than most plans do their long runs. BUT! Recovery runs are slow. Like traditional long run pace or slower. And you know what happens if you run those too fast? You are exhausted by rest day. Ask me how I know this LOL. (Also, take the paces with a grain of salt when dealing with high temps and high humidity. Running my 5k pace for less than a half mile should not make me want to puke. But it absolutely does when I’m dealing with some of the crazy hot Virginia weather.)
5. The hard part is the mental, not the physical. I can run on tired legs. The mileage is nothing I haven’t done before. But it is relentless. Every day it’s “where do I fit in 6 miles?” There are no “I’m just going out for a short easy run” days.
Would I choose to do it again? For a spring marathon, absolutely. The cooler weather, plus kids in school would allow me to do this plan justice. For a fall marathon, with no other crazy plans before it, no way. I’m completely over juggling my life to get the miles in. I’m tired of being out there for an hour+ in the heat every time I lace up my shoes. And trying to do it all with out easy access to a treadmill? That’s just crazy!
But, I have 6 half marathons in 6 days starting on September 14, so this plan is about perfect and I’ll be doing my best to stay as close to the plan as possible.
Have you ever tried a high mileage plan for marathon training? What did you think of it?
Good for you for sticking with it. I don’t think I could handle this high of mileage. Injuries would be my biggest concern – I probably spend a similar amount of time tri training but this just sounds overwhelming. I hope you find all the effort gives you good results for your upcoming race-fest!
Kelli recently posted…550 Miles in 7 Days For the Cure
Hopefully the end result will be good!
Since I’ve never run a marathon . . . sometimes being a slow runner sucks because you spend so much more time running than normal runners.
So I’m running less mileage this year than last in the hopes of staying uninjured & still have an IT Band flareup (mild so far, thankfully).
6 days a week? No way. The most I’ve ever done was 5. My body needs its rest.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…5 Things I Do Every Day
I can go forever, but the spadework is what messes me up. We’ll see what high mileage and speed does to me.
That sounds like a pretty full on training programme. 6 days on and one day off sounds like Insanity and that was tiring!
Great for you that you are pushing on through it. There is a clear goal at the end which is well worth it. I admire your dedication and commitment.
Steve @ The MAD Challenge recently posted…Day 7 Results Of The MAD Challenge #themadchallenge
We’ll see if I survive the plan LOL.
I wondered about the Hanson Method because many people have recommended it and raved about it. I looked at it and thought that it wouldn’t fit into my life because I run 4 times a week and I need something flexible. The mileage scares me a bit because of the injury risk BUT I know if you stick to the plan paces and do the extra work, you won’t have a problem. I know that running more and longer makes the whole marathon experience that much easier and people have really shaved a lot of time off their times using this plan. That is why I am interested.
Reading your post really just cemented my reasons why this wouldn’t work for me. I agree with trying it for a spring marathon when training in cooler temps though. Right now it’s just out right mean weather happening and I just couldn’t imagine running that much right now. I’m already restricted to doing my long runs on the treadmill.
Angela recently posted…Five Things Friday: Things I Want To Try
It’s definitely a big commitment.
I’m following a modified version of Hal Higdon’s marathon training and part of the reason I went with it is BECAUSE I knew a higher milage plan was probably not compatible with my schedule.
I admire you for attempting it, but I know life gets in the way too much right now, especially with my kiddos at the ages they are. Yours are a little older than mine, so maybe in a few years I can adapt something with higher mileage.
Haley recently posted…A Day in The Life: Friday Five Edition
Hal Higdon worked for me for four marathons. His plans are good. We’ll see how I feel about Hansons when this is done.
I was glad to hear your review – also glad that it’s working for you. I know it’s tough but I do agree that this plan really suits you well!
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC recently posted…A Day in the Life…
I’m just hoping it pays off come race day.
I used Hansons for my 2013 marathon and can totally relate. I loved it because I felt so strong come race day and got a 30 min. PR but fitting in those runs were killer. I’m on a similar plan from my running coach now and recovery runs after long runs are just killer. I have a 5 mile recoevry run today and do not want to do it. just want to go sleep lol
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…That Time I Ran 10 Miles Before a 5K
Yeah, there’s something about having to go out for a longish run before the long run and again after the long run that’s just exhausting.
I’m in awe of you ladies using Hanson. I can’t imagine running that much. Maybe it would be easier in the cool weather, like you said. I think you will be well prepared for your September series. Also, I’m co-hosting a new weekly linkup if you are looking for somewhere to link your training, weekend or racing recaps…or really just anything. The Weekly Wrap goes live at midnight on Sunday. I’d love for you to join in!
HoHo Runs recently posted…Day in Life
Ooh, just saw this. I will definitely link up!
I’ve read someone else’s review of this plan too. It sounds really difficult but great job of sticking to it! I’m sure it will pay off for those Fall races.
Chaitali recently posted…Friday 5 – reasons I joined a gym
I can only hope LOL. It would suck to get to mile 16 and fall apart.
No, I don’t think I could run 6 days a week. Four seems to be my body’s limit so I have to make sure they’re a good quality four.
Char recently posted…Life’s Little Battles.
It’s important to work with your body. Four quality runs can definitely train you for long distance running.
I’m not sure that this plan would fit me. Not flexible? With my schedule I need something that is flexible bc life always gets in the way and can not always commit to what I plan to do.
lacey@fairytalesandfitness.com recently posted…Vacation Highlights
Yeah, I find it hard to get all the runs in following their specifications. I can usually come close on mileage, but I don’t always manage the paces.
Awesome that you are sticking with it with the heat and humidity we have. I am always in awe of how many miles you can run 🙂
Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Tips To Curb Race Day Anxiety
I’m ready for summer to be over. That is all.
Wow – dedication!! I don’t know how you find time for 6+ miles 6 days a week.
Jenn – a traveling Wife recently posted…Having A Baby?
It’s been challenging and has definitely cut into my sleep.
I tried a “high mileage” plan for my first marathon and it was a disaster. Not for me. I read Hanson’s and I just don’t think it would work for these old legs. I actually enjoy my CrossFit marathon plan. Fits me like a glove. I think the takeaway here is that marathon training is not one size fits all and we all need to do what works for us!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…And now, back to our regularly scheduled program…
Exactly. We all have different bodies and different things that work for us. I’m still wondering if this was the right choice for me.
I run 6 days a week, and I did Hansons for my last half. I sort of train year-round but then peak for a goal race or two, but I really prefer the Hansons “philosophy”. If I decided to run a marathon, I’d probably follow their plan.
Running 6 days a week in the winter and running it in the summer in the south is very different… another thing with Hansons is that it does not work for people who have life circumstances that prevent them from running almost every day. Other plans will let you kind of be a “weekend warrior” if you have to due to work, kids, life, but not Hansons.
Amy Lauren recently posted…Friday Five: A Day in the Life
6 days in the heat + having kids at home for the summer has been a challenge. I definitely think I’d do better with it in the winter.
I live in SC and I told another runner locally the other day that I feel like running 40 mpw in the summer here is the equivalent of a 50 mile week other times of the year!
Amy Lauren recently posted…Training for Fall Races (August 3-9)
Wow! That sounds like a tough plan, but you’re right, it will get you ready for all those halfs!
Coco recently posted…Things I Won’t Be Doing On Vacation
I think if I didn’t have all the half marathons in September, I would have changed plans. But it should really help me with those.
I started using the beginner Hanson’s plan last spring summer when I trained for a Labor Day weekend marathon. It was tough running those tempo and speed/strength workouts in Atlanta over the summer. However, it paid off on race day with a 16 minutes PR and a BQ. I used it to train for Boston this year and a June race. The workouts were way easier on 20 degree mornings than 80 degree mornings. My husband has also netted two marathon PRs using the beginner plan.
I’m a big fan, but the first training cycle is tough.
This is helpful to read. I’m hitting somewhere between the beginner and the advanced program. It’s been a challenge, but hopefully will result in a good race.
I have never done a high mileage plan and I don’t really think my body would like it. I’m running about 5 days a week right now which is new to me, I typically only do 3. And five for me seems like a lot!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Chelsea Collective: A first of its kind Women’s Fitness Boutique
How are the five days going? Five works great for me, especially if one day is a short recovery run. I’m really struggling with 6 real days.
It’s actually going better than I anticipated!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Thinking Out Loud: Like mother like son, exotic fruits and SUP!
I have a couple friends using the Hanson method. It has worked for one of them real well in the past and he swears by it. I found I can’t handle the 6 days, 60 or more miles per week. I’m doing better with 5 days and around 50 miles per week this go around..