We are 136 days from the Marine Corps Marathon. This translates to slightly less than 20 weeks. Since most marathon training plans run 18 weeks, obviously I’ve been spending some time thinking about how I plan to train for my fastest marathon. Yes, I do want to PR, which means knocking at least 25 minutes off the faster of my two marathons this spring.
So, I’m joining Amanda at Running with Spoons and thinking out loud about my training choices and my chosen plan, Hansons Marathon Method.
MCM 2015 will be my 5th marathon. I’ve used a version of Hal Higdon’s plans to train for the previous four.
Marathon 1, MCM 2008: I used the Novice plan and it worked well. I accomplished what I wanted. I finished. I even had a smile on my face and was in good enough shape to walk the 3 miles home.
Marathon 2, Bob Potts 2010: I created my own hybrid of Hal Higdon’s Novice 2 and Intermediate 2, but due to a wickedly snowy winter, I ended up more on the Novice end of things. I had a time goal of 4:30 and missed it by 6 and a half minutes. I ran too fast in the middle miles and it warmed up quite a bit (and we know how much I love running in the heat.)
Marathon 3 and 4, Mainly Marathons Independence Series, 2015: I took Hal Higdon’s Intermediate plan and bumped up the mileage on another run so that I ended up with back to back long runs. I also added in planned walk breaks at every half mile point. I mostly hit my goals here. The main goal was to finish both with a smile on my face. The secondary goal was to finish both in under 5 hours. On the first, I hit the 26.2 point at 4:58 and the second I finished in 5:11. I’m calling them both a success.
Obviously, Hal Higdon’s plans have worked for me. So, why am I changing?
Two reasons: 1) I need to have longer weekday runs due to an upcoming 6 half marathons in 6 days challenge and 2) I want to get faster. I don’t know if I can beat 4:30, but I want to try for it.
Here’s what I like about Hansons:
- It meets me where I am right now. The mileage is higher than what I’ve done the last few weeks, but lower than what I was doing at the end of the training. I have two weeks to get back into running 6 times a week.
- It has 6 runs a week – perfect for training for my September races on my way to Marine Corps.
- It tops out at around 16 miles for the long run. Basically, they say the longest long run should be about 3 hours because the added recovery from going farther than that is detrimental to your training. But you run that 3 hours on legs that are already tired from a long run the day before (BTDT).
- They include speed work and tempos and I have never been good about doing any of that in a marathon plan. I’ve done a lot of long SLOW running. It’s time to pick things up a bit.
I don’t know if Hansons will work for me. But I feel the need to give it a try. I have the confidence to know I can finish a marathon on tired legs. All I have to do is “Beat the Bridge” with faster than 14 minute miles through mile 20. Barring any unforeseeable conditions, I should have no issues with that.
This week and next I’ll be slowly rebuilding to meet the start plan. Timing is perfect to start the week the boys are out of school. This means I can get up at my normal “school time” and run before the boys wake up. Win!
This weekend’s long run will possibly be a bit longer – it might just be a 13er. What? Yep, this weekend is Skirt Sports 13er and virtual race. Since I wasn’t able to manage a trip to Colorado this weekend, I’ll be running the Virtual version. Given the sudden heat (80s and 90s), it’s either going to be super slow or shortened.
Want to run (and get a gift certificate)? You have two days left to register! Use code SSMCM20 to get 20% off!
What training plans have you used for marathon training? Anyone have experience with Hansons?
Still looking for the “right” training plan for my first marathon–debating on a few different ones at the moment!
Sarah @ Sarah’s on the Run recently posted…Thinking Out Loud
I’m interested to see what you think of the plan. I’ve always went with the Hal Higdon approach and more recently the run less run faster. 6 days a running is just too much for me but if it gets good results it could be worth considering.
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #34
My friends who have used Hansons have done well with it. That said, I understand it gets brutal. I’ve had the greatest success (BQ’s, PRs) when I’ve used Run Less Run Faster. I think it works with the way my body is tuned. I ran NYCM last year with a custom plan from the NYRR’s. That was the most FUN I’ve ever had training because it was kinder and gentler even though I ran more days. If a PR is what you’re after, I think Hansons is a good choice.
That pic of you running it in with your sons is iconic to me. : ) We go way back!
Marcia recently posted…Thinking Out Loud: Face-in-Lake Edition
I loved Hansons and it helped me drop my time from 5:15 to 4:50. It will be tough and you will be tired a lot but the whole “running on fatigued legs” premise really helps in the marathon. I didn’t need to stop to walk once and felt good the whole time. Let me know if you have any questions!
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…How To Create a Full Body Workout In 6 Steps
Look at how little your boys were when you ran your first full! Such cuties.
I shall follow along from afar (mentally,physically and geographically) as you tackle Hanson’s plan. Scott tried it once years ago and failed after just a few weeks. I admire your willingness to give it a shot and see where it takes you.
Kim @ (Just) Trying recently posted…Mainly Marathons – Independence Series – New York Half Marathon Recap
I’m interested by this method. The past two training plans had been based on Hal Higdon’s style. I am still figuring out what direction I want to go for my next training that needs to start in a week!
Lauren recently posted…Get Started with Juicing {LaurenLivesHealthy E-book Review}
Can’t wait to follow your training. I think Hansons is perfect for you, actually. It really fits in with how you like to run.
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC recently posted…Bittersweet.
You’ve run FOUR marathons! That is awesome. I draw the line after 13.1 because I’m only half crazy.
But I love trying things, and reading about people trying things, and running plans . . . it will be interesting to follow your journey.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…Thursdays are for thinking out loud
I used my version of Hanson’s for my last marathon training (no speed work just running 7 days a week) and felt like a million bucks. I was leery of no 20 milers but the back-to-back long runs mimic a 20 miler perfectly. I ran some of my fastest miles ever in the marathon, hit no wall and missed a PR by seconds. Ran the marathon of my life! I’m using it again for my fall marathon this year! Hope you have a lot of success using it! It’s a great plan!
Melanie recently posted…Thinking Out Loud
I’ve heard great things about Hansons! Look forward to hearing what you think of the program. I’m a die-hard Galloway training gal, but I am still always curious about how well other plans work for people, especially with the variations on how far you go on the last long run. With Galloway, you go all the way up to 26, which I’ve found comforting on race day.
Shannon @GirlsGotSole recently posted…Marathon Training in the Heat
Oh, best of luck with you!
I’ve only done one marathon, and for that, I used Jeff Galloway’s training plan. I think it was effective, so far as it goes. Any shortcomings on the course were mine.
I’m excited to see how your training goes!
Jenn recently posted…race report: florida striders memorial day 5k {5.25.2015}
Good luck with your training! I can’t wait to follow along!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Super Easy Gazpacho Recipe
look forward to following your training! I’m still on the fence about MCM – need to make a decision soon!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: Favorite Summer Activities!
Good luck! I haven’t used Hansons although my triathlon training is similar. I tend not to run as high of volume for a long run but I do get in good volume through the week. I used Higdon for my first marathon and Run Less Run Faster when I did Marine Corps (MCM was a 10 min PR).
Kelli recently posted…Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon
I’ve never tried Hansons training but after reading this I’m thinking maybe I should.
jill conyers recently posted…Stop Negative Self-Talk
This is very cool! I love reading and following people’s training plan. No words of advice… just excited to see your restults! 🙂
rachel recently posted…Summer: The Season of Fresh Produce
I’m not familiar with the Higdon or Hanson programs, but it looks like you put in the effort and are ready to move in a new direction. Sounds like a good move to me. Best wishes on your upcoming races.
So I’m curious about Hanson’s method. How long is the run the day before the long run? I’ve heard about the 3 hrs on your feet which does make sense. I’ll be interested to hear how this goes for you! I’m using a new coach and he only does the plan 2 weeks at a time, so I have no idea what to expect, lol.
I used Hal’s plan for marathon #1. And then I used Becky’s (my coach) for marathon #2. Guess who’s training me for #3?
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Feet, don’t fail me now!