I had two goals for the weekend.
#1) Purchase a new iphone so I can finally join the world of instagram.
#2) Write out my training plan for the New York City Marathon.
I accomplished one of these two goals… I wrote out an eighteen week marathon training plan.
My eagerness to begin training is fueled by the fact that my workouts and eating habits suffer when I’m not on a training plan.
I’m also beyond ecstatic that I’ll be starting this training cycle with virtually zero hamstring pain. After spending the majority of the last year and a half wondering what was wrong with me, I finally don’t feel injured.
I’m not completely out of the woods, but I’m confident that I have the right people on my team to get me to Staten Island on November 4th. I’m continually grateful to Mike and the rest of the team at Finish Line Physical Therapy.
My New York City Marathon Training Plan Basics
When writing my plan I had a few things I knew I needed to include:
- extra training weeks to give me time to make up a long run in case I miss one due to illness, travel or life.
- speed, speed, speed
- a few long runs ran at marathon goal pace
- recovery weeks
The basic formula for my plan is this:
- Mondays: Spin
- Tuesdays: Tempo Run/ Strength
- Wednesday: Medium length recovery pace run
- Thursdays: OFF
- Friday: Interval Run/Strength
- Saturday: Off or short easy run
- Sunday: Long Run/ Core
The workouts will hopefully allow me to run a race that I can be proud of for the rest of my life. Training starts in two weeks and I can’t wait!
Are you running a half marathon or marathon in 2012?
Sam @ Mom At The Barre says
I am running a marathon this November and am also excited about starting to train in 2 weeks!
Leah says
I ran my first half in April this year. Now I am hoping to run another half in September. The training plan last time was twelve weeks so after next weekends 5K mud run I plan on taking a week off and starting up training!
Stephanie says
I’m training for a half marathon in August.
Good luck with your plan!
SeeAlliRun says
Good luck with your training! I’m wanting to run a marathon in Dec/Jan (just came off an injury so I need time to build my base again), but trying to convince hubby that we need to travel… I live in Ontario so there wont’ be any races within driving distance at that time of year.
Michele @ nycrunningmama says
Your plan sounds awesome. I realized that leaving a couple of extra “buffer” weeks are SO important for me…life gets in the way of all great plans and there’s always something that forces me to skip a long run one or two weeks!!!
Good luck with your training! Looking forward to cheering for you in Nov!! =)
Lauren Slayton says
OK guilt sets in, ha. I am running Philly but haven’t thought about training, have a decent base. I have a couple of half marathon and other races before that. Intrigued about the running less book…
Jess says
You’ve got a few more weeks!
Jen says
Good luck w/ your training! I won’t be doing a marathon but yes on a half in Sept.
Elizabeth (@lizzieonthespot) says
How exciting! Way to accomplish a goal. I plan to run the Reggae Half Marathon in December and ING Miami Half in January. I wish you all the best with your training.
Carrie @ Fitness and Frozen Grapes says
I’m running my first half in August (Tromptown Run), and I’m toying with the idea of running a full (Empire State Marathon) in October. Good luck with your training, everyone!
Theodora says
You’re so speedy, I can’t wait to see you rock this! Maybe our buddy Bart will predict your time too ๐
Jess says
That would be amazing!
Genna says
I will be at NYC also ๐ can’t wait!!
fionarwbl says
ING Marathon in November, half marathons TBD before then. Base training has already started, with real training the first week in July. I’m excited!
Cynthia says
I’m doing NYC as well, and created my plan a few weeks ago. Even though I’m still in the base-building phase, I already feel like I’m more excited about following my plan than I have been with the previous 3. We’ll see how I feel when it actually becomes time for the long runs though ๐
Gail says
I ran my first half in April and have now signed up for one at the end of September!
Lee @ Anytime Health says
Doesn’t it feel good to write out a training plan? I color code mine and everything ๐ I currently have no long races planned, however I do have a plethora of shorter races like the Warrior Dash and Color Run!
Christina says
I just started training for my first half in September!! So excited!
How are the books you have pictured in your post? Do you find them helpful? I’ll take any tips I can get lol.
Jess says
I’ve written about Run Less, Run Faster previously and I’ll most likely write about the Runners’ World book in the upcoming weeks.
Kristen Chang says
I agree with you on your comment about needing a plan — without one I feel like like I’m floundering! Good luck with the training… looks like a good plan!
Jen Correa @ Mom's Gotta Run says
I am running NYC in November. I am not looking forward to starting. I need to pick a plan and commit to it asap. Are you starting 7/1?
Jess says
Yes!
Amy W says
Good luck to everyone running halfs and fulls!
I did my first half this May, with a spectacularly slow time, so I’m hoping to do another in October and see some improvement. My 17 week plan starts this week!
Jessica says
Your plan sounds great! Also love the idea of incorporating a few extra weeks in case of the unexpected.
I ready to focus on speed this summer, too!
Michelle says
I’m running a half in September and another in November. Thinking about running the RnR Savannah full too..not sure if I can do it!