Believe it or not, if you’ve lined up your A-race for this fall, you have anywhere from 12-18 weeks to schedule your training plan. Time to get going! Check out these basic half, full, and ultra-marathon plans for guidance in developing your specific fitness goals. Message us for help tweaking a plan to match your particular timeframe or unique event.
12-Week Half Marathon Plan for Beginners
24 Week Marathon Training Plan
50K Ultramarathon Training Plan
Undoubtedly, a personalized plan makes your journey to and performance at your goal event more manageable and successful. But always remember the other crucial pieces that ensure a healthy and positive experience - like rest, daily nutrition, and complementary movement. Here are a few more, less-practiced suggestions for effective race day prep.
Susan Lieto
As you follow your training plan, be sure to match your daily nutrition with changes in training load. High-carb fueling is all the buzz, but understanding what this really means day-to-day for different athletes is key to keeping your nutrition and goals on point. “The average athlete may understand carbohydrate periodization in theory, but applying it day after day is a different skill... The overall goal is not to micromanage every gram, but to avoid treating a 30-minute jog and a 2-hour run as having the same fueling demands." In essence, purposefully increase during-training and daily carbohydrate on long or high-intensity days, while maintaining your body’s minimal carbohydrate needs on lower volume days.
Most Runners Know To Eat More Carbs On Hard Days — But Most Aren’t Actually Doing It.
Unless you’re running laps around your house, long runs require carrying basic food, hydration, and sometimes extra layers or a phone for emergencies (or photos!). I’ve finally found a few pack options that actually fit comfortably and offer just the right amount of carrying capacity depending on the day’s outing. Personally, my go-tos include Black Diamond’s Distance 8L when I need to bring layers, On Running’s Ultra Vest Pro for standard long runs, and Raide Research’s UL 1L Running Belt on everyday, shorter excursions. Belts have come a long way, with many more comfortable options to hold more cargo - check out some new choices in this Ultrarunning Magazine review.