No Easy Task: Finding the Perfect Marathon Training Plan

My Holiday Run Streak continues … Most days I have been running more than the one mile required. It’s been three weeks since I ran my last marathon and I’ve been slowly easing my legs back into the running game.

I felt back to normal within two days of my marathon. Since I announced my BIG GOAL for 2014, I have been raring to get back into training mode. But I know it’s important to give your body that rest it deserves after all the weeks/months of pounding pavement.

So I have been doing a lot of research and reading about various marathon training plans. I’m suffering from information overload. If you have been following this blog for long, you will know I find it challenging to stick to a plan. I often tweak the plans and make them up on the fly. Crossfit has made me into a believer of less is more and strength is key. 


I picked up the revised edition of Run Less Run Faster, downloaded its companion App and joined its Facebook group. I like to do my research. The program consists of “3 plus 2” key workouts during the week. Three runs (track work, speed and long runs) and two aerobic cross training days. At first blush it doesn’t seem too daunting but I haven’t started the program yet.

There’s been a lot of good testimony to the program over the last five years. More and more people seem to be turning to this program because they are suffering from injuries and they are burnt out due to mileage overload and bad training plans.

Following the program would not be a big stretch for me. Even when I am training for a marathon my mileage doesn’t change too much (save for the long runs). I am in serious need of proper speed work (and a coach to yell at me). That’s why I am super impressed with the App. All the work, save for the running, is done for you.

Simply plug in your most recent 5K time. Then the App magically designs a program specifically for you depending on your race distance and race date. Above you can see my program based with the Calgary Marathon as my race. (There are also programs in the book designed specifically for qualifying times for the Boston Marathon.)

Best advice I have received in my recreational running career?  (I think it was from Amber.)

In order to run faster, you have to run faster. I think it was less eloquent. Me: I want to run faster. Amber: Well run faster. Me: Oh.  End of conversation)


Simple logic. I always try to stay conscious of this when I consider these plans. No plan will make me a faster, stronger runner unless I am willing to do the work. No doubt I will use elements of this plan (if not all). I have a little wiggle room now before I start “training.” I am also crossing my fingers the snow magically disappears before I get back into my training groove.

So that’s where my head is these days.