need a new marathon training plan

[jamalynn]

Hi ladies.  Long time no post. I have taken a long break for message boards just to clear up my time. Missed you though.  On Saturday, I ran marathon #7.  I was poised for a PR that did not happen.  I was only a minute off my PR on a slightly more difficult course so it was probably a good day for me, but I was bummed to have not broken 3:30.  I have now run 2 marathons this year (3:35 and 3:36).  Both were BQ's (for 2019 and 2020).  So now that I a feel good about getting a BQ, I want to see if I can get down to a sub-3:30 marathon.  I have created my own training plan based loosely off of Pfitz 18/55 which has me running 6 days/week and between 55 and 62mpw (and it's a 12 week plan).  It's a good plan but I want to switch things up for Boston.  I think I need to work on speed.  I have the endurance stuff down.  I am interested in a plan that focusing more on quality workouts over distance.  I want to PR in a shorter distance.  Do you have a plan you would recommend?  Author you recommend?  I am open to all ideas.  Thanks ladies!!! 

[cinco]

Hi! It's good to "see" you! Congrats on all your running successes. Very impressive!

I don't have any advice since I usually use pfitz as a base and add a little more speedwork here and there. I have the hardest time sticking to a plan with my schedule lately. I think Hanson would be good (especially for me because I don't love runs over 15 miles), McMillan has some plans you can buy fairly reasonably, or maybe consider a coach?

[mrshandy]

Hi, Congrats on two BQs! I'm running Boston next year too. I've done Pfitz for the two times I've gone sub-3:30. So I'm not too much help. I'm thinking of doing something different next year for Boston. I was looking at Hanson. I've had a few friends have success with it so I figure I'm going to give it a shot.

I don't have a goal for Boston though so I'm not looking for something too intense. You might look into a coach or McMillan will tailor plans to your needs. I've had one friend who did that and liked it.

[jane6672]

fuckyourcouch recommended Hanson's method. I've read the book and it seems really solid so I'm planning to use it for my first marathon in 2019.


If nothing else, this Amazon review should sell you on it

"I got drunk and ended up in a bet with my brother and 3 friends on who could finish a marathon the fastest. After some research I bought the book and began training. Each of us had a different training plan and I had not ran in 3 years.

In 18 weeks I dropped 25lbs and in my first Marathon ever got 3:38:41 and beat my more athletic brother by 40 minutes. If you follow the plan it will work."