To pay or not to pay: training programs

[Jo]

I’m reading and preparing to begin training/base building, and it looks like the basics of the program (daily and weekly mileage plans for the entire duration) is available for free on the website as part of the information for those considering the program. 

I’m a big believer in paying for what you use and protecting people’s rights to their work, so I’m not trying to pirate a running program here, but I am curious: what benefits do you get if you sign up for the paid program vs using the “free” mileage etc info and just following along? And is there any reason why I should or shouldn’t do one or the other? Do you pay for training plans that are widely available?

[bullygirl979]

This probably isn't an apples to apples comparison but I'll play. The last half marathon I did I used a free program that I found online. While it got me through the finish line, I also didn't have a spectacular race. I decided to do another half this year and as I wanted to meet new people, I decided to sign up for a training group with my LRS. Night and day difference. I can tell I'm getting stronger and faster. I definitely think I have a strong chance at a PR for the race.

[brooke77]

I’ve never paid for a training program. I think it could be helpful if a paid program provides customization or interaction. A lot of people have questions about what to do if they need to miss a run or get injured and need to modify a plan. A paid program would be useful. If it is simply paying for a pre-written program, I personally, would not do that. As you mentioned, there are plenty of free programs available.

Curious - are you talking about Hal Higdon’s training peaks? I know he has free plans you can download but also a paid program. I think the paid program is more interactive? I never did it so I am not sure.

[gt7301b]

I think it depends on what your goals are and if there is a free program that meets your needs.  For example if you were coming back form an injury or want to reach a very specific time goal I could see the benefit of a customized plan.  I wouldn't pay for a plan that is widely available if the author provides it for free. 

I also say this as someone who has never paid for a program.  I used Pfitzinger's 18/55 plan for my last two marathons and PRed both of them.  If I were trying to PR again I might think about a customized plan, but I would probably just use the same plan and adjust the paces accordingly.

[Mrs.flang]

For my current training, I briefly considered paying for a local coach or an online customized training plan to get something a little more personalized than the basics you could find online.  I ultimately ended up borrowing a book from the library with a training plan that was available online, but the book gave a lot more background, information on injuries, taking breaks during the cycle, recovery days, stretching, diet, cross-training... so much more than just the # of miles.  It has given me a lot of confidence and benefits I wouldn't have thought I'd needed.  So if whatever plan you're considering has something similar or anything written by the coach/author of the plan, I'd recommend that for sure.

[Jo]

Thanks. I think I’m going for the free plan. It’s Hal Higdon, base building and then HM, with a couple of tweaks as needed.

[brooke77]

Aug 1, 2019 21:52:50 GMT -5 Jo said:

Thanks. I think I’m going for the free plan. It’s Hal Higdon, base building and then HM, with a couple of tweaks as needed.

His HM programs are great! The free ones are all you should need. You can tweak them yourself.