 |
Would you be willing trade some of your weekly miles in for less mileage but more intensity? Would you be willing to not run at all on a couple days and cross train instead? (Swim, bike or other)
...Well, I wasn't sure how I felt about it either. I like running! But, what if you were able to run faster because of it? --Now I've got your attention!
For my first marathon, used a program which called for no speed work and no cross-training, just long slow miles followed by long slow miles. I ended up injured in the last month coming into the race. And, as much as I love running, I also had a lot of days where getting out and doing the work was becoming drudgery.
All that changed when I trained for my second marathon the same year and used this program.
The program gives you three key running workouts a week. The other days call for cross-training, such as biking or swimming. Included are programs for 5k, 10k, and the half-marathon, but the focus is definitely on the marathon. I should also point out that the emphasis in the book is on qualifying for Boston, but that does not have to be your goal, you simply pick a program that is appropriate for your marathon goal time.
Also notable, I was able to train for a sprint triathlon and complete the marathon program at the same time. (This program definitely works well for the triathlete, but you do not have to be a triathlete to benefit from the cross training.)
Moreover, the programs included are very detailed and structured, which I (being a little on the obsessive side) liked. I enjoyed having the workout spelled out for me and just getting out there and tackling it. The book will give you the exact splits you should be shooting for on every track speed workout and your pace goals for every tempo run and long run.
By the way, you will be challenged by the workouts, they are intense. You will feel like you've accomplished something after every run.
If you've heard of the "FIRST" training program this is it. It was conceived by professors and coaches at the Furman Institute of Running and Scientific Training. (Bill Pierce, Scott Murr, and Ray Moss) As mentioned above, each week calls for three quality runs, including track repeats, a tempo run and a long run and two cross-training workouts. Also included, are recommendations for strength training.
Initially, I found the book's arrangement a bit confusing, the program is detailed, but the layout of the book seemed all over the place. I pretty much had to read the entire book before I could start using any plan for training--but by the last page of the book I was ready to roll. So wouldn't let this modest drawback keep you from trying this really awesome approach to training.
I especially recommend this program for the runner who has had little to no experience with speed-work or intervals and would like to start incorporating it into their training. Also, I give a high recommendation for this plan to the injury prone runner with high aspirations because this is a way to tackle your running goal without breaking yourself along the way! And lastly, if you are limited on time (and who isn't), this program gets you to the starting line in top form without an unreasonable time commitment.
|
|
|
Subject
New Product RSS Feed
