Training plan for a 30k race ?

_Josee_
_Josee_ Posts: 625 Member
Hi runners! :)

I'm running a 30k (Hamilton - Around the Bay) at the end of march so I have to start training soon (around mid-december).

I'm at a lost to what kind of training plan to use ? I'm thinking marathon training ?

If I go the marathon route I was playing around with 2 plans:

-Hal Higdon Intermediate 1 (the novice 2 have only 4 running day... I'm already running 5 days a week...)
-Garmin Marathon II (with HRM)

Any advices ?? Suggestions ??

My background is:

-I'm a new runner, started in march 2013
-I ran my first half in september
-I currently run 25-27 miles a week, 5 days a week with my long run beeing around 9 miles.
-I love to train following a plan, and I follow it!

Oh and after that race I'll only be running an half 2 months after. No actual marathon in the picture!

Thanks!

Replies

  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    One option would be to write your own plan based on what you find in a pre-packaged plan you find on-line. Just setup a calendar and put your weekly mileage goals down first. Then fill in your long runs, keeping in mind that the long run shouldn't exceed 1/3 of your total weekly mileage (1/4 is even better). Then, fill in the rest of the week to get to where the mileage needs to be.

    For a 30K race, you don't need to do any track work. I would suggest a tempo run once per week with a duration of 20 to 40 minutes at tempo pace near the end of a longer run (6 or 7 miles total) and doing 6 to 10 strides of 100 meters or so once per week. Also, consider fast finish long runs every other week or so where you do the last 1/3 of the long run at your target race pace.

    That ought to get you there.
  • _Josee_
    _Josee_ Posts: 625 Member
    Thanks Carsons!

    I decided to go with a marathon training plan. I might shorten some long runs though, I'll see how it feels when I get to the longer ones.

    No track work for me yet, but definitely some tempo runs and hills (that race's course is hilly).

    Thanks again!
  • Keebler1976
    Keebler1976 Posts: 70 Member
    Hi, I'm planning on running Hamilton as well! right know I'm doing training for a half Feb. 9/2014 Sarnia Hypothermic then I'll roll up my mileage and roll right into training for the 30km I'll have to gain 9km in 6weeks totally doable ! Hal Higdon training is great, I've incorporated some really good Cross training i.e. bike and swimming makes a huge difference for me! Good Luck (can't wait to cross the skyway!!)
  • amandamurdaugh
    amandamurdaugh Posts: 138 Member
    I LOVE the 30k distance. I'm fortunate the Arizona Road Racers offers one in December as a build up to their marathon in January. For the past 2 years, I've used it as a training run towards the end of marathon training. I like to have run at least one 20 miler before doing the race, but that's me.