I did Higdon for all three of my marathons, starting with the Intermediate 2, then the Advanced, then back to the Intermediate 2. (I was more comfortable with 5 days a week instead of 6.) They matched the level of running I was used to when I started (35 mpw). If you are running less, then you'd want one of the Novice plans. OTOH, you have time to build your base so you are comfortable starting a program at 35-40 mpw.

Because of a history of injury, I wanted a program that did not require a lot of speedwork. If you are used to doing a lot of speedwork, then Pfitzinger is very popular. Hanson is even more demanding. I am an older runner (60 atm) so I preferred Higdon's cut back weeks. I figured getting to the start line healthy was a bigger priority than finishing the race fast.

I used "The Run Formula" couch to marathon: http://www.therunformula.com/free-marathon-training-plan/

spiriteagle99 wrote: »

mfpchris wrote: »

I used "The Run Formula" couch to marathon: http://www.therunformula.com/free-marathon-training-plan/

That's an interesting plan, but is not good for slow runners. It does the long run by time, which for me would mean only one 17 mile run and the rest at 12 or 13. That's true even for the Experienced Level. I really don't think that's enough. More volume means more endurance, which is essential for a marathon.

I'd agree, they all look like a recipe for a really painful experience.

Interesting that they're pitching a Couch to Marathon plan that assumes you can run for 50 minutes.

If you click through to the details of the "Experienced" plan, you can see both distance and time estimates.

For example, the peak weekly mileage is 55 miles, and the total running time for that week is 8:12 hours. That's an average pace of around 8'55" per mile - I guess, being a week with high mileage, that would be appropriate for a marathon race pace of around 7'30" minutes per mile, or a goal marathon time of maybe 3:15. If that's way off your intended goal pace, than this "Experienced" plan is probably not a good fit. The plans are somewhat mislabelled, as experience does not equate to speed, and neither does 2'55" make someone "Elite". And the "couch to marathon" plan assumes that someone with no prior running experience can start, in week one, with four runs between 38 to 47 minutes run - any true beginner who makes it through those four runs is very likely to get injured. Running takes a lot of adaptation.

I would, however, also not generally advise plans that include long runs of much more than 3 hours for beginners, even if the goal marathon time is 4 hours or more - apart from training the metabolism, that can also get very taxing on muscles and joints.

There are so many plans out there, that really you just need to research through them and pick the one that you think will work with your current running level and schedule. I have ran 2 marathons, and both times I used the one that my local running store compiled for the group (it was an adaption of a Higdon with optional speed workouts for the advanced runners). They even comprised a recent schedule to work alongside a road series that happens during the same time of year.

I personally like the Higdon plans, as well as the Coach Jenny plans. But, like I said. The schedule you need is one that will work for you. A good one is one that incorporates a natural and safe distance increase, includes XT time (trust me, you will need it for your marathon training), and adequate rest...whether in the form of days off or low mileage/time recovery days.

@bjderhak I'm a self planner as well. I had an experienced friend develop my HM plan, but I created my own marathon, 50K and 50M plans. I'm not trying to break any records, just get through it as injury-free as possible.