Runners - how insane is this training programme?

I'm not a professional runner, but no rest days and no cross training seems a bit much. I like Hal Higdon's training schedules. www.halhigdon.com. There are multiple training schedules based on your ability (e.g. novice, advanced, etc.). I'm about to start his 10K training schedule.

Yes but they are tiny runs at the start! They don't even make up your daily exercise recommendation! They also say "jog" not run so they're not full on sprints or race pace runs and there is a lot of walking in them too! I run 6 days a week normally or x-train so I don't think it's that bad! If they were starting out with hour long runs 6 days a week at first I would be thinking thats a bit mad... but they're also going to be at your own pace whatever your ability. So I would disagree that this is insane! Looks pretty relaxed for a marathon training programme if you ask me! I trained way harder as a beginner for my first 10km race! 15mins of jogging is probably only about a mile for most people at beginner level! That was less than the length of my road when I lived in Newcastle! You're not going to be broken from jogging that in the first week with no rest day, its normal recommended activity level stuff!

So basically what I'm saying is... it won't be as hard as you think and you'll be able to cruise it! Especially as there's no distance to the time allocations on the run times suggested!

it IS completely mental!
rest days are imperative!

I am going to follow this program... http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00index.htm

But its not INTENSE exercise at the start so you aren't working hard enough to get more than one rest day! Effectively because the intensity is so low you are resting! As you get stronger (and this is a very gradual training programme!) you can run longer with less effect! Also you need to shock the system at first! Training isn't easy for a marathon and requires commitment, dedication and training through mild muscle soreness which is an inevitable aspect of training for big events. I exercise vigorously 6 times a week on average, running probably 4 times and use cross training as my rest days even though its vigorous. Pain is weakness leaving the body! There's nothing harmful about running with DOMS (Muscle soreness) All it is, is tiny micro tears in the muscle fibres from being worked. You probably won't get this if you jog for 15 minutes, perhaps if you run intensely for 30 minutes you will and more than likely after a good hours run. When the fibres repair they will grow back stronger. It's only done me the world of good and made my will power stronger!

http://www.virginlondonmarathon.com/training-centre/training-advice/training-plans/beginner-24-week-training-plan/

i actually think it's decent as a program. as a beginner, six months is definitely enough time to train for a half-marathon and it starts off very easy with 15 minutes of jogging each day. not too crazy.

I wouldn't consider it too out of line, considering the goal of running a marathon. While 6 sessions a week would seem to be extreme if it were all high mileage at moderate to high exertion, the plan does differentiate between time spent jogging and running. The times indicated are also pretty short to begin with. So as long was the trainee really does jog when indicated, they should be fine. (If the trainee is feeling drained, or breathing heavily during a session marked "jog" then they're doing it wrong.) That's also why I don't think that the two weeks of 7 sessions are all that bad since one of them includes a day of 15 minutes walking. Hardly a strenuous day for anyone considering a 26.2 mile run. However, no one is forcing the trainee to forgo health or happiness. If you need a day, just take it.
Also keep in mind that this is just a training program for completing a marathon, not an overall fitness regime or a lifestyle plan. Issues of nutrition, stretching, cross-training, etc. are best left to the individual, since they know their own needs. And if they don't, they'll start being made aware of them as they proceed with the plan.

Although it sounds a lot you shouldn't be training for a marathon from a complete beginner stand point, it just isn't smart, you need to build up slower than that. I trained for a marathon last year using a plan from the Runners World site which was great. I got 2-3 rest days a week, but it still takes a huge amount of time commitment. Only you know what an achievable plan is for you that starts at the right level.

All the best with your training, that's the hardest part, and you'll feel amazing at the end

My $.02 - not ideal, but not terrible. It all depends on the runner. Not a great plan for someone with no base (we can also debate whether or not couch to marathon is a good idea or not...).

I reject the notion that one needs a rest day after a 15 minute jog. Some runners may and other may not.