Marathon Runners

robmaguire1
robmaguire1 Posts: 111
in Fitness and Exercise
Just finished week 1 of Hal Higdon's Marathon Novice 1 Training Program. Has anyone used this program before? Like to get your thoughts. Did you follow it exactly, or change things around a little? Running first marathon in October (Marine Corp Marathon in Washington DC). Let me know your experiences. Thanks.

Replies

  • creature275
    creature275 Posts: 348 Member
    not familiar with the program but good luck man I hope you enjoy it, crossing the finish line for the first time is an experience like no other, I hold that accomplishment above any lift ive ever done or any sprint time Ive ever had, completing a marathon (in a decent time) to me is the gold standard for runners
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    I haven't used that particular plan, but any plan should be used as a guide. If you need to take a day off because you are tired or sore, take a day off. Try to keep the weekly mileage at the level that the plan suggests. If you are feeling really good, you can go an extra mile or two on a run (I wouldn't suggest this for the long run, though).

    The key to successful marathon training is two fold. Staying healthy and the cumulative mileage of the plan.

    Marine Corp is a good marathon, it was my first one two years ago. It is well supported and has good crowds as well. I will tell you this, getting on the subway after is a huge pain in the *kitten*. Be prepared to wait for a while. If you can have someone pick you up, I would suggest you go that route.

    Last piece of advice. Don't start out too fast. No matter how good you feel, DO.NOT.DO.IT. Stay at your goal pace or just below. You'll be glad you did when you start to cross the bridge into Crystal City.
  • brandyk77
    brandyk77 Posts: 605 Member
    it has been awhile but I am pretty sure I used it for my first marathon and it was ok. I however, didn't have a good enough base going into it to really do well.

    Since then I have used Pfitzinger and a private coach and the coach is my favorite option.
  • samanthlou
    samanthlou Posts: 12
    I am wondering the same thing. I bought one of his books today (was torn between Higdon and Galloway), as my ortho is out of town, and I'm beginning to think that the plan he put together has too many days/miles. Mine is in October as well.
  • bert16
    bert16 Posts: 726 Member
    I've never used it, but I've heard people say many good things about it. As has already been stated, whatever plan you use should just be considered a guideline and should never trump you really listening to your body... that being said, I treat my plan like some kind of holy writing on tablets, so this is a lesson I need to put into practice more myself! :laugh:

    Enjoy your training... it's an amazing experience. Happy running! :flowerforyou:
  • zenssister
    zenssister Posts: 1 Member
    I have used Hal Higdon's training plans for all my distances, from 5K to full marathoon. Hal is awesome. What I have experienced is that if you complete all the runs in his schedule, during the week they are scheduled, you will have ZERO problem completing the marathon (short of injury, of course). My first marathon I finished with ease (so to speak) and followed the plan almost 100%. My last marathon I did not finish because I slacked on the training so bad that I couldn't beat the time restrictions. So, it is really up to you. Your results are in direct correlation with your training. Good luck and have fun!
  • arc918
    arc918 Posts: 2,037 Member
    I always send first timers to Higdon.

    My $.02 - none of these programs are magical, they are simply numbers on a page. It is ok to tweak here and there. Also it is ok to get ahead on your long runs. If your long run was already 14 before you started, you wouldn't go back at run 9 (or whatever the week one long run is). You would either get to an extra 20 (or two) in.

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