The Marathon Training Plan

[Jonno34]

Hi, I am doing London this year, my first. I am using Hal Higdons 18 week plan with a couple of little tweeks.

Is there any reason why I can not start this 2 weeks early and pad it in the middle by extending some of the easier weeks?

I am chomping at the bit to get cracking and find its not great when I don't have something to run for. I have just finished a 28day runstreak as a fill in challenge, had a quiet week but really am itching!

Thanks

[Cmoi Marathon]

Hi Jonno34 , when I did the trail marathon I was still working and knew I'd struggle to fit everything in. So I started the plan a whole month early, and spread the 16 week plan over about 20 weeks. I did a couple of extra runs, no more. Worked really well for me.

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon]

Starting a couple of weeks early seems a good idea to me. There are usually some interruptions so it's useful having that extra couple of weeks for contingency.

It's probably more important to follow the plan closely in the final month or so where you run your longest training run then taper ready for the Marathon.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Definitely go for it. The only thing you can pretty much guarantee about training is that you will need some contingency! Great job on that run streak!!!

[runningdad Marathon]

As others have said, go for it. It helps navigate the unexpected. My current plan was 18 weeks, but I lost a week early on with an enforced lay off. But it wasn’t a disaster because with a few tweaks I didn’t really lose where I was or momentum. Its exciting to get going. Good luck!

[misswobble Marathon]

Yeah go for it 😀👍🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

I did a 20 week training plan for a virtual marathon I was doing. I found though I was ready to go earlier. It was virtual which made life easier 🙂

Good luck with the training 😀👍