Hi, I wondered if anyone could shed some light on the Garmin running plans if anyone has completed one
I’m doing the Jeff Galloway half plan, and they schedule in long runs. I’m finding the long runs are completely excessive for a race of this distance, but I wondered if it is in fact correct or if anyone has a similar experience? The race is in 4 weeks and coach Jeff has been scheduling runs now of over 30km? I completed the last 27k run slowly (and managed to crock my leg but that’s a different story) but 30km is surely too much?
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BeccaMay
Metric Marathon
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That does sound excessive BeccaMay , most HM plans don’t even go up to HM distance. I am sure someone on here with more knowledge than I will be able to advise you.
Yes, that does sound excessive. Are you doing a walk/run combo?
Most HM training plans take you to 16K before race day because you don’t want to be knackered before you hit the start line! Having said that, I have heard that some plans take you much further and clearly you have chosen one that does this.
But, you’ve done 27K which is already beyond HM distance and indeed a Metric Marathon distance so you have earned a shiny new badge for this forum! Well done 👏👏
Is 30K the next scheduled long run? I’m not sure that if you have a bit of something going on with your leg it would be wise to do that. You could start your taper early and reduce your distance in the next four weeks. If you’ve followed the plan up to now then I think you’re in pretty good shape to do the HM on race day. Which one is it?
If you’d like a pom pom cheer from your VRBs here on the Friday before the race then let us know on this link.
I know nothing about that plan BeccaMay as I basically don't do plans. The one time I did was for a trail marathon, and the longest run prior to the event was 33km.
Personally I'd have thought the only point in doing over-length runs as part of HM training would be if you're aiming for a very speedy time. However, given that you've hurt your leg, I'd sack off the plan and concentrate on recovering rather than pushing things any further.
Goodness that sounds rather over the top! I haven't done a Garmin plan, but I have seen various queries on here about them.
As everyone says, many plans only take you to 16k before the half; I prefer to got to 22k then in my head I know I can do the distance. It's personal choice, but 30k is usually marathon training length!
If your leg is grumbling I would definitely dial back these long runs. You won't be the first to defy Garmin 😍. I would suggest, with four weeks to go, that you are far better ticking over, with no more than one long run (of no more than 21k) in the next couple of weeks, then tapering for the next two. Get your legs re-energised and uncrocked ready for the race.
Our (virtual) pompom posse is ready to support you all the way; when our September events post comes out add your name and we'll give you a cheer 🥰
I used exactly that plan to run my fastest half marathon this year. I went on to beat my PB for the marathon a few months later.
The longest long run Jeff took me on was 16 miles for the half marathon. That said, I was trying 4 days a week and the short runs were VERY short (but fast).
I guess it depends on a number of things. How much time you've allocated for training, days training per week, etc.
Incidentally, my half marathon PB felt so easy. It was a joy to run it. I'm not quick but for me, it felt like I was flying. I hope your training goes well and your half even better. Good luck.
Long time lurker, and 1st post, had to comment on Jeff(ing)..... I can attest to that plan being a little "off the wall" with its distance requirements for a HM. It is the reason I completed my all time longest run of 28km. Garmin forums have similar comments about this plan. Anyway I used the plan for a HM, and it was successful (and a PB), so it isn't complete madness!
However, I have since moved on and found myself much more comfortable with Greg McMillan's plans on Garmin. Second time round with Greg now, training for another HM, and I have completed HM distances in training because the long runs I am being given require running at a certain pace and for a specific length of time, not distance, which when the time gets long enough, the km`s get higher.
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