With less than two months to go until marathon training starts in earnest, I’ve been spending more time than usual looking at training plans, comparing them and itching for training to start. It seems odd that I don’t see the running I’m doing at the moment as ‘training’ but more ‘maintenance’, and as a result I’m actually looking forward to being back on a training plan or at the very least a ‘countdown’ until the race.

I’ve been reading Matt Fitzgerald’s book ‘Run: the mind body method of running by feel’ recently, and while it dismisses rigid training plans to some extent, there’s something about ticking off sessions done and miles run that makes more more motivated to train. Based on what I’ve read in the book (I’ll blog about this in full once I get to the end), and what I know works for me, I’ll be using a training plan but adapting it based on how I feel before each session.

So where do you go for a training plan? Here’s just a few of the places I look and the plans I’ve been deciding between lately.

Runners World
From novice training plans to schedules for those aiming for sub 3.30, there’s a lot to choose from on this website. The SmartCoach schedule creator also lets you make your own plan based on your time in a recent race and how many weeks you have until your next event. I’ve used SmartCoach for two half-marathons with great success.

FIRST
The Furman Institute of Running and Scientific Training (FIRST) 5K training program is based on results from FIRST’s training studies. These studies indicate that runners are able to improve race performances running only three days a week, following a specific training plan, and cross-training – so that’s what this advises you to do.

Hal Higdon
Hal is a writer and runner who has contributed to Runner’s World US magazine longer than any other writer. He is also the author of 34 books, including the best-selling ‘Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide.’ His website has a whole host of training plans for all distances running abilities.

Non-runner’s marathon trainer
This is the book I used for my first marathon. It uses a training plan based on the highly successful marathon class offered by the University of Northern Iowa. It’s simple to follow and is based around four runs a week. I’ve recommended this to my friend Mr NiceGuy who will be using it as we train for the Robin Hood Marathon.

Make your own
I wouldn’t recommend this for a marathon or for the novice runner, but sometimes this is the best option. Look at how far you can run now, how far you want to be able to run and how many weeks you have. You’ll need to be realistic – if you can only run a mile right now you’re not going to be doing a half-marathon anytime soon. Increase the amount you run and the distance you run for gradually (ideally no more than 10% per week) – hey presto you have a schedule.