Add this post to the list of posts that I said I was going to do, but didn't. I'm human okay? About 2 weeks ago I had a HM in Schaumburg, IL. You can read my review on BibRave.
I started training back in January using Hanson's Half-Marathon Method. I purchased the book and wrote out my plan according to the book. The plan I followed was the Advanced plan that included 6 days of running with 1 rest day a week. This was a big change for me as I typically took at least 2 days off of running a week, sometimes more if I felt I needed it. The first few weeks were a challenge, but nothing that I couldn't handle. The purpose of the plan is teaching our legs to run with little rest in between certain workouts. Tuesday and Thursday were harder days with a rest day in between. I always tried to push myself during my Tuesday workout because I knew the next day I was able to rest.
I started training back in January using Hanson's Half-Marathon Method. I purchased the book and wrote out my plan according to the book. The plan I followed was the Advanced plan that included 6 days of running with 1 rest day a week. This was a big change for me as I typically took at least 2 days off of running a week, sometimes more if I felt I needed it. The first few weeks were a challenge, but nothing that I couldn't handle. The purpose of the plan is teaching our legs to run with little rest in between certain workouts. Tuesday and Thursday were harder days with a rest day in between. I always tried to push myself during my Tuesday workout because I knew the next day I was able to rest.
Pros
-It was all laid out for me. Very easy to type up and follow
-Each workout had a specific pace chart
-Workouts got easier
-I did notice some speed gains
-If done correctly this should be a way to prevent injuries, which seems confusing if we aren't giving our legs time to rest fully between workouts
-Each workout had a specific pace chart
-Workouts got easier
-I did notice some speed gains
-If done correctly this should be a way to prevent injuries, which seems confusing if we aren't giving our legs time to rest fully between workouts
Cons
-It took a lot of time to sneak all the runs in. Many times when I chose to skip workouts it was simply due to time
-No days for cross training or strength training were included. I tried to pair these on lighter days, but it wasn't my first priority
-While I purchased the book I didn't take the time to read it all before hoping into the plan. I tried to gather just what I needed to know. I feel like I missed out on key details as a result
-No days for cross training or strength training were included. I tried to pair these on lighter days, but it wasn't my first priority
-While I purchased the book I didn't take the time to read it all before hoping into the plan. I tried to gather just what I needed to know. I feel like I missed out on key details as a result
Overall
I tend to get bored very easy and I have to say this plan kept me on my toes. During the cold months I did many workouts inside on a treadmill which helped keep the pace consistent and I didn't have to think about it. I hope to find the time to read the whole book so all the parts make sense. This Fall my dad and I have a HM planned. I am not sure what my dad has planned for this Fall, but maybe we will get a few longs runs in together. I will probably take some of the tempo, repeats and strength workouts from this plan and merge into a plan that keeps me swimming and biking this Fall. I actually really love writing training plans, maybe that is related to all the lesson plans I write. Hmm. Add that to the list of similarities between teaching and running.
It's good and rainy here. I'm ready for a nap, but I'm taking advantage of the time inside to get a few things done. Enjoy your weekend friends!
It's good and rainy here. I'm ready for a nap, but I'm taking advantage of the time inside to get a few things done. Enjoy your weekend friends!