Training Plans

Whether the phrase “training plan for runners” gives you good feelings or brings you out in a cold sweat, keep reading to find out why I would recommend you have one. If you’re thinking “I’m not a serious runner” or “Only people who do races need a training plan”, stick with it, because a plan can help you be the runner you want to be.

Now, the key to this (as with all running) is to work out what a training plan means to you. The first training plan I ever had was for a marathon with at least 6 days of running a week and not much else. It got me round the marathon, but my confession is I didn’t do all the running it prescribed. If I had followed it to the letter, it would have been too much too soon and I’d probably have limped out at week 5. Fast forward to now, and my training plan involves me writing in my diary when I’m going to run this week, and when I’m going to go to the gym. There will also be a short description of what I might do in each session (as simple as easy run, or try to run faster)

I’m not training for a particular race at the moment, so why do I do it? If I don’t, I’m a hundred times less likely to do it and I know I feel better for getting out and running (and once I’m out the door I enjoy it). I can use all the excuses under the sun to avoid going out for a run, but if it’s scheduled in, there’s one less decision to make.

If you want to build a consistent running habit, then having a “training plan” is one easy step to take towards building it. So get that calendar out and start adding your runs. Your future self will thank you!

If you do have a target race in mind then you can go up a level in training plans. Work out how much time you have until race day and start building your plan. You can find any number of plans online, but once you’ve downloaded one, make sure it’s going to fit you. Be honest about how many training sessions you can fit into your week, be aware of any other activities that you do and how they might impact your running, and be sure that there’s enough rest and recovery.

Always remember that plans can be changed. I’ve suffered from “schedule stress” before and it’s not a good way to approach your running.

If you want advice on building your training plan – at whatever level you are at – then get in touch.