Whether you’re a casual jogger or a multi-marathon finisher, all runners can agree that there’s nothing better than showing up to a race feeling prepared, confident, and in peak condition. The easiest, most efficient way to get there? A quality running training plan that helps you plan your workouts and build your fitness so that you don’t have to worry about feeling unprepared on race day.
Here’s a selection of the best-selling running training plans on TrainingPeaks, curated for runners of all levels. Plus, for a limited time, save 10% on one year of TrainingPeaks Premium when you purchase a training plan.
1. Best for Busy, Experienced Runners
Race your best ever half marathon, with this training plan designed for experienced, time-crunched runners.
- If you’re an experienced runner looking to take on a half marathon, Phil’s Intermediate Half Marathon Plan is perfect for you.
- The training can fit around your job and other commitments, gradually building up so that you’ll be race-fit and confident come race day.
- There’s also plenty of recovery time and strength work to help you stay strong and avoid injury.
- Plus, if you need any help along the way, our email coach support is always available.
- With this comprehensive plan, you’ll be able to cross that finish line with flying colors!
2. Best Running Training Plan for Novice Marathoners
From running legend Hal Higdon comes his Novice 1 Marathon Training Program, arguably the most popular training program used by first marathoners anywhere.
- If you are training for your first marathon, this is the training program for you!
- Even if you are an experienced marathoner, you may choose this as a gentle and low-mileage approach to your favorite sport.
- More than a half million runners have used Hal’s programs with success.
- Novice 1 will get you to the starting line — and finish line.
- Each day, I will send you emails telling you what to run and offering training tips.
3. Best for Beginner or Intermediate Trail Runners
This plan is designed for beginner to intermediate runners looking to develop a base of mileage and strength in the pre-season before starting a more specific race plan.
- Previous experience should include running 15-20 miles per week and completing 4-5 sessions of training each week.
- Heart rate monitors work best with this plan, but aren’t necessary.
- Includes two strength training sessions per week.
- Follow this plan with a race-specific training plan.
4. Best Running Training Plan for First-Time Ultrarunners
This 20-week ultra running training plan is designed for individuals looking to improve their trail running performance or competing in their first 50 km race.
- You should have some running background and are capable of handling back-to-back weeks of 25 miles of easy aerobic running to start with and building to a 50-mile week.
- The plan follows the proven model of three building weeks followed by a recovery week.
- It takes you through an 8-week base period to solidify both general functional strength and the aerobic base you will need to support the hard work in the later weeks.
- It then moves into a 4-week running-specific strength period to boost your running power and muscular endurance on uphills.
- The meat of the program is a 6-week block of concentrated loading of the two principle components of any ultra distance trail run: uphills and long distance.
- The final 2 weeks are a taper and rest to prepare you for a trail run or race of around 30 miles / 50 kilometers.
5. Best for Gentle Marathon Prep
This plan is appropriate for newer runners preparing for their first marathon, masters athletes, or for more experienced runners who need or prefer a relatively low-volume training program.
- Before you begin the plan, build your training to the point where you are running at least 3 times per week for up to 6 miles or more.
- This plan presents each workouts intensity target by Heart Rate, but Pace, Power & RPE versions of this plan are also available.
- Each workout can be exported to a supported device, which will automatically guide you through the session with duration, lap, and intensity prompts.
Whatever your goals are for 2023, reach them faster, stronger, and more confident with the right training plan.
