“I really loved the 20-week intermediate marathon training plan. The progression was gradual, which made a huge difference compared to other plans I’ve followed in the past. Previously, I’ve gotten injured and had to miss runs because mileage or intensity increased too quickly, but that was never an issue with this plan. I actually started the plan while dealing with an injury and was a bit nervous about training through it, but the structure of the plan allowed me to keep training. Not only was I able to complete the training and my first marathon, but I actually recovered from my injury during the process. I would definitely recommend this plan to anyone looking for a marathon training plan.” - Jessie
Overview
This is an intermediate training plan for an athlete interested in completing a marathon road race. This training plan is geared towards the individual that is interested in setting a personal best at this distance and has run at least 1-2 hmarathon races. This training plan is prescribed and individualized based on run pace, heart rate, and Rating of Perceived Exertion (1-10 scale) and assumes that an athlete has the equipment necessary to run. This training plan includes a mixture of road running, resistance training performed in a gym, and cross-training (other aerobic activities of the athletes' choice). An athlete should have a basic level of fitness before participating in this training plan, including at least 6-12 months of consistently running at least 2-3 times per week. Additionally, it is recommended that the athlete has the ability and basic competency to run without pain.
Note: When viewing the weekly training volume preview on TrainingPeaks, keep in mind this training plan includes both a mixture of time-based sessions and distance-based sessions; so the weekly training volume will be expressed in terms of both time and distance.
This training plan comes with a few documents/resources that will prove useful to athletes while following along to the prescribed plan:
1. Instructional Booklet - Contains basic educational and background material that will help the athlete successfully complete the training plan and learn about the training process
2. Training Zones Chart - This will be useful in documenting run pace and heart rate zones to be used during training and racing; these zones will bet set by performing tests regularly throughout the training plan
Basic equipment needed to successfully complete the run sessions within this training plan include:
-running shoes
-proper run clothing and attire
-GPS run watch
-heart rate monitor (chest strap or arm strap is ideal over wrist-based heart rate monitors on watches)
Peak Endurance Solutions is a company dedicated to providing endurance athletes with premium semi-customizable training plans. I strongly believe that endurance sport and the craving to reach our athletic potential can be used as a platform to experience our true human potential. My approach to crafting training plans for a wide variety of endurance sport events and distances reflects this core belief, and is the driving force behind my pursuit of providing the best training plans possible.