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Fast After 40 Marathon Level 3 (20 Weeks)

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Fast After 40 Marathon Level 3 (20 Weeks)

Author

Matt Fitzgerald

All plans by this Coach
4.6 (5)

Length

20 Weeks

Plan Description

This plan is designed for advanced runners over the age of 40 who are preparing for a marathon. The plan is 20 weeks long and features seven workouts per week (six workouts in "intensity" weeks). It begins with 5 hours and 30 minutes of total training in Week 1 and peaks with approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes of total training in Week 16. You should be able to run for 60 minutes before you start the plan.

What makes this plan a good fit for runners over 40? Three key factors: Nine-day weeks, block periodization, and cross-training.

Nine-day weeks: Serious runners over 40 find that they can train just as hard as ever in individual workouts, but they can't do these workouts as often. The most effective way to accommodate this change is to effectively lengthen the training week. This plan does just that. I call it a "nine-day week," but what you're really doing is following each hard day of training with two easy days. This means that your hard days will never fall on the same days of the week in consecutive weeks. However, every three weeks (21 days), the cycle resets. More on these 21-day cycles below.

Block periodization: In order to maximize your running fitness at any age, you need to maintain a fairly high volume of training and you need to regularly perform tough, high-intensity workouts. Doing these two things simultaneously is a lot more challenging than maintaining a high training volume without performing regular high-intensity workouts or the obverse. It is especially challenging for runners over 40. Block periodization is a way around this problem. In block periodization, "volume weeks" are separated from "intensity weeks." In this plan specifically, the first two weeks of each three-week cycle are volume weeks, where you train a lot but do very little work at higher intensities. The third week is a an intensity week that features three workouts at higher intensities but sharply reduced overall volume. It's not a traditional practice, but trust me: It works!

Cross-training: It is said that runners have only so many miles in their legs. The reason is the high-impact nature of running. Cross-training in nonimpact aerobic activities such as cycling allows runners over 40 to preserve their legs without sacrificing fitness. In this plan, two of each week's seven total workouts are scheduled as nonimpact cardio cross-training sessions. In each instance you have the option of doing a run of the same format instead, but I strongly encourage you to exercise the cross-training option.

Note that the plan uses a five-zone intensity system that is slightly different from the system(s) you may be used to. You will find complete guidelines for this system attached to the first workout of the plan.

How it Works

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Training Plan Sample Week

Stats

Average Weekly Breakdown

Workouts Weekly Average Longest Workout
Run x5
02:59:00 01:00:00
X-Train x2
01:34:00 01:00:00
Workouts Per Week Weekly Average Longest Workout
Run
02:59:00 01:00:00
X-Train
01:34:00 01:00:00

Training Load By Week


This plan works best with the following fitness devices:

Matt Fitzgerald

80/20 Endurance

I offer three tiers of coaching service to endurance athletes:

*Readymade training plans for runners, triathletes ultrarunners, and obstacle course racers of all levels. $19.95 to $84.95.

* Custom training plans. Simply fill out a questionnaire, submit it to me, and I will build you a unique training plan from scratch, fully individualized to your needs. $15/week for runners, $20/week for triathletes.

* One-one-one coaching. $400/month for runners, $500/month for triathletes.


  • This plan includes a Free Basic TrainingPeaks Account.
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  • Plan for your event in the TrainingPeaks calendar.
  • Track your weight, sleep, hours, fatigue and stress while you train.
  • Completed workouts sync with popular apps like Garmin and Wahoo. Learn More
  • If plan includes Structured Workouts, then planned workouts sync to compatible devices and guide you through workouts in real time. Learn More

Refund Policy

This plan is protected by our Refund Policy and may, with the author's approval, be exchanged for a plan of equal value from the same author.

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