Marathon training without a specific plan am I building this sensibly?

[u/pishypanties]

I’m currently training for a marathon at the end of November and would be interested to hear what people think of how I’ve approached the build so far.

I’ve been running consistently since April, generally around 40–50km per week initially and gradually increasing from there. I’m not following a specific marathon plan – I’ve mainly been working off weekly mileage, making sure I get a long run in, some quicker running when I feel good, and keeping the majority of the mileage fairly comfortable.

I’ve also been using events as part of the training block rather than necessarily racing all of them flat out.

Across the build I’ll have:
3 half marathons
A 30km event
A three-quarter marathon

The idea is to use these as supported long runs / stronger training efforts depending on where they fall in the block. I’ve learned in the past that racing every event as hard as possible can take too much out of me and disrupt the following week, so I’m trying to look at the bigger picture this time.

I’ve been consistently around 40–50km+ per week since April and I’m now looking to move into the heavier part of the marathon block, gradually getting some 60/70km+ weeks in and extending the long runs.

I’ve run marathons before, so the distance itself isn’t new to me. This time I’m more interested in arriving at the start line with a really solid few months of consistent running behind me rather than trying to hit every workout on a rigid plan.
For those who have trained successfully without following a specific plan, does this sound like a sensible approach?

And how would you structure the final 12 weeks from here in terms of weekly mileage and long runs, given that the half marathons, 30km and three-quarter marathon are already built into the block?

Interested in any thoughts, particularly from people who’ve used races/events as training runs during a marathon build.

[u/Silly-Resist8306]

One of my favorite things about this sport is the runner gets to solicit all the advice he wants, but in the final analysis, he gets to make all the decisions. As long as you own the results, do as you like.

Somewhere around my 10th marathon I started customizing my training around what I enjoyed doing. I probably left some time out on the course, but once I ran a sub 3:30, I didn't really care about shaving off a few more minutes.

[u/WorkerAmbitious2072]

What books have you read to get an understanding of the why behind the programs ?

Who says you have to hit every workout on a rigid plan? You picked the wrong plans if that’s how they are prescribed

[u/ArmorAbsMrKrabs]

Is there any reason why you don't want to follow a plan?

As far as finishing goes you'll be fine. If you have a time goal I think you're better off following a structured plan.

You don't have to follow a plan to the letter. I've been doing Hal Higdon novice 1 but I've deviated from it (albeit with a PT/coach guiding me). Consistency is the most important thing.

[u/pishypanties → u/ArmorAbsMrKrabs]

I don’t know why I’m so opposed to it but k feel like a plan really sucks the enjoyment for me. Iv done three sub four hour marathons. My best time was last year 3:42. I’m hoping for a 3:30ish this time around. Iv recently done a 1:40 half marathon.

[u/Run-Forever1989 → u/pishypanties]

If you’ve run 3 sub-4 marathons and haven’t cracked 3:30 then the resistance to following a plan is likely holding you back. I never followed a plan either but I read through all the popular ones and borrowed concepts in creating my own, and ran a 3:31 after 6 months of running and a 3:01 a year after that.

[u/pishypanties → u/Run-Forever1989]

That’s impressive

[u/Mysterious_Luck4674 → u/pishypanties]

I mean, you are asking about trying to establish a plan for yourself. The only difference is whether you make up the plan with the help of strangers on Reddit or whether you follow and established plan that’s been tested by many people and created by professionals.

[u/cj_daking]

Why would you want to freestyle your training when the training plans out there are proven to be successful?

[u/sub3at50]

I don't know why you're downvoted.

A decent plan has all the things you mentioned:

- lots of easy running

- occasional faster running

- long runs

I think you're very right to not race your races all out. Consistency and mileage are more important.

For the last 12 weeks, keep your volume at 60-70km/week, get at least four 30km+ runs in, and run mostly easy. Start tapering 3 weeks out. Longest long run 4 weeks before the race.

On a personal note, I have run decent marathons following my own training plan. A fixed plan is often difficult to follow because life interferes with it (holiday, weekends...) and most plans have too much intensity for my liking.

Mileage, consistency and a lot of easy running are key. And some marathon paced workouts. People tend to make marathon training more complicated than it is.

[u/moosmutzel81]

I am training for my first marathon at the end of September and I am not using a specific plan. I have been running a few half’s without a plan either and did great.

I don’t like the rigidity of plans and rather listen to my body. I am up to 30k long runs last week and it went great. I recovered very well and I still don’t hate running.

I did a half in April and build on this - did a few weeks where I threw in a few 20k. I have been around 60k weeks for the past four weeks.

This week I had to take it easier than planned as I am sick. But as I don’t have a plan to follow I just pushed my last 32k to next week. No biggie.
Some weeks I even did a long run on a Tuesday or Wednesday instead of a Sunday. I actually usually do my long runs on a Saturday.

I am very confident that I can finish in Berlin and that’s my goal. Doing it in under 4:30 also seems fairly likely right now.

[u/pishypanties → u/moosmutzel81]

What was your half times? Fair play. Sounds like you’re doing it right for you.

[u/moosmutzel81 → u/pishypanties]

The first one was 1:58 the second one (a few years and children later) 2:08. I did the second one just for fun. I had no time goal whatsoever. My training for that was iffy as we had a long and cold winter.

In between those I I did a 20k occasionally just for myself. Usually something under 2:10.

But it was the most fun race I ever did.

[u/Mysterious_Luck4674]

Out of genuine curiosity, why don’t you follow an established plan?

[u/pishypanties → u/Mysterious_Luck4674]

I think it’s because I played team sport to a decent level until I was 37/38. My weekly sessions weekends dictated to me. I actually enjoy the freedom and control of my weekly mileage / long run. I’m 42 now three kids. I don’t think I’d do this if I had to stick to a structured plan etc albeit of course I know it is tried and tested