The importance of following a training plan.

Hey there, lovely readers! Today, let’s discuss a topic close to my heart – following a marathon training plan. Today’s YouTube is live on how to find a training plan and a brief overview of my plan for the Gold Coast Marathon. Check it out here. Just like curating the perfect morning routine, training for a marathon requires dedication, strategy, and a lot of sweat.

Following a marathon training plan is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, it helps you build up your endurance gradually, reducing the risk of injury and ensuring that you’re in peak physical condition come race day. Think of it as laying a solid foundation for your marathon goals – you wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint, right?

Not to mention, a training plan keeps you accountable and on track with your progress. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, but having a plan in place ensures that you’re making steady strides towards your marathon goal, one training session at a time.

But here’s the kicker – not all marathon training plans are created equal, and they come in different forms, some at a cost.

My three golden rules for finding a training plan are:

Do you have a specific goal? Are you just looking to finish or are you aiming for a time? This will influence the plan you pick.
What does your schedule look like in the upcoming months? How many weekly runs can you honestly commit to?
What are you doing to support your training? Do you want a training plan that includes strength training, or are you happy to do your own thing outside the plan?

Finding one that aligns with your fitness level, goals, and schedule is important. Remember, LIFE HAPPENS. That doesn’t mean you quit. Whether you’re a beginner looking to finish your first marathon or a seasoned runner aiming for a personal best, there’s a training plan out there that’s perfect for you.

I mentioned a couple of apps in my YouTube as well as a couple of different options; here are the details:

Runna– a paid app that will personalise a training plan for you. Comes at an ongoing cost, but there are many codes for a two-week trial. Very helpful to have all your runs in one place so you can open the app and go.
Nike Run Club– a free app with an 18-week marathon plan that aims to get you around the course. It defaults to 5 runs a week, and it suggests you download Nike’s training club app alongside it for additional training.
Garmin Connect– requires the upfront cost of a Garmin but has great stats, is good for recovery and sends your workouts straight to Strava for the Kudos
Strong Girl Society– Now offer plans from 5k all the way up to marathon distance with lots of helpful tips to go with it. What I love about these plans is that they incorporate strength training, so I don’t have to find (and pay for) a second training plan. The exercises are designed to complement running, and you can choose from either the gym or at home.
Please be careful with free plans online! That said, they can be helpful. My plan is from Runners World and is designed to get me around in a set time.
Adding an extra tip here for my blog readers that I didn’t mention on YouTube, and that’s the free plan that comes with quite a lot of race entries. I can’t promise anything, but if you are signing up for a race, especially if it’s a big one, they will likely share some training plans with you or advise some good places to get one.

Remember, it’s not just about crossing the finish line – it’s about the journey, the growth, and the badass version of yourself that you become along the way. So, here’s to training smart, running strong, and embracing the marathon madness with open arms. You’ve got this! 🌟