post-marathon recovery plan
Reflection Training

My Post-Marathon Recovery Plan: Winging It

It’s been said that marathon recovery is just as important as training. Why don’t I follow a post-marathon recovery plan like I do a training plan? The last thing I want to do after a four-month training block is follow another plan!

I recently recapped my disappointing sixth marathon, the Virginia Beach Shamrock Marathon, and failed second attempt at breaking three hours. As much as I’m determined to find my next marathon and begin a new training plan, I’ve been greatly enjoying a more carefree post-marathon recovery plan: no plan.

Virginia Beach marathon Shamrock Marathon
Racing Training

Virginia Beach Marathon Recap: Sub-Three Will Have to Wait

Last Sunday I ran the Virginia Beach Marathon, my sixth marathon and second attempt at breaking three hours. I’m in the best shape of my life thanks to completing the best training block of my running career. However, I finished just under 3:05—barely a PR, but I wanted more. I wanted the race clock to read 2:59:59 or below when I crossed the finish line. I didn’t train for a slight PR—I trained for a big 6-minute PR using the Pfitzinger 12 week/55-70 mile plan.

Pfitzinger marathon training plan
Reflection Training

Pfitzinger Marathon Training Plan at the Halfway Point

I’m halfway through the 12 week/55-70 mile Pfitzinger marathon training plan I’m using to run my first sub-3-hour marathon at the 2024 Virginia Beach Shamrock Marathon on March 17—St. Paddy’s Day. How does it compare to the Pfitzinger 18 week/55-70 mile plan from Advanced Marathoning?

I found out last fall that an 18-week training block is tough. It feels overly long (Duh, it’s 18 weeks) and it can be easy to lose motivation at times throughout the grueling 4+ months. But shaving six weeks off the plan is much more manageable, even if each of the 12 weeks demands more.

Pfitzinger Marathon training plan reflections
MCM 2023 Training

Pfitzinger Marathon Training Plan Reflections After 18 Weeks

I used a modified version of the 18 week/55-70 mile Pfitzinger marathon training plan to try and run my first sub-three-hour marathon at the 2023 Marine Corps Marathon. Simply put, I got in the best shape of my life because of the 18-week plan. I’ve been running for nearly two decades, and I never had more fun training for a marathon—or any race. Find out if the plan is right for you.