BEST FOR: Well-trained and experienced marathoners
PREREQS: Runners should have at least three marathons in the past three or four years; have established a solid base (long runs begin at 10 miles and the first week totals 27 miles); an injury free body. You will hit the ground running (literally!), so be mentally and physically ready for that reality.
NUMBER OF WEEKS: 18
Point blank: 26.2: Obliterate the Distance is our toughest traditional running plan, and you should be well-trained and injury free to even consider it. It’s going to take some deep digging and dedication, not to mention a big investment in time.
We want you to have at least three marathons under your belt and a good base in those legs (read: at least five years of running). That said, if you’re after a BQ or a PR, this plan is your best shot. You’re going to come out of this program stronger than ever and ready to take things to the next level. You’ll run hills and mile repeats, hang in during tempo sessions, and spend plenty of time at race pace. You’ll also hammer out eight runs that are 15 miles or longer, but there are two cutback weeks woven into the first 15 weeks before you taper.
Diane (verified owner) –
I absolutely love this plan! Have used it for Chicago, Eau Claire and Berlin! PR at Berlin with a BQ to boot. I’ve changed up some of the workouts here and there because this plan is tough. But the cut back weeks make it doable. The strength is great too. My only criticism would be I did not like the Monday off day. I prefer a weekend rest day to spend on kids activities and with family. So I had to switch my long run to Fridays and do my recovery runs on Saturdays then off Sundays. This was relatively easy to switch by changing the marathon day a little in Training Peaks. Also I think 2 speed days per week is a little risky for injuries even for an advanced plan especially since some of the long runs include marathon pace work as well.
Gina (verified owner) –
I am a long time listener to the Train Like a Mother Podcast and was thrilled to give the training plans a try! I used it for Chicago and now again using for Boston. Before this plan, I had used the same plan for about nine years and was hesitant (you us marathoners) to change my workout schedule. I can definitely say that I am so glad I did. The comments above are also what I would want for changes. I’d much rather have a rest day on a Sunday. :). Also if the strength training incorporated free weights would be helpful too.
Thanks so much for the awesome guidance your podcast and awesome running plans!!!
Kristen (verified owner) –
I’ve used several TLAM plans – and I love that they have different plans for different goals. I followed this plan to train for Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, MN- and thanks to the supportive community of BAMRs and fantastic coaching advice (including some modifications so I could manage some aches and pains and avoid injury) – was able to finish under the BQ time for my age group. I loved the support along the way from the Facebook group, the podcasts, the opportunity to connect with coaches for specific questions, and knowing that I had an entire community of mother runners cheering for me. I’ve used both the Crush and Obliterate plans – and both are challenging, but this one is no joke. Totally worth every ounce of blood, sweat, and tears – and there were a little of each!!
Jennifer (verified owner) –
Having run several marathons where I previously used free training plans, I was ready for a change. I wanted a challenging running plan where strength training was integrated and made me feel accountable. Completing the required runs is usually not an issue for me but consistent strength training is. This plan incorporated strength moves which were easy for me to learn and practice, and I came to enjoy the strength circuits as a part of the training. I also appreciate the responsiveness from Coach Amanda and the TLAM staff. I sent a few training-plan related questions via email and response message were returned to me within 24 hours – awesome! Because of a cancellation of my marathon and my decision to run a different marathon three weeks later, Coach Amanda modified the original training plan to fit this new marathon schedule. Coach Amanda’s assistance provided guidance and direction when I was struggling to determine what to do after my initial marathon was cancelled, and I am very grateful for that. Thank you!
Kara Brown (verified owner) –
I used the Obliterate plan for my 5th marathon, Philadelphia 2021. I was trying to BQ and would have needed to shave 15 minutes off my PR. I felt great throughout the training program and honestly felt that the BQ was possible with this plan. The mileage seemed heavy but when I got into it I was the happiest and fittest I’ve been in a long time and I managed to fit in all of the runs. Every day I could feel results and improvement; I enjoyed the discipline and had a great crew to support me. I ended up with a torn tendon as my taper began, which I attribute to a bad shoe decision. I ended up not running for about 2 weeks and then still doing the marathon with support from my doctor. It turned out to be my 2nd best out of 5, despite the injury. I did not BQ but had decided to be kind to myself and just enjoy the experience without making my injury worse. I stopped for the bathroom, gave my kids a kiss at mile 25 and was just thrilled to be out there after all of my hard work. I am already looking forward to using this plan again for my next BQ attempt, the California International Marathon 2023. This plan will get me there, I have no doubt. Thanks to AMR for all they do for our awesome running community.