Heart + Sole: Marathon, Level 1 is a 20-week program suitable for all runners wanting to take on the motherlode of all races: the marathon. You’ll learn—or continue—to train by heart rate, using your individual zones, calculated by regular testing, to moderate your effort appropriately. You’ll spend plenty of time in the lower zones, building your endurance base; you’ll also spend some time climbing hills, finding different gears with pick-ups and intervals, and practicing your race pace so that you’re ready to thrive on race day.
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BEST FOR: First-time marathoners PREREQS: Runs of at least 45-60 minutes 3-4 days of the week for at least eight weeks; injury-free. Previous race experience is not mandatory, but having a half-marathon under your soles will be helpful for perspective as your runs get longer. NUMBER OF WEEKS: 20 -
BEST FOR: Experienced runners seeking a challenge and perhaps a marathon PR PREREQS: Runs of at least 60 minutes 4 days of the week for at least 12 weeks; injury-free; marathon experience within the last 18 months. We recommend having completed a Heart + Sole: Level I program (10K, half-marathon, or marathon). NUMBER OF WEEKS: 20In Heart + Sole: Marathon, Level 2, you’ll continue to train by heart rate, using your individual zones, calculated by regular testing, to moderate your effort appropriately. You’ll spend a couple of runs weekly in the lower zones, building your endurance base; you’ll also spend some time climbing hills, finding different gears with pick-ups and intervals, and practicing your race pace so that you’re ready to thrive on race day.
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BEST FOR: Experienced half-marathoners looking to set a PR PREREQS: Runs of 50–60 minutes 4–5 days a week for at least 8 weeks. Completion of a half marathon or marathon within the past six months. Injury-free. Recommended completion of a Heart + Sole: Level I program (10K, half-marathon, or marathon), but that’s not a hard-and-fast rule. NUMBER OF WEEKS: 20 Heart + Sole: Half-Marathon, Level 2 is a 20-week program suitable for experienced runners ready for a challenging program and a strong race day. You’ll continue to train by heart rate, using your individual zones, calculated by regular testing, to moderate your effort appropriately. You’ll spend plenty of time in the lower zones, continuing to build your endurance base; you’ll also spend some time climbing hills, finding different gears with pick-ups and intervals, challenging yourself with progression runs and speed workouts, and practicing your race pace so that you’re ready to thrive on race day. -
BEST FOR: First-time half-marathoners or experienced half-marathoners who are new to training by heart rate PREREQS: Runs of at least 45-60 minutes 3-4 days of the week for at least 8 weeks. Injury-free. Previous race experience isn’t mandatory, but having a 10K under your soles will be helpful for perspective as your runs get longer. NUMBER OF WEEKS: 20 Heart + Sole: Half-Marathon, Level 1 is a 20-week program suitable for all runners wanting to take on 13.1—or 21 km. You’ll learn—or continue—to train by heart rate, using your individual zones, calculated by regular testing, to moderate your effort appropriately. You’ll spend plenty of time in the lower zones, building your endurance base; you’ll also spend some time climbing hills, finding different gears with pick-ups and intervals, and practicing your race pace so that you’re ready to thrive on race day. -
BEST FOR: Beginner to intermediate triathletes who have their sights set on a sprint-distance race PREREQS: The ability to swim 100 yards in a pool without touching the bottom or hanging on the edge. It doesn’t have to be pretty, and you don’t have to keep your face in the water the whole time. If you can’t do that but are intent on this plan, enrolling in an adult swim class and/or private lessons is a great idea. For the run and bike portions, being injury-free is necessary. NUMBER OF WEEKS: 12 -
BEST FOR: Those looking to complete a marathon with no time goals in mind PREREQS: Some run/walk experience; completed a half marathon or two; the ability to run/walk at least 60 minutes straight; current weekly mileage from 15 - 20 miles per week; injury free and in the habit of strength training twice a week in order to protect against injury NUMBER OF WEEKS: 18The 26.2: Run/Walk the Distance program is designed for those looking to complete a marathon with no time goals in mind: it could be your first go at the distance, you might be returning from having a baby, or you want a kinder, gentler way to tackle 26.2.
You’ll be training with incrementally longer running to walking intervals; you’ll start at 4:1 run/walk intervals, and build to 15:2 by race day, long enough to slow down at the aid station and fuel up and then hit the ground running again. We’re going to keep the paces easy on this one, but we’re going to make sure you get in the mileage you need for a marathon. Each week will also include one long walk, which is factored into the weekly totals, so keep that in mind when you see the big numbers. You'll definitely get that same high crossing the finish line as your running sisters taking on more aggressive plans.
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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: 18Point 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.
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BEST FOR: Runners looking to tackle their first 26.2, or a returning runner PREREQS: Logged at least 12 months of consistent weekly mileage; completed a race or two; having finished a half-marathon isn’t a firm prereq, but definitely helpful. At a minimum, you should be able to currently run eight miles comfortably and have no injuries. NUMBER OF WEEKS: 18 This marathon program is designed for runners looking to tackle their first 26.2—or somebody who is coming back from an injury, a pregnancy, or is more interested in finishing the marathon than racing the marathon. We’ll ease you into the distance but we’re not gonna lie: Training for a marathon is a big deal. This plan makes the path seem manageable. (Sorta like bagged salads make veggies at dinner doable.) Training to cover 26.2 miles requires consistency and commitment, especially on the weekly long runs. -
BEST FOR: Experienced marathoners looking for a PR PREREQS: A relatively healthy, injury-free body is essential; experience running at least one previous half marathon or marathon preferred; an established base of consistent running for at least the past 6 months; be able to complete a 10-mile run; preferred familiarity with more demanding workouts, such as tempo runs or negative-split runs, although we’ll help you through those. NUMBER OF WEEKS: 18Crush the Distance, a marathon training program, isn't for the faint at heart; some days, you will definitely need to dig deep and shovel in some badass #motherrunner grit to get it done. When you do, you will be rewarded on race day with legs that are super-strong and able to tackle the distance with a vigor that surprises you.
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BEST FOR: Runners who have been sidelined for 2 months or more and want find their running legs again PREREQS: Approval from your doctor or physical therapist to resume a weight-bearing activity. The ability to walk briskly for 60 minutes without pain. This demonstrates that the site of injury or bone can handle the impact forces of running. (See FAQ below for more details.) NUMBER OF WEEKS: 12-15 If you have had a long-term injury or illness, are postpartum, or simply hit a roadblock in life or motivation, this is an effective, safe, and fun program to find your running groove again. You'll spend 12 to 15 weeks–you go at the pace that works best for your body—incrementally getting stronger and running longer while two expert coaches, Jennifer Harrison and Elizabeth Waterstraat, will be by your (virtual) side the entire time. -
BEST FOR: Beginner or intermediate runners looking to try a new distance beyond the 5K PREREQS: Consistent running or briskly walking for 20-30 minutes 3 days of the week for at least 8 weeks. Injury-free. No previous experience necessary in racing or in running by heart rate. NUMBER OF WEEKS: 15 Heart + Sole: 10K, Level 1 is a 15-week program suitable for all runners wanting to take on 10K—or 6.2 miles. You’ll learn—or continue—to train by heart rate, using your individual zones, calculated by regular testing, to moderate your effort appropriately. You’ll spend plenty of time in the lower zones, building your endurance base; you’ll also spend some time climbing hills, finding different gears with pick-ups and intervals, and practicing your race pace so that you’re ready to thrive on race day. -
BEST FOR: Runners who want to complete multiple events in one weekend. PREREQS: Ability to comfortably finish a 4-mile run – your first long run is 5 miles long. That said, because of the Ramp It Up options, this program is suited to a wide range of runners, from 5Kers looking to more than double their mileage to marathoners dialing back on distance and up in intensity. A desire to complete a 10-miler injury free with your body feeling strong. NUMBER OF WEEKS: 15 Going Loony (covering 19.3 miles in 3 races over 2 days) is a delightful and doable challenge! This program is designed to get you across three finish lines feeling strong, capable and smiling. Some weeks, you’ll run five days a week, with an optional cross-training day, and other weeks, you’ll be lacing up six days. Other staples of the week: a mandatory rest day, and strength circuits. Most of the runs are at an easy pace so you can build up your cardiovascular base and not court injury. The longer runs go up to 11 miles to get you mentally and physically prepped for the demands of the distance, but a range is given in later weeks to accommodate all levels—and days where your legs haven’t shown up. About halfway through the program, we introduce workouts where you’ll run in the morning and do a brisk walk in the evening. The idea behind these workouts is to run, rest, then go again—much like you will on Saturday, when you hit a 10k, then turn around and line up for a 5k quickly thereafter.