Eat More Carbs, Training Plans, and Hydration Pack Options
Believe it or not, if you’ve lined up your A-race for this fall, you have anywhere from 12-18 weeks to schedule your training plan. Time to get going! Check out these basic half, full, and ultra-marathon plans for guidance in developing your specific fitness goals. Message us for help tweaking a plan to match your particular timeframe or unique event.
12-Week Half Marathon Plan for Beginners
24 Week Marathon Training Plan
50K Ultramarathon Training Plan
Undoubtedly, a personalized plan makes your journey to and performance at your goal event more manageable and successful. But always remember the other crucial pieces that ensure a healthy and positive experience - like rest, daily nutrition, and complementary movement. Here are a few more, less-practiced suggestions for effective race day prep.
Beyond the Training Plan: Run Your Best Full or Half Marathon
As you follow your training plan, be sure to match your daily nutrition with changes in training load. High-carb fueling is all the buzz, but understanding what this really means day-to-day for different athletes is key to keeping your nutrition and goals on point. “The average athlete may understand carbohydrate periodization in theory, but applying it day after day is a different skill... The overall goal is not to micromanage every gram, but to avoid treating a 30-minute jog and a 2-hour run as having the same fueling demands." In essence, purposefully increase during-training and daily carbohydrate on long or high-intensity days, while maintaining your body’s minimal carbohydrate needs on lower volume days.
Most Runners Know To Eat More Carbs On Hard Days — But Most Aren’t Actually Doing It.
Unless you’re running laps around your house, long runs require carrying basic food, hydration, and sometimes extra layers or a phone for emergencies (or photos!). I’ve finally found a few pack options that actually fit comfortably and offer just the right amount of carrying capacity depending on the day’s outing. Personally, my go-tos include Black Diamond’s Distance 8L when I need to bring layers, On Running’s Ultra Vest Pro for standard long runs, and Raide Research’s UL 1L Running Belt on everyday, shorter excursions. Belts have come a long way, with many more comfortable options to hold more cargo - check out some new choices in this Ultrarunning Magazine review.
Salomon, perhaps known more in the trail-running world, produced this enjoyable video highlighting its road athletes at the Paris Marathon this spring. “Running is an individual sport, but at this year’s Paris Marathon the Salomon road team asked the question: What is possible when we work together?”