Marathon Training Plans: Marathon Handbook vs Higdon vs Hanson
Which marathon training method am I using?
I'm totally prepping early.
I have a year and a half to prepare and I have every intention to do the 2024 NYC Marathon "right."
And by "right" I mean not get myself hurt or killed. Preferably finish. And not just finish, but do it around the 4-hour mark.
No One: But Running Mom, you're a beginner and not that fit, how do you plan on finishing a marathon within the 4-hour mark?
Running Mom: Glad you asked, No One, but I'm not doing a last-minute training session here—it's reasonable that I aspire for these things despite being a beginner. Building my base gently and consistently for several months before doing the training should set me up for success.
Naturally, I researched marathon training plans like a maniac. And after all that search, sans hiring a running coach who I can't afford, I found a couple of promising programs that I felt might be suitable for a beginner like me:
Marathon Handbook
Marathon Handbook (MH) was actually the first one I found and I was hooked. I thought it was g-o-l-d. It still is, but I didn't realize I have other options.
MH has plans for everything. From 5K to Ultras. But it felt pretty bare, as in, "here's your plan" and that was it.
I bought their Marathon Guide bundle though and got a solid set of information on marathon prep (clothing, shoes, etc.).
This article by Runners World opened my eyes to the big, beautiful world of marathon training plans. Higdon, Hanson, Galloway, McMillan, etc.
I dropped Marathon Handbook in favor of Higdon.
Hal Higdon
Higdon is a decorated athlete and marathoner. His plans are the most popular from what I gather.
His free plans had excellent explanations of what needed to be done, and has a great track record for results. So Higdon it was for me until I read more feedback on Reddit and even his own page: People were getting injured.
Now while I'm sure only a small portion of people were hurt compared to the people who succeeded, I wanted to see if there was a more solid option.
Someone also said they used Higdon's intermediate plan and they still felt unprepared as they ran the marathon.
Anecdotal evidence, sure, but it doesn't hurt to look at more options, right?
(I also tried his Run with Hal app briefly, but it didn't really give any additional info)
I was set on Higdon anyways until I discovered the Hanson Method.
Hanson Method
I happened by Hanson when I saw a tweet talking about the books by Luke Humphrey.
Looked it up and promptly purchased two books: Hansons First Marathon and Hansons Marathon Method — both by Luke Humphrey.
Not only is Humphrey a marathoner himself, he trained under the legendary Hanson brothers (who had input in the book as well). So that was a huge plus.
What made me "fall in love" with the method is that their book (Hansons First Marathon) contained information on the why and the how of their training philosophy. They also included in-depth information on physiology, body types, and other practicalities like managing your expectations and how to account for situations that disrupts training.
There's also info on cross, weight, and resistance training. Win!
The mileage build up is also gradual, and I truly appreciate that because I respond well to that kind of training.
So at this time, I've chosen the Hanson Method to train.
Starting Training
I don't start training for the NYC Marathon until July of next year (training lasts 18 weeks). So right now, I'm building as solid a base as I can manage.
Starting it slow with the None to Run programs.
That said, I'm considering doing Hanson's "Just Finish" training plan to see if I can run the Jersey City Marathon on April 2024. You know, just to test the waters in many fronts.
But we'll see.
If you've done a marathon or training for one, I would love learn more about your training routine and programs!