Back to FIRST

January 3, 2009

I’ve been thinking more about how I’m going to meet my running goals for 2009 – specifically, how I’m going to achieve a half marathon PR – and I’ve decided that I’m going to go back to following the FIRST (Furman Institute of Running and Scientific Training) plan that’s outlined in the book Run Less, Run Faster.

I’ve used the FIRST plan successfully in the past. In fact, I was using that plan a couple of years ago when I set a PR at the Boulder Backroads half marathon. The plan seems like it’s going to be a good fit for me because:

It only requires three runs a week, and as much as I love to run, I feel like higher mileage plans tend to beat me up too much.
All of the runs are very specific, which is going to help keep me on target: run 1 is an interval workout; run 2 is a tempo workout, and run 3 is a long run done at a specific target pace.
It specifically requires cross-training, and another of my goals for 2009 is to cross-train more consistently.
And, like I said, it’s helped me PR in the past.

In addition to the 18-week half marathon training plan that I’ll be starting on Monday, Run Less, Run Faster includes plans for the new runner and for runners working towards a 5K, 10K, and marathon goal race. If you’re looking for a new training plan that will help you meet your running and racing goals for 2009, I can’t recommend this book highly enough.

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Starting a New Half Marathon Training Plan

Tagged as: half marathon, Training Plans

{ 9 comments }

Sarah January 3, 2009 at 1:25 pm

Good to know! I’m worried about burning myself out when I officially start my training. Might need to check that book out!

Steve Twitter: britishbulldog January 3, 2009 at 8:27 pm

Good luck with the FIRST plan! Hope that cross training goes well for you

–Steve

kch Twitter: kchealy January 4, 2009 at 12:01 pm

Thanks, Steve. I’m hoping so too.

Terri Twitter: middlepackgirl January 5, 2009 at 8:43 pm

I used that book too for my first and only (so far) marathon. for my long runs, i just kind of wanted to get through them, since it was a first-time, every week once i got past a certain point. but I definitely felt like the cross training kept me injury free through the marathon, unlike most others on my team who ran more days than me. Love that book!

Shoe Running January 6, 2009 at 9:07 pm

I’m glad you found a plan that suits your needs I am signed up for my first marathon on May 3rd and am kinda dreading all those miles. I’m hoping I’ll end up falling in love with it!

Good luck with your training!