Training Plans Based on Finish Time? HA! | Strength Running

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Should you get one of those training plans that promise to deliver a certain finish time? Some training plans are based on a goal time, like a "sub-4 hour marathon plan" or a "20-minute 5k Training Plan."
The problem is that these training plans don't work as advertised. Some runners can do dramatically better training than you (and still lose to you), while others can barely train and still beat your time. Does that mean you should train like them?
For sane training plans, see Strength Running: bit.ly/2YgBLAv
Jason Fitzgerald is a USATF running coach, 2:39 marathoner, and the host of the award-winning Strength Running Podcast. He's the 2017 Men's Running Magazine's Influencer of the Year and his work has appeared in Runner's World, Health Magazine, The Washington Post, Lifehacker, and other major media.
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[@DavidPalmer]

I’ve been running since the early ‘90s and this might be the best advice I’ve ever heard

[@stevelafler]

BAM! This video catches me two weeks into a marathon build--and it's exactly what I need to hear! Hats off, bro.

[@stalovasiliou2218]

This is my second year in running and that is the best advice I ever had about training plans. I am currently preparing for my first marathon! Thank you so much!

[@danny3335]

You can plan a training block base on a finish time provided it is a realistic goal which is not too far off your current fitness level. Great running advice Jason.

[@JasonFitzgerald]

I'd argue that the training block is based on "taking the next step" with your current fitness. The only way that finish time based training makes sense is if it's realistic, which then becomes training based on your fitness level.

[@stephenerickson8107]

"Training plans are based on where you are right now." 💯% I know a lot of people that need to hear this!

[@stevebailey1682]

Jason...I hear you. I can see this as a problem for new runners, but most (not all) seasoned runners know how to train properly. Also, I would recommend to your viewers to read the following book: Jack Daniels' Running Formula. He bases the entire book off of knowing your current fitness level (through races) to calculate something called your VDOT number. This is a proxy for VO2Max. In any event, once you know this number, he sets the paces you need to run when doing workouts. He even has training schedules for all levels of runners and distances. I know you have read this book, but maybe some of your viewers have not.

[@GrassFedKao]

I’ve checked out the VDOT and putting my recent race efforts have all gave me significantly different numbers and recommended paces. The differences in people’s natural capabilities for different distances aren’t taken into account

[@stevebailey1682]

I think it comes down to your race effort, terrain, weather, and how you feel on race day to get a good VDOT number. Jack talks about that in his book. I have found the VDOT tables spot on for me.@@GrassFedKao

[@LarryCoffer]

Jack Daniels' Running Formula is THE only book you need. I finished within minutes of my expected time.

[@JasonFitzgerald]

JDRF is a great book. With that said, I've found it to be too aggressive for most recreational adult runners. It makes a lot of sense for more competitive runners and especially younger competitive runners.

[@JasonFitzgerald]

@@GrassFedKao Agree, but I would argue that the tables are off not because of "natural" capabilities but rather because you haven't trained for those distances. IE, so many runners who have decent HM/Marathon times but have never raced a middle distance event.

[@CowEatingAnt]

Love it. It's feels like you made this video for me.

[@PaulDeveaux]

What Jason is talking about here is that most folks starting out don’t need a training plan, they need a coach who can see where they are, assess the amount of time they have available for training, and then work with the athlete to not just develop a training plan but be available to adjust it when things change. Lots of experienced, self coached runners do this all the time.

[@JasonFitzgerald]

Thank you but this isn't my point. My point is that finish time-based training plans don't work. Not that training plans need to be changed or new runners need a coach. Most new runners DO need a solid training plan that they can roughly follow.