FAQs
How long are the training plans?
1
Pfitzinger Coaching currently has 14-week, and 15-week marathon training plans, and 11-week half marathon plans, with more in development.
Who are the plans best suited for?
2
Pete’s training plans are designed for experienced runners who are committed to improving their marathon or half marathon performance. Training plans are offered for level 2 (low mileage, 4 runs per week, some experience); level 3 (moderate mileage, 5-6 runs per week, at least 1 previous marathon or half marathon); level 4 (moderate to high mileage, 6-7 runs per week, at least 2 previous marathons or half marathons); and level 5 (high mileage, 7+ runs per week, substantial experience). The description for each training plan will assist you to select the plan that is right for you.
Why are there no level 1 training plans?
3
Level 1 plans are typically for beginning runners. The Pfitzinger Coaching plans assume that you have a base level of running experience and knowledge and are committed to improving your marathon or half marathon performance.
Why are 14-week, and 15-week marathon training plans offered?
4
Marathon preparation requires a solid block of dedicated preparation. The minimum length of time to specifically and successfully prepare for a marathon is about 12 weeks. There is also a risk of burnout or injury from focusing training too early. The optimal time period for marathon preparation is about 12-18 weeks.
What types of training are emphasized in the training plans?
5
Pete’s training plans focus on building endurance through long runs and mileage to handle the marathon or half marathon and improving lactate threshold pace (LT pace) to improve your race pace.
Are these the same training plans found in Pete’s books Advanced Marathoning AND Faster Road Racing?
6
These plans are based on the same training concepts as in Pete’s books, but they are separate plans covering different numbers of weeks and with additional features such as structured daily workouts, running drill videos, and coach’s notes.
The books and online training plans complement each other, with Advanced Marathoning and Faster Road Racing providing more detailed explanations of the physiology of training, how to enhance recovery, fueling for performance and supplementary training.
Why is Pete making these training plans available online now?
7
There have been many requests over the years to either make the training plans from Advanced Marathoning and Faster Road Racing available online or to develop and offer similar plans online. Greg McMillen and Robert Pedersen of McMillen Running generously provided technical support in converting Pete’s plans to be available through Final Surge. These plans are based on the same training concepts as in Pete’s books, but they are separate plans covering different numbers of weeks and with additional features such as structured daily workouts, running drill videos, and coach’s notes.
Do the plans include cross training?
8
Each training plan includes options for aerobic cross-training to supplement your running training. In some cases, aerobic cross-training is in place of a day off and in others the cross-training replaces a recovery run.
Are these training plans based on miles or kilometers?
9
We offer both miles-based and kilometer-based training plans.
How are the paces determined for the various types of running workouts?
10
The optimal paces for the various types of workouts (long runs, LT interval and tempo runs, progression runs, VO2 max workouts, speed sessions, general aerobic runs, and recovery runs) are determined relative to lactate threshold pace (LT pace).
LT pace is the most useful basis for prescribing the range of training intensities because it is the single best predictor of race pace for the half marathon and marathon. Learn how to determine your LT pace here.
Which platform hosts the plans?
11
Our training plans are available through Final Surge. https://www.finalsurge.com/
Final Surge provides seamless integration with all major training platforms, apps, and devices, including Garmin, Strava, Polar, Suunto, Apple Watch, COROS, Wahoo, Stryd, MapMyRun, RunGap, and more.