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Like many coaches, I don’t think it’s a good idea to fundamentally alter training plans.
By this I mean:
- Substantially extending or reducing the length of assigned training runs, especially the long run
- Adding or subtracting multiple speed or tempo workouts to the schedule
- Changing the order of assigned workouts and rest days
- Adding races to a defined schedule, beyond any provided in the schedule… unless the plan specifically allows for adding tune-up races.
The Hanson Marathon Method is a plan that specifically asks you not to run any races during training. The schedule is fairly demanding and the Hansons’ writing on the plan specifically discourages any racing while training through one of their plans.
It’s one thing to realize before starting a training plan that you want to race during the training schedule. You can decide to pivot and follow a different plan that’s more permissive towards tune-up races.
But what if you dive into the Hanson plan and discover a few weeks in that you really want to run a race during training? Obviously it’s rarely ever a good idea to ditch a training plan for another in mid-stream. However, the Hanson plan basically forbids tune up races.
Presuming you really want to run another race during training and you don’t just want to jog it out… or the distance is shorter/longer than the planned long run for that week, and you want to remain committed to the Hanson plan, is there anything you can do to adjust the plan and stay on track?
Yes, there is. Here is what you need to do:
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