Run The Jungle

If you’re training for the NYC Marathon on November 1st, then you know that the first day of training of a 16-week program begins this Monday.

So if you’re new to marathon training or looking for new ways to train for NYC – here’s my rundown of training programs (from $ to $$$$$$):

Hal Higdon’s (free)- I’ve used his programs for half-marathon training and they’re really great and easy to follow.  He has SO MANY different training programs for every marathoner level from “novice 1” to a “marathon 3” one.  Also, these training programs are free.  Although it looks like you may have to pay to use the app?

Runkeeper (free)- I’ve played around with this app and actually plan on using it for training. They have a number of free training programs including one that starts right on time for NYC marathon training.  It also acts like a GPS app (similar to Mapmyrun) which also logs your workouts for you. While most of these training programs are free, a few advanced ones you need to pay for.

NYRR Virtual trainer ($49.99-$999) – Depending on length of training and what perks you want on race day (there’s what that $999 falls in) changes the trainer price but base price is $49.99.  My sister used it last year and took 30 minutes off her PR. Here’s what my little sister, Kathy has to say:

(for the record, I told her a paragraph and this is not even her whole review…get at her on Twitter if you want to know more)

JackRabbit ($315) – When I started this blog almost 2 years ago, I had won this training program via Twitter but instead of training for NYC, I was training for Philly which brought training to 18 very long weeks. I loved that they have this program both in the Upper West Side but also Prospect Park so Saturday morning long runs at 7am was less painful to get to.  There are two group workouts usually with the weekday workout being speed or hills and Saturday being a long run.  I’m not sure if this would be great for newbies since it’s kinda hardcore.  There’s a group forum which gives us guidelines and weekly plans on how to train but I always felt like it was too much for me. I did however love having people and coaches to run with.

Mile High Run Club ($520 – $1200) – Each class at MHRC is $32 and I love taking their classes for the strength portion and the speed/hills portion on the treadmill.  They have 8 & 16-week training plans depending on what you want to do.  Not sure that I would train just merely doing MHRC because long runs are huge for training but it definitely helps on getting speed.

[EDITED 7/10: They have long runs but I have no idea how you’re supposed to figure it out on their website – “adventure runs” = outdoor runs = long runs apparently. BUT DO YOU REALLY WANT TO DROP $1200 ON A TRAINING PROGRAM?]

Now that you have some idea of how to train, here are some random tips from me:

• DO YOGA! – how to get injured 101 = no stretching. This is how I got injured during my first marathon. Don’t make the same mistake I did.
• Buy a foam roller! – see above^
• Make room in your schedule for life – Training is really time consuming so say goodbye to your social life (unless all your friends are runners). Also, plan for those times you know you’re going to be slammed with work. For me, my life will begin to be insane as soon as September hits with class and all so my base really needs to be up there before then. 
• Get a SO (significant other) – Remember how said training was time consuming? Say goodbye to Friday night happy hour when you’re doing a 22 mile run the next morning. So if you’re single, either lock down that cutie you’re dating or just embrace that you’re gonna be single until after the marathon. Or you can take a cue from Run Selfie Repeat, on how you have a 61% chance of finding love at the NYC Marathon. Also, you’re SO should be really good at giving massages because physically training is grueling. 
• Figure out your diet – I realized training for my first half that I was lactose intolerant and to get through training I couldn’t be eating the way that I was. Same goes for marathon training. Diet really fuels your long runs.

Alright, I’m done for now. Did I miss any tips and any marathon training programs? Get at me in the comments!