[brianacraig]

I’m into my second week of the Marathon Level 1 trial plan and really enjoying the training.

My marathon is in January (22 weeks away) and I’m trying to choose between the Marathon Level 1 plan or the Marathon Level 0 plan plus the corresponding Premium Strength program. I don’t think I would have the extra hours in the week to do both the Level 1 running and strength programs.

Background. I’m a 43 year old recreational runner. I’ve run six marathons with a 3:49 PR in 2018, but this will be my first marathon build in over 2 years. I don’t have a burning need to set a PR, but if it happens, it happens. I’ve learned that my life is better when I have a marathon on the calendar, so the only goal is to “feel well prepared” on race day and enjoy the challenge of another marathon build.

Any suggestions?

[leyla@8020endurance.com]

Hi brianacraig,
Based on your background and goals I would say the Level 1 plan will be a great fit for you – and strength training will complete the running to keep you strong and injury free.

Leyla

[brianacraig]

Leyla,

Sorry, I guess my question wasn’t clear. I’m trying to decide between

Level 1 Running Plan (no strength training)
or
Level 0 Running + Level 0 Premium Strength

It’s a time constraint issue for me. I guess another way to ask the question is would I be better off converting 1.5 hours a week of my available running time into strength training and giving up those ~10 miles per week on the road?

[David Warden]

Brian, Level 0 + Premium Strength would be a better choice. research shows that replacing a portion of your endurance training leads to better results than endurance training only.

David

[brianacraig]

David,

Appreciate it! That will be my plan then. January here we come!

[Author]

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