[benonemusic]

Hi everyone, I’m in my first week of an 18-week level 2 Training Peaks marathon plan (5-9 hours/week). I currently run about two times per week with my local running group: a 6-mile run on Fridays and a long run on Saturdays (usually 10 miles). These groups run at a range of paces. I love these group runs and they are so important for me in many ways. How do others incorporate group runs into their TP training plans? My scheduled run tomorrow is a 45-minute foundation run but the Friday run usually takes me about 60 minutes.

And a different question: if I ever have to change my long run from Saturday to Sunday, should I just swap the two weekend runs on the calendar in the Training Peaks app? Thank you!

[Charles]

There is a pattern to the plans. I choose a plan start date that assures my social runs are on foundation days so I have some flexibility. If I need to start early, continue a bit more, or bail early, for social days I adjust.

Endurance runs can be a bit tricky. They are preceded by, and followed by, an easy day and slipping a day can cascade into the next week. I try to keep Saturday sacred for my endurance run and reserve Sunday for a recovery day that I can run socially or rest.

The coaches can better suggest a fix when you need to move the long run.

[benonemusic]

Thanks for your insights, Charles. Fortunately my training runs seem to be well timed with group runs. My Friday group run will be a foundation run, and my Saturday long run is an endurance run. I think I’ll be able to make it work.

[Author]

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