The Challenge...32 Marathons, 32 Counties, 32 Days
Ireland's Unique Fundraising Event for 2010...


Hi,

Firstly, a big "congratulations" as by this stage you've signed up to run a full or half marathon with us somewhere around Ireland. But now that you've made the commitment you might be wondering if you will succeed - believe me, you will! Whether you're already running more than twenty miles per week or if you haven't even seen a pair of running shoes in ten years, YOU can successfully train for and finish a marathon / half marathon. Believe in yourself.

Before you embark on a training program there is one very important item to consider: your health. It's a good idea to get a physical examination, particularly if you have not had one in several years.

Once that's out of the way, you're wondering where to start. While virtually anybody can complete a marathon / half marathon with enough preparation and determination, large reservoirs of both are required. Preparing for a 26.2 or 13.1 mile run is a big time commitment, and demands vast amounts of energy - physical, mental and emotional. The pay-off, of course, is equally enormous; enhanced fitness, strength and confidence are the treasures reaped by all marathon runners, whatever their ability.

All marathon training programs have one thing in common: lots and lots and lots of miles (less so for half marathon runners but a lot of miles none-the-less). The unchanging fact of the marathon is that your body has to be well prepared to endure the strain and relentless miles of the long road. You have to put the miles in the bank.

Relative to most programs, the overall weekly mileage of the training schedules on this site is fairly moderate. But don't think you're getting off easy. While the overall mileage might seem o.k., the weekly long runs are... long. If you take these long runs at a sensible pace and combine them with moderate mileage during the week, these programs will bring you to peak condition for race day.

Keep in mind, of course, that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all training program. While the schedules offered here are solid and dependable, you should feel free to tinker with them and make them your own. Adapt them to your own rhythms.

By following one of these schedules, you will develop gradually through four training phases: endurance, strength, speed (if following the more advanced schedule) and tapering. Before starting one of the programs, though, be sure you're in shape to follow the schedule. If you are not already able to run the mileage for the first week comfortably, take a few weeks to build gradually to that level, adding one mile to your long run every week. You should be able to run that pre-training schedule comfortably for four to five weeks. Then lace up, you're ready for the road!

Safe running,
Gerry and Ken

Some advice before you start:
The 'Get me started' training schedule: Go from zero to 30 mins jogging in a few weeks.
Full Marathon - Level 1 training schedule: The ‘Get Me Around’ plan. Time is not important here.
Full Marathon - Level 2 training schedule: Best suited to runners looking to break the 4:00 hour mark and who have been running a few times per week for the last few weeks.
Full Marathon - Level 3 training schedule: Can you run 8 miles in one go? Think you can finish around the 3:30 mark? Running c. 20 miles per week already? If so, this is the plan for you.
Full Marathon - Level 4 training schedule: Are you looking to dip beneath the 3:00 mark? Already running 4-5 times per week and would find two 8 mile runs a week no problem.
Half Marathon - Level 1 training schedule: Not worried about how long it’ll take, just want to finish? This plan is for you…
Half Marathon - Level 2 training schedule: Already running 3-4 times per week? Think you can finish in c. 1:50? Check this plan out.
Half Marathon - Level 3 training schedule: Suitable for the experienced runner targeting a sub 1:30. Already running 3-5 times per week with a c. 6 mile long run.