Anyone used Pfitz's 12w/61-84 HM Plan? Other HM Plan Reviews?

I've used the lower-mileage Pfitz plans with great results for HMs and fulls.

My only advice is to make sure you genuinely have built the proper base before going into the 12 week plan. You're going to be very fatigued under the best circumstances under this program, and if you don't have a good base you could get wiped out.

Thank you. Yes, I'm good with the load. My main concern is the lack of V02 max workouts in the plan, although he's got solid stride sets all over the place. Holy Lactate Threshold runs....

I think I'll give it a whirl. Plus, I love mid-week medium-longs...

I used it but I made a bunch of modifications. There were a number of things I didn't like about the plan.

- Very few rest days. I prefer to run 6 days a week with one full day off to recover and do family/personal stuff. I dropped one of the recovery days each week.

- I am comfortable around 70-75mpw. This put me in between the 46-63 and 61-84 plan. I went with the 61-84 plan but the high volume weeks were too much for me. I made sure that I hit the key aspects of the training plan (LT workouts followed by Endurance Runs, VO2 Max, GA with strides and hills, and Long Runs) but I usually reduced a GA run or dropped the AM or PM portion of a recovery run.

- The weekly mileage was pretty evenly spit up across each day and there are a whole lot of 10+ mile days. I left work a bunch thing "God damn, another 10+ mile day?" I prefer to have one or two days a week under 8 miles. Mentally, it gives me a mid-week 'break' in training.

- Holy LT runs indeed. They were TOUGH but I think they were the most important part of the program. Before the plan I had a hard time running more than 30min at LT pace. By the end of the program I was able to cruise through at a faster pace with less effort. I attribute this to learning to run more relaxed/efficient at LT and getting more mentally tough. LT runs had always intimidated me- after a few weeks of them I wasn't scared anymore.

- Long run distance was spot on. Long enough to give me endurance and confidence but not too long where I wasted my time. The long runs ended at LT pace were hard but I think they had a positive impact.

- The lack of VO2 Max workouts had no adverse effects. Its a half marathon, not a 5K. My 5K time stayed about the same but my 10K and HM speed improved considerable.

Overall it was the most challenging plan I have used- even with some mileage reduction. If you want to do it make sure you have a comfortable 74-80mpw base.

The only other dedicated HM training program I have used is the free BAA HM Advanced Program for my first HM. It was good for a first training plan but the Pfitz plans are FAR superior.

After re-reading what I wrote I think that came of a bit pessimistic. The program is fantastic and gave me a new PR. It is super difficult though and I just wasn't ready for it. Make sure you don't be a hero in the workouts. Midway through the plans I started shattering some of the LT paces and it almost undid me. I have a hard time holding back when I feel good. I started to peak too early and had a minor stress reaction in my tibia. Had to take a few days on the elliptical to get over it.

Which book is this plan in?

"Road Racing for Serious Runners"? Or "Faster Road Racing 5k- half marathon?"

The one I am referring to is from Faster Road Racing

No that's a great review. I did a bunch of doubles in marathon prep this year... Was up over 100 mpw for about 5 weeks.

I actually modified this plan as well (as I have it currently drawn up)... Giving myself an option on the later Mondays and Fridays. When I opt for none double recovery days, I like an 8 Miler there instead, as well.

Agreed. Long runs look right.

I'm going to do it. I'll come back and review afterwards... Was in high 75 minute shape this fall. Using this for NYC...

RumRunner wrote:

I'm going to do it. I'll come back and review afterwards... Was in high 75 minute shape this fall. Using this for NYC...

Good luck man. I'll keep an eye out for the review.