Pfitzinger marathon training plan
Reflection Training

Pfitzinger Marathon Training Plan at the Halfway Point

I’m halfway through the 12 week/55-70 mile Pfitzinger marathon training plan I’m using to run my first sub-3-hour marathon at the 2024 Virginia Beach Shamrock Marathon on March 17—St. Paddy’s Day. How does it compare to the Pfitzinger 18 week/55-70 mile plan from Advanced Marathoning?

I found out last fall that an 18-week training block is tough. It feels overly long (Duh, it’s 18 weeks) and it can be easy to lose motivation at times throughout the grueling 4+ months. But shaving six weeks off the plan is much more manageable, even if each of the 12 weeks demands more.

running weather.
Satire Training

Hot Running Weather in the Winter: It’s Totally Natural

Last week, there was a four-day stretch of unseasonably warm running weather throughout the east coast of the U.S. We’re talking high 60s and mid-70s °F in southern Virginia in January, when it’s typically in the 30’s and 40’s. This came as such a pleasant surprise amid challenging winter marathon training.

The following is the inner monologue rattling around The Size 15 Runner’s head during one of the uncommonly warm runs.

running on a track
Opinion Training

Why Running On A Track Actually Isn’t Horrible

For the longest time I avoided running on a track. Blame it on my PTSD from the annual gym class “mile run” in grade school. Yes, believe it or not, I used to hate running. Now, I’m practically insufferable writing about anything and everything running-related. I guess that’s what they call growth?

Why would I want to run in a giant circle repeatedly on display, in the spotlight for anyone and their grandmother to watch? Yes, I’m aware no one desires to see me run, but it’s just the fact that someone could. Possibly it’ll be some day in a dystopian future when…

running rules
Satire Training

Running Rules: The 7 Deadly Sins of Running

In 2023, the 10 Commandments or Running — the definitive running rules — were unearthed, shaking the running world to its very core. Today, the Seven Deadly Sins of Running are unveiled. From wrath to lust and everything in between, avoid these running vices like the Bubonic plague. Come for the running bible study, stay for the random music references.

Virginia Beach marathon
Racing Training

Virginia Beach Marathon: Breaking Three Hours, Attempt 2

How do I bounce back from a disappointing Marine Corps Marathon in which I failed to reach my sub-3-hour marathon goal? By getting back out on the roads and training even harder this winter. My sixth 26.2-mile trek and second attempt at breaking three hours will be the Virginia Beach Marathon (Shamrock) on March 17.

If I want to trim six minutes off my PR (3:05:51), I’ll need to tap into the “luck of the Irish” as I race on St. Paddy’s Day. Oh, and some training might help, too.

first marathon training tips
Satire Training

The 6 Greatest First Marathon Training Tips

Registering for your first marathon can be intimidating. Forget running 26.2 miles, training for a marathon is whole other marathon in and of itself! How can you adequately prepare to toe the starting line with confidence? With five marathons under my feet, I prepared a checklist of the best first marathon training tips. Follow these and you’ll be golden come race day.