ALTHOUGH I’VE SUCCESSFULLY finished five marathons, Other Hearst Subscriptions.
Best Recovery Shoes because crossing a finish line is insanely fun and highly rewarding. However, I always found training for them to be nerve-racking. A training plan is necessary for this kind of distance, and while it helps with structuring my schedule and blending time to run with a full-time job and family, it has also always created a lot of distress for me.
How To Train Calves anxiety, I’d look at the 16 weeks ahead of me and full-on panic that there is no way I can possibly run 16 miles in Week 9 or hit the prescribed pace in Week 12. Instead of enjoying the process, I’d constantly worry about future workouts—and wonder if I should just quit altogether.
Best Recovery Shoes Five Trends in Super Shoes, How I Keep Exercising at 105 Years Old.
I met Ashley Mateo at the Boston Marathon earlier that year, and while chatting about which gels we love and which ones we can’t stomach, we became pals. So when I decided to get expert help, I called Ashley. We talked through my past struggles. She listened intently to me, made some notes, and then told me about her coaching process, which includes giving her athletes training plans one week at a time.
Health - Injuries!
Every weekend, Ashley and I would talk through my schedule for the week ahead, and she would plan my runs. If something came up, like when I had a late meeting and couldn’t get a run in, she moved things around so I could live my life and also achieve my running goals. I used to be anxious that I’d have to skip runs, then make up for them, and throw off the whole plan; but with my coach, my runs are always designed specifically for my needs. Ashley is my cheerleader and has more faith in me than I have in myself—if I ever look at the week ahead and still worry, she talks me through the runs, encouraging me to trust the work I have already put in. She makes me feel confident that I can do whatever she prescribes and, in fact, complete it.
The 2024 NYCM training block was the smoothest I’ve ever had. Focusing on one week at a time, I was able to enjoy each run instead of fearing what was to come in later weeks. I went into race day knowing I had a great, stress-free buildup, which helped me love the experience so much more. And when I made that turn off 5th Avenue into Central Park, Ashley was there, giving me some final instructions on how to push through and finish strong.
Using training plans is a smart way to get from Day 1 to the finish line, but if you find that they don’t work for you, it doesn’t mean that you’re not meant to be a runner. Maybe you need a coach.
Find the Perfect Training Plan for You
Published: Jul 03, 2025 2:16 PM EDT
Recommended Experience: Consider my mind blown.
Published: Jul 03, 2025 2:16 PM EDT
Recommended Experience: As a runner with both ADHD and.
Published: Jul 03, 2025 2:16 PM EDT
Recommended Experience: For a new runner who has been exercising regularly for at least a year, or someone who has completed a few 5Ks or 10Ks and can complete 6 miles in one workout. This plan peaks at 28 miles in a week with a 12-mile long run.
Published: Jul 03, 2025 2:16 PM EDT
Recommended Experience: For runners comfortable exercising for at least an hour at a moderate effort. This plan peaks at 32 miles in a week with a 14-mile long run.
Published: Jul 03, 2025 2:16 PM EDT
Recommended Experience: For a consistent runner used to regularly working out four to five times a week. The plan starts with a 10-mile long run and peaks at 44 to 47 miles a week with a 22-mile long run, helping you average under a 9:10 per mile come race day.
Aly is the Director of Content Hype at Runner’s World. She started running over a decade ago when she saw a Star Wars themed race happening at Disneyland and thought it looked like fun. Since then, she has run 8 marathons (so far!), and hundreds of shorter distance races. She is known for signing up for 5Ks in every city she travels to. She loves watching reality competition shows, playing board games with her husband and taking naps with her dog.
