[BigRunner]

I don't think there is anything magical about any plan I have seen. Any plan you make up can be fine as long as you run at least 20 miles (I only run up to 20, opinions on running beyond 20 in training vary) 1 to 3 times and your miles peak 3 weeks or so before the marathon and you cut miles during your taper.

What I do think is beneficial is plans that have most runs for a purpose. By that, I mean some will be tempo (faster), fartleks (fast and slow), long slow distance runs, hills, etc. The best shape I was ever in for running was following the Pfitzinger 55 mile peak mleage plan. It incorporated everything. It was real tough as well (and time consuming - 55 miles is a LONG TIME when you don't run fast). Had Chicago not been 90 degrees last year, I'm convinced I would have come in at 4:15.

Sorry. (You know how runners are when you ask them a running question)

5 miles in.


RichF