Half Marathon Plan Improver - L2

Great Resource for Intermediate Runners

Having started and run two half marathons, I was on the look-out for a great but slightly more advanced training plan for my next big race. Enter Ben Parkes! I purchased the L2 Intermediate Run, including Strength Training, and it has been exactly what I was looking for: detailed, informative, an increase in challenge, and well-explained. The plan is a great resource for all types of runners, but especially for those who are getting sick with AI-slop or badly constructed one-size-fits-all plans. The things I specifically like about this plan (being on a budget) are: - Optional Strength Training. Its simple, its to the point, but it already is helping me stay injury-free by doing the home excersises. - Various different goal times with associated Easy and Interval paces, etc. I love this because it sets the framework if you already have a bit of knowledge of your running times, including 5ks. - Detailed running schedule with flexibility. - Increase in challenge and variety. It ramps up quickly (which I liked coming hot out of a Half Marathon) but also provides more variety from the runs I normally do (inclusion of strides in Easy Runs, Long Runs with HA pace sections, etc.) All in all, if you are a runner looking for a good, informative training plan, you can't go wrong with a Ben Parkes plan.

Goal Achieved

I purchased the L2 half marathon plan some months back in preparation for my first half with my goal being to run sub 2hrs. Before starting the plan I was probably on track to do the half in 2hrs 5min and the most I had run was 16km. After completing the plan I wanted to share my thoughts. Firstly I thought the presentation/layout is fantastic and easy to follow, I also thought the structure of each workout/run and the progression of the weekly load was really good. One draw back was that I felt the rough pace guide (which is just that, rough) didn't really suit me and I was left unsure on how to decide what my interval paces should be and what my easy pace was. Some guidance on how customers can work out those paces on their own would be great, if I had followed the rough guide then I don't think I would have progressed as quick as I did. Another draw back was that the first few weeks are probably already less than many customers are doing and it could be a slight step back. All in all I thought it was a great plan and I wouldn't hesitate to buy other plans for future goals, it was great value for money and supports someone who inspires us all with tonnes of free content on YouTube. Best of all it takes care of all the planning for you, no need to think what your next run is, just follow the plan and adjust as required. The result? I had to keep adjusting my goal and at 40 and only been running for about 9 months, I completed my first half marathon in 1hr 52. During this time I also shaved off another minute off my 5k and around 5 minutes off my 10k.

Finally a plan that works

Ben manages to find plans to suit every need. I particularly like that he has taken into account that everyone has busy lives and includes 3x runs a week. Carefully thought out and great plan to maximise efficiency.