The Problems With Traditional Marathon Training Plans and The Magic Long Run Formula

hansons marathon methodQuestion. How many 20-milers must you run in order to be successful at the marathon?

Trick question. The answer is zero.

In today’s interview, we’re going to debunk many of the marathon training myths prevalent in traditional marathon training plans.

On our show this week is 2:14 marathoner and exercise physiologist, Luke Humphrey, and he’s here to discuss the training principles outlined in his new book, The Hansons Marathon Method.

Not only is Luke an excellent runner himself, having qualified for two Olympic Trials and placing in the top 12 at the Chicago, New York City, and Boston Marathons, but he’s also been coaching runners since 2006 and has his Masters in exercise science.

Luke is going to explain why there is no magic number when it comes to the marathon long run and how being more consistent and spreading out your mileage throughout the week can lead to huge breakthroughs in the marathon. Here is a preview of what we cover in this interview:

  • The problem with traditional marathon training plans. Specifically, Luke identifies who those types of training plans were written for and why it probably isn’t you.
  • Why the 20-miler isn’t a magic number when it comes to marathon long runs. Not only does it make you too tired to run hard throughout the rest of the week, but research demonstrates long runs of over 3-hours don’t make you any fitter compared to those of 2-hours.
  • The critical balance between speed, threshold, and aerobic running that enables runners to be consistent week after week, month after month.
  • Some of the biggest training mistakes he sees in the runners he works with. Plus, some of the biggest mistakes he’s made in his own training. Luke went nearly 3 years without setting a marathon PR – and not for lack of training. He’ll reveal exactly what he did wrong and how you can prevent it yourself.

If you’re starting to think about how to approach your next marathon training segment, you’ve got to listen to this interview first. After listening, let us know what lessons you’re going to apply to your training!

Watch this week’s show now