My original marathon training plan was based on the FIRST program which is 3 days of hard running a week. After trying it for the last week and a half I realize it’s not the plan for me. I can’t do the speed work (like literally cannot run 1 mile at the required pace when I’m supposed to do 3 or more) 
So, I spent most of today beating myself up over being a loser searching the web for a better plan.
You I can spend days reading books, websites and articles about half marathon and marathon distance training. I don’t have that much time (especially because my training time already started!), so I had to make a plan asap!
Here are some of the marathon training resources I reviewed today:
Cool Running was the first half marathon training plan I used back in the day. They have a lot of good articles, but I’m not using their plan.
Hal Higdon Marathon Training plans – He has everything from Novice to Advanced plans. 
Runner’s World offers Smart Coach – I’ve never tried it. Pros: It makes a plan based on a few answers to your questions. Cons: It is only a 3 day run week until you pay to tweak it.
Jeff Galloway is the Run/Walk guy. My running group used the run/walk method very successfully so I am a fan.
My Marathon Training for Long Beach 2011: Ultimately, I think I’m going to do with Higdon’s Intermediate program. The main changes I’m making are changing the long run days to Saturday and adding in some strength training twice a week. And the Cross training day with be a Rest day. I need a complete day of rest. Jesus said so.
Today’s run: I didn’t end up doing a Fourth of July race because we got home late and I didn’t want to wake up early if I didn’t have to (busy week ahead!). I did end up trying to run 6 miles, but I think it was more like 4. I can’t be sure because I stopped my Garmin at a water stop and never turned it back on. Tragic. I am tragic. 
Fourth of July Flashbacks!!!
Fourth of July 2008 – I went to Vegas!!!
Fourth of July 2009 – I ran a 5k with my friend and BBQ’d with family. 
See ya later 
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I hear you on the speed work, I have the same problem — there’s no way I can keep up the pace for longer than a mile before crashing. I like the program you selected, seems totally doable. Good luck w/ training!
haha, “God said so” I love it. I’ll try and remember that one every Sunday 🙂
Update….I can pull RER up on Firefox but not Internet Explorer 9 but I had previously been pulling it up on IE9 so not sure what changed. Thought this info might help!
I am using hh’s intermediate plan for Twin Cities. I have used the beginner’s program for my previous seven marathons. I have been able to finish (sometimes ugly) but I wanted more than that this year; I want to PR. I am giving it a shot with the increased mileage and trying to strength train and actually complete the cross training days (a weakness).
I just chose Hal Higdon’s intermediate plan foe my third marathon, which is October 23. I too looked at many and his works for me the best. I liked that the mid-week runs are not long distances, thus allowing for me to recover better from the long run as I am coming back from injury (shin splints and quad muscle pull). Good luck to you!!
I have never heard anyone who has had a bad experience with a Hal Higdon plan! Good luck!
Finding a good training plan can be so difficult.. keep it up! Happy 4th!
Ya know I created my own plan too it is best I think to tailor it to yourself!
Sounds like a good plan…I think the strength training is the ke
I really liked using Hal Higdon’s plan for my half marathon. It’s very sensible and easy to change if needed! 🙂 Best wishes for training! 🙂
I’m doing the Hal Higdon intermediate plan for my marathon too! Last time I tried to compile a bunch of plans to what I wanted and that didn’t work so well and I’ve heard great things about his plan. Good luck!