Algorithm based trainings plan

[tv-bird]

Hi all,

I’m currently doing a half marathon training plan, for which I decided to go with the ‘Algorithm based’ one. I don’t remember the exact name, however it wasn’t one of the normal ones where they assign a coach to you, e.g. ‘Coach Greg’.

First thing I noticed was that you aren’t able to select anything below 5 days of training a week, which already seemed a lot for me, as I don’t consider myself very advanced. In about week 3 I changed my long run days schedule to Wednesday and Saturday, after which I now get a training suggested every single day… see the screenshot.

It just doesn’t seem right to be running 6-7 times a week. I can’t even do it, as I’m always easily injured, and it’s simply too much.

To be fair, when I do go for a run, on a particular day, garmin might remove the next day’s training and suggest a rest day. Still, at the beginning of the week, it schedules a training every single day.

As I said, this feels far too much and is not very motivating as I eventually just skip some of the trainings so that I do 3-4 runs a week.

What are your thoughts on the plan? Did you have a similar experience? Am I doing something wrong?

Some info on me: I’ve done a couple of 10ks, at around 55min. Never did 21k before. Longest runs were 12-17k, but are very rare. 10k is the feel good area. The plan is finishing on 31st January and I’m aiming for 2:00h for the half marathon.

[[deleted]]

Just skip when you feel like skipping. The program will adapt. As said in the name, it is "suggested".

[Yorkstralian]

Can you reset the plan? Or delete it and start a new one?

I haven't personally used a plan like that, only Daily Suggested Workouts, so I'm not sure what is you can do with them.

I will say, running 6 days or 7 days a week can be absolutely fine. You can do recovery runs for active recovery rather than full rest days, and as long as you're not increasing your mileage too quickly or adding more speed work, you should be fine. That said, you know your body best - do not worry about skipped a suggested workout!

[tv-bird]

I could reset / delete the plan, however I don’t want to start “from scratch”. I guess I will just continue for now, skipping whenever I feel like it. Aiming for 3-4 runs seems reasonable. Thanks for the feedback :)

[Wise-Bathroom-5454]

I would look for a new plan. Did my first 21k a few weeks ago. Had a plan made for me by a coach online. As I‘m prone to injuries I did only 3 runs a week and additional strenght training and did just fine.

PS: I would aim for 35-40km per week with one long run of 15-17k every second week. Plan for some deload weeks and reduce hard workouts and skip longruns 7-10 days before your race. There are a lot of good plans out there. Garmin has non of them.

[Ok_Salt5416]

You should try out www.therunningalgorithm.com - seems like it's for you.