Aimed for a perfect 15 week block immediately after a Half Marathon race to lead into my goal marathon for the year, the Sunshine Coast Marathon in Australia. Started the block with some runners knee (a recurring fault of mine) that I worked on for two weeks with a little less mileage than the plan wanted but played a bit of catch up through to week 4 as I gradually caught up with the plan. Kept on the plan solid until week 10 where I wasn’t recovering enough (my fault) and during the end of a 113km week my Achilles tendon inflamed nastily. With physio help I got to the start line keeping the plan structure and swapping most runs for bike sessions, including intervals which I tried to make somewhat similar to the run sessions as well, and got moving really solid again with two weeks to go.
Race day came and the original target was 2:48:40, smack on 4min/kms and despite running the entire race solo (the only pack nearby went out way to hard for me to keep up with) I still ran a 2:49:57. So even injured, more difficult a race than expected the plan got me through to very close to my goal. I’d certainly buy a plan again and will be next year for Melbourne, aiming for sub 2:40. I’ll be a little better prepared so hopefully I can give Ben an even better review.
Only improvements I would make would be including gym (weighted) options on the strength side of the program, instead of just body weight. Personally I believe gym work is the only component worth going heavy on to help avoid injury, and personally it’s a massive help. While I had my own program I still opted for the strength plan addition out of curiosity and it was well carved out, just wish it had weight options for runners that need that help!
Regardless I was stoked, will be buying the level 6 again and I’m extremely keen to give it a crack.
Thanks Ben for the help and especially for the price there’s really no reason not to buy these plans. If you’re reading this, just go and buy it, rip and tear your way to your goals and GET IT DONE
Fits great, feels great and looks great. What more could you ask for?
Currently training for my first Backyard Ultra incl some 100+ miles weeks so I’ve given these shorts a good sweat test. The storage options in the shorts are fantastic and the standout feature for me is just how soft they feel - I think softest I’ve ever known. Totally recommend but my one watch out is sizing. The size guide suggested I opted for Small based on waist size which was surprising. I tried both Small and my normal Medium and Medium was definitely the better option. Stick to your normal short size when ordering I think.
(Shorts bought 100% with my own money for a totally impartial review) ; )
just got a 20 mile run in my new singlet done! was completely comfortable, lightweight, breathable, good feel to the material, no chafing or itching
Ordered this shirt in Japan, took it on a trip to Australia, wore it for my second fastest half marathon. Very comfortable to run in, and got lots of compliments on the shirt when I posted pics of the run. Love the YT channel and appreciate the great quality gear.
First HM training plan I've used, and where better to seek advice from than the GOAT Ben Parkes. The plan helped me smash my goal time of 2:00:00.
17/08/25 - Frome Half Marathon - 1:57:56. Cheers Ben!
This hat offers comfort without compromise which I’ve come to expect with all my purchases from Ben & Sarah. And when you can combo it’s even better.
Love #gettingitdone👍🏻
After years of watching Ben wear his own branded shorts in YouTube videos we finally get to own a pair. Lightweight, true to size and they look great!
Took these new split running shorts for their first run here in Majorca in 33 degree heat, very comfortable no rubbing and to be honest I hardly knew I was wearing them they’re so good, I had a gel in the back pocket and room key (credit card size) in the zip pocket both very secure. Can’t recommend these shorts highly enough and at a very competitive price.
I have already completed Ben Parkes’ half marathon training plan twice and achieved a PB of 1 hour 30 minutes, and now I have also purchased the 5K plan to improve my time to under 20 minutes. Thank you, Ben, for the very well-structured plan, the variety of runs, and for being the best. I can’t wait to start training with this plan.
