Customer Reviews
So I downloaded this plan after I ran a 1:52 half this time last year. Not a bad time but given my PB was 1:42, set 11 years earlier to be fair, I was disappointed and felt I could do better. Fast forward to exactly one year later. At 56 I have just PB-ed my third half marathon of the year in a healthy 1:34:31. That's three pb's this year all under 1:40. At my age, its certainly been a big push to get here but this plan has been great. Its pushed my out of my comfort zone some weeks but it was definitely needed to get my older bones and muscles working at the rate required. Thanks, Ben. Feeling super proud of myself and really greatful to have found you, your YouTube channel and the plans. Next - I'm training for a 3:15 marathon next April. After a bit of downtime and maintenance training, that is. You're doing a great job, Ben. Keep it up :)
Used this advanced half marathon plan for the Manchester Half Marathon today. Didn’t quite achieve my goal of sub 90 but it was still a 5 minute PB with a finishing time of 1:30:55. I love Bens plans and will be this one again for my next half marathon in March. Always very easy to follow, great workouts, and I love the long runs with sections at goal pace. I recommend these plans to everyone I know. Keep up the great work Ben!
I’d previously used on of Ben’s 10km plans to run a PB, and have just finished the HM plan with the Gold Coast Half Marathon (my first HM). I trained and aimed for sub-1:30, and finished at 1:22:43. Needless to say, these plans work!
As a fell runner, Wilmslow was the first road race I had ever entered. Aiming for sub 1:30 I would have been happy. Toward the end of the tapering block my legs were sizzling with energy ready to race and ended up with a 1:22. Ben's plan was fantastic, correctly with a big emphasis on easy and steady volume. It was low stress on the body and I could swap some sessions around. It was the first time following a plan and it was actually really enjoyable. Would definitely recommend and now looking forward to using the Ultra plan later in the year. Thanks Ben! Legend!
It's a great programme, clear and progresses nicely. a variety of runs which is a bonus and keeps it interesting. I didn't manage to do all the runs each week but I still improved massively. I also didn't really feel at risk of overtraining as it builds up well. Was delighted to not just break the 90 minute barrier for the first time, but smash it. Would definitely recommend!
Another great and varied programme that has helped me break another PB. I'm also using this plan to continue training for the Great South Run although it's a shorter distance. Really helps to have structure in my training. Putting the work in especially on the interval days has really paid off.
Great plan, tough but really enjoyable improved from 1hr 35 to 1hr 29. Would highly recommend. Gonna try the 10k plan now to get sub 40
Followed this plan religiously.. helped me get from 1:40 to a 1:26 half marathon!!
The plan has a great mix of easy, speed work and long runs. The goal pace sections really help break up them long runs and were so crucial to help me break my 1:30 goal!
On to the next..
On Sunday 8th September 2019, I ran the Simplyhealth Great North Run 2019 in 01:33:57.
It was a negative splits race and an 8 minute PB. I ran the course 25 minutes faster than my time from GNR 2018 and 1 hour 19 minutes faster than my GNR 2017 time.
Following the successful progress made in training for Manchester Marathon, it made perfect sense to continue using a Ben Parkes Training Plan and build on the momentum.
My marathon training plan was a Level 2 Improver Plan.
In the lead up to Great North Run training, I spent a month considering which training plan level to choose. I knew I could step up from Level 2, but how far?
I purchased both of the following plans so I could review them closer and see which would be most suitable:
Level 3 Intermediate (Target Finish Time 1:35 – 1:45)
Level 4 Advanced (Target Finish Time 1:25 – 1:35)
I learnt from this experience to believe in myself more. Often self-doubt can play a part. So it’s important to back yourself, believe in your greatness in order to push beyond the comfort zone and see what happens. I’m glad that I eventually chose Level 4.
My main concern was that the Level 4 plan had a few of the mid-week sessions that went up to 13K and a 10 mile long run. These distances would not be possible to achieve within my available lunch break.
On these sessions, I ended up splitting the distance in half and making up the total by a double run day commute to and from work.
In the end, achieving 1:33 meant I surpassed my Dad’s Great North Run best of 1:35. This took on greater meaning and significance, as I hope to inspire my daughter in the same way as my Dad inspired me to start running.
Thank you Ben for helping me to achieve something I never considered possible before.
I picked this plan hoping to achieve a 1:40. My son and I followed it and have just completed our first ever Half-Marathon at Bellahouston Park, Glasgow this morning. He managed 1:33:23 and I managed a 1:36:47. Really happy with the plan and enjoy the inspiring videos too. Thanks Ben!
