After a string of injuries and surgeries I'm excited to get going again. Your training plans are easy to read and very detailed, taking out all of what would be my guess work. Thank you for having these training plans available. I look forward to building my running strength and speed and falling in love with running again with your help 👊
Purchased a few of Ben’s plans including the Advanced Marathon plan for my 2nd marathon. Really easy to follow and adapt to a hectic work life without feeling demoralised for missing a few runs. Perfect balance of sessions and easy runs, didn’t suffer any injuries from increasing mileage etc. Clearly a successful plan as I knocked 30mins off my PB to run a 2:57 marathon in Seville
I followed Ben's Half Marathon Plan Intermediate - L3. It prepared me well for the race. I was aiming for sub 1:40 and achieved a big pb today running 1:36:19. The long runs with sections at race pace on tired legs prepared me well, also mentally. The strength routines were a good addition. The weekly volume was a bit high for what I am used to, and some weeks I only managed to do four runs instead of the planned 5. That said, I highly recommend this plan.
As always, great quality item, fast delivery and lovely personal note.
Purchased the item in large and it fits perfectly to size.. it’s lightweight, comfortable, breathable, and perfect for the cold morning runs, with it having the long sleeves. The design on the tee looks really good too. Absolutely love these tees.
I purchased this plan with the intent of dropping 10 minutes off my half marathon PB of 1:39. I felt like it was a little ambitious, but I wanted to push myself. Nevertheless, as things go, I got sick a couple weeks into training and ended up having to miss a few other runs here and there due to familial obligations. I still hit about 80% of training, but I was supremely anxious about the race. I knew I could take time off that older PB, but that 1:29 goal really loomed large come race day. On that morning, I missed my start corral due to traffic, and spent the first 5k weaving in and out of the crowd passing a couple thousand people. Eventually I caught some runners more at my pace, locked in and told myself, "just hold this for as long as you can" and managed to bring it home in 1:29:52.
With as many things that didn't go right in my race prep, the fact that I managed to still hit my time goal is a huge confidence boost for future races. I can't thank Ben enough for putting together this plan. It's concise, easy to follow, and forgiving enough if you have to miss some time here and there. It'll push you, but in the best way.
I'm going to lower that goal to 1:25 for my next half, and I don't think I'd have been able to do it without this plan. Buy it and support a guy giving so much to our lovely sport.
I've been wearing Ben's caps for running ever since the first cap he released!
I've worn other brands but nothing compares to the comfort and quality of Ben's caps!
I've lost count how many I own.
My first ever is still like new after many miles and showers after runs!
For my first Marathon I decided to do this plan because I knew it was a tough course. Even when I had my hiccups during training, I came to race day feeling super prepared and strong. My aerobic base felt really good, and I’m so happy I went with a plan. Thank you for such a detailed and easy to understand structure! I finished in exactly 5 hours 55 seconds. For my first marathon in such a difficult and hilly course, I’m so proud of myself!
I love the fit of these running shirts and a have a fair few Ben Parkes tops now. Lots of people commented on the nice colour of this one. Here is me wearing mine at recent 10mile event. Thanks
I ran a half marathon on Sunday after following the beginner plan. I loved the plan! The variety of paces and distances kept things interesting, and the variations in the long runs prevented them from seeming too overwhelming.
I felt well prepared on race day and despite some super windy weather I was very happy with my time of 2:08:42. My A goal was 2:10:00 so I felt amazing to beat this.
I've signed up for another half marathon in a few months time and hoping for an even better time!!!
