Customer Reviews
I bought this plan after starting my running journey in September 2022 and finding Ben's channel and loving the content really got me into the running spirit. I have been training in the gym for over 10 years but almost never spent any of that time running so for me it was like starting from scratch. Not long into this journey I felt I needed to challenge myself and set a solid goal for where I wanted to get to and a marathon is a clear and challenging goal and so about 18 weeks out from a local marathon I picked up Ben's L2 plan for a goal to run my first marathon in under 4:30, I was amazed at the structure of this plan and how well it's laid out allowing for the recovery taper at the end. It's so easy to follow I never felt overwhelmed and with the pace chart makes setting up all the workouts ahead of time so easy. On the day I ended up laying down a 4:18:11 with a cold and feeling a bit down but I was stoked with my effort and I had a great time and was able to enjoy the marathon and the vibe and I owe it all to this plan and the training it provided. I can't recommend this highly enough for anyone who plans on doing a marathon I had such a great experience I cant wait for the next marathon to smash that time down some more. Thanks Ben this plan rocks!
I ran the 2023 London Marathon, which was my first. Ben's training plan was very clear and helped me build up to a 61k week and a 32k long run (I'd never done more than 35k a week or a 22k long run before).
A mixture of different runs and the inclusion of strength and conditioning help me achieved my goal of running in under 4 hours.
I used the Level 2 Improver plan for my third marathon. It was slightly less mileage than the previous plans I’d used but much more targeted and structured. I liked the mix of paces and how the long runs combined easy and marathon pace. Plus at 4 days a week it was easier to fit in with other things going on in my life. I finished my race in 3:53:29 and felt strong all the way through, managing to stick to a consistent pace all the way without stopping to walk. The plan really worked for me.
I used the improver plan to train for my second marathon, and the schedule and improvements made were so substantial, I ended up completing my first 50k ultra, never mind the marathon. Great plan, great results, can’t recommend enough!
After using the beginner plan for my first marathon I decided to use the next one up for marathon number 2. The plan is easy to follow and enjoyable. Ben never lets you down
Thank you so much for making this guide so affordable, understandable and achievable for my first marathon, a big goal of mine. I loved it and have already purchased my next guide for another running challenge.
Can’t wait to get started on this plan. Love how this plan is set out, very clear and includes a glossary with lots of information to ensure it is easy to understand. Hopeful that this will help me achieve my goals next year.
I can't fault this plan. This was the first structured running plan that I've ever followed, preparing for my first ever official race, and all went to plan thanks to the clear guidance.
Everything was easy to follow and I especially found the pace chart extremely useful. The glossary was really helpful for a plan newbie like myself and the notes for each week were a really nice added extra.
I was aiming for a sub 4 hour marathon debut and managed a time of 03:53:44 so I'm absolutely chuffed! Thanks Ben :-)
Really great training plan, I would highly recommend it. Enjoyed every week, and the training was varied so that it never got boring. The speed and tempo sessions were fun and putting pace changes in the long run session really kept them interesting. I ended up fitter than I have ever been, and knocked 20 minutes off my Marathon PB! Many thanks Ben and Sarah
On Sunday 7th April 2019, I completed my first marathon in Manchester, in a time of 03:48:14.
The best thing I did was invest in a decent training plan. I opted for a Ben's Improver training plan, as it’s well structured & easy to understand. I value his knowledge & experience.
The training plan was challenging but built up sensibly so confidence & fitness grew steadily and at no point did I feel the training was beyond me.
The plan includes a great pacing chart, so every session has a recommended pace it should be run at for your finish time. I would recommend the training plan without hesitation and have since used Ben's Half Marathon Level 4 plan to achieve an 8 min PB.
Whilst I was delighted to achieve a sub4 marathon time at the first attempt, it was never about time. I found greater meaning.
I have taken the family marathon baton from my Dad. Hopefully, I can pass it onto my Daughter in the future.
Most importantly, I got to share and experience, not only race day, but the full marathon training journey with my family.
You only ever get your first marathon once.
I wouldn’t change it in any way.
