Your Philadelphia Marathon Training Begins … Now!

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Just a friendly reminder that the 2014 Philadelphia Marathon on November 23rd is just less than 18 weeks away, so it’s time to get your butt in gear if you’re planning on running it.

Here are some of your training options, whether you’re running the full or half:

For the Go-It-Alone Runner

Hal Higdon Marathon Training: Lots of runners swear by this running guru’s race-training plans, so check them out if you’ve never tried one. He has 18-week training options for novice, intermediate and advanced runners, so it’s not too late to get in on those.

Jeff Galloway Run-Walk-Run Half Marathon Training: If you’re training for the half marathon and you’re a total newbie, this training program incorporates walking intervals in the mix, making it easier to get into shape. It’s a 19-week program (er, sorry!) but you should totally be able to catch up.

Runner’s World Marathon Training Programs: RW has a slew of training programs, based on experience (beginner, intermediate, advanced) and time goals. Note: These are paid programs ($29.99 each), but they appear to all be 16 weeks in length, which is perfect given your timing.

For the Group-Run Runner

Local Running Groups: These neighborhood running clubs aren’t training for the marathon specifically, but chances are good that you’ll meet fellow marathoners-in-training at the meet-ups. Check out our list of over 30 running groups in the city and ‘burbs.

Philadelphia Marathon’s Group Training Runs: The Philadelphia Marathon has partnered with City Sports to offer a free 15-week training program, which starts on Sunday, August 10th. It includes free group long runs from City Sports Center City on Sundays at 8:30 a.m.; sign up for those here. The runs feature pacers, so you can train according to your goal time, and the first 100 people to participate get a free T-shirt. Every week, City Sports also hosts shorter group runs (with three- and five-mile routes available) out of two of its local stores: Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in Wayne and Thursday at 6 p.m. in Center City. Those runs don’t require advance sign up.

Team Philly Race Training: You’ve got some time to get queued up for this—Team Philly’s marathon and half marathon training begins on August 23rd, with a kick-off party at Philadelphia Runner’s Center City location and a group run to follow. Perks include a complete training guide, Saturday coach-led long runs and weekly group runs, and more. It’s $175 for marathon training and $150 for half marathon.

Team in Training: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program is already in full swing for marathon and half marathon training, but it’s not too late to join in. Runners must commit to raising $1,400 (no hotel room) or $1,700 (hotel room included for race weekend) for LLS. In return, runners get training with certified coaches, group runs, nutrition and hydration clinics, fundraising support and more.

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