Conventional wisdom holds that in order to run a good marathon
or half-marathon, it is necessary to train 5 or 6 days a week.
Traditional programs required running 40 to 60 miles (64 to 96
km) weekly. These were often scaled-down versions of elite
runners’ programs. Most of us juggle busy family lives, work
commitments and social interests. Running 5-6 days per week, 40
to 60 miles weekly can easily add more stress to our already
busy lives, as well as lead to overtraining and injury. Now for
the good news! It has been proven that for runners that are not
racing at an elite level, this frequency and distance are not
necessary for good or even personal best performance! Running
three days a week, supplemented by one or two of days of cross
training is all that is required for faster racing times. Cross-
training can be aerobic in nature (e.g. cycling, swimming,
elliptical) or strength training. Studies and training programs
from Olympian Jeff Galloway and Bill Pierce, exercise
physiologist and chair of the Heal