Heather, Did you sign up for the marathon or half (re. Cleveland)? I was wondering what training schedule you use, do you always stick with the same ones, use different ones, or create your own? I used Hal Higdon for my first half but not since. Recently I like RW Smart Coach. Just wanted your take. Thanks.

I'm signed up for the half and, I don't have a training plan. I sort of stay at a level where I can run a half on any given weekend. Basically..that means that I run at least one long run (9 to 11) miles on the weekend. In winter, I stick to the low end of that long run because the weather is nasty. Some weekends, the weather makes it harder to do more than 7 or 8. When it gets nicer, I'll stretch it out & do some 12-milers.

Can I race it & set a 1/2 marathon PR without a real training plan... probably not. And, if I were serious & wanted to do that (and I might for Cleveland), I'd print out a plan designed to make me faster.

Of course, a marathon is a much different animal. That's something you need a plan for because just maintaining a base of 20-milers on the weekends is something that's probably not doable for most runners.

Both times I did a marathon, I used Hal Higdon's plans. I used the novice plan for my first marathon and the Intermediate II plan for my 2nd marathon. I did well with both of those.

Here are links to a few free online training plans, including the RW Smart Coach that you mentioned (which is way cool!)

Runners World Smart Coach: Enter your personal and race info & it creates a plan for you.

Hal Higdon's Training plans: Running master, Hal Higdon offers various plans for every race from the 5K to the marathon. Whether you want to just complete the race or set a record...he's got a plan that can help you achieve your goals.

Cool Running: Offering plans for the 5K, 10K, half and full marathon. Plus..they have some great speedwork schedules/plans...if you're into that.

Jeff Galloway: Another running guru, Jeff Galloway, offers training plans and great advice for everyone from beginners to veteran runners.