Running vs. Biking training plans

Recently, I picked up a copy of the Bicycling Magazine September issue. On page 32, Selene Yeager a USA Cycling Certified coach provides a template for cyclist to use in their training.

In reading through her column, something struck me as ironic. The training plans for cyclist and runners are not that dissimilar.

Yeager suggested the following for cyclist.

Monday – rest day or active recovery day

Tuesday – Tempo Session

Wednesday – Endurance day – at least 2 hours

Thursday –LT session

Friday - rest day or active recovery day

Saturday - Surge and recovery efforts, group ride, or VO2 max session workout

Sunday – Endurance ride.

 

When I overlay her template training schedule with my current marathon training plan the similarities are obvious

 

Monday – recovery day

Tuesday – speed session, hills, mile repeats etc

Wednesday – Intermediate long run 14-18 miles

Thursday – recovery day

Friday – fartlek or tempo run

Saturday – Long run 18-24 miles

Sunday – recovery run.

 

I would have expected similarities in the types of training tempo and intervals but the day for hard efforts followed by endurance day is an interesting aspect. Most runners have done this type of training for years by racing on Saturday and then coming back on Sunday for their long run.

Thoughts on training plans and how to structure them?