The internet is filled with billions of running training plans for beginners. Alongside this wealth of plans are countless books, videos, podcasts, and social media posts on the topic.
Yet none of these resources can answer the question of “Why?” they’re right for you.
Sure, they may suggest reasons: improving health, finding a new challenge, connecting with friends, managing stress, or satisfying a competitive drive. All valid reasons, but your motivation may be different—or all of these may resonate with you. Ultimately, what matters is your interest and commitment. There’s no one-size-fits-all way to approach training.
So, as a new trail runner, what should you look for in a training plan? Here are four key factors that shaped my decision-making process when figuring out how to choose a running plan for beginners.
Initial Steps
I started trail running less than a decade ago. Some of the motivations listed above resonated with me, but others didn’t. What I discovered was a love for being out in nature, exploring parks and trails I’d lived near for over 20 years but hadn’t fully appreciated.
For years, I dismissed the idea of running anything longer than a 10k. “I couldn’t run that far. Training would take too long. I just like running; I’m not trying to race.” Eventually, those reasons faded, and I started considering a longer race. I began doing longer runs, which I found challenging but rewarding. I became stronger physically and emotionally, and I even noticed my allergies less.
When I decided to try a trail half marathon, I saw three general options: go solo and run by “feel,” choose one of the countless free training plans available, or hire a coach.
At the time, I hadn’t heard of Vert.Run. The coaches I knew of seemed to work exclusively with elite athletes and came with high price tags. So, I compared free plans from trusted sites, picked a hybrid approach, bought a running journal, and started training.
This method worked well enough. I wasn’t diligent with my journal, but I tracked my runs through apps, paying attention to basic metrics like distance, pace, and weekly mileage.
Tip 1: Do your research.
Only you know what you need from a plan. Take your time and experiment with different ideas. For me, I needed to overcome a plateau.
Over time, I completed several trail half marathons and even a 25K. Yet I struggled with hills and lacked the stamina to maintain momentum downhill. I felt I had plateaued and was losing engagement with my training.
I’d read articles and listened to experts talk about hill work and strength training for trail running, and I’d always tell myself I’d incorporate these elements for my next race. But my efforts were inconsistent at best—I’d half-heartedly tackle a steep hill a few times, dabble with kettlebell exercises, and call it a day.
Eventually, I realized I needed guidance.
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Answer a few short questions about your experience, goals, and lifestyle, and get matched with the Vert.run coach who’s your best fit.
Tip 2: Experience matters.
I began searching online for a coach. While I had some budget limitations, I mostly wanted a coach who understood that I’m not someone with unlimited time to train and that my baseline is “not fast.”
I’d heard about Vert.Run through the “Running Long” podcast, which I listened to regularly. I was intrigued by the approach of the Vert.Run coaches and the relatable experiences shared by other runners.
Then I looked into their training plans and the Vert.Run app.
The training plans cover a wide range of levels, races, and weekly training schedules. As I explored the plans, I appreciated the logic in their structure. For my needs—structure, communication, and cost—Vert.Run seemed like the best choice.
That doesn’t mean what was right for me is necessarily right for you.
Tip 3: Your needs, expectations, and goals are unique.
But beyond the specific mechanics of training, accountability matters. Whether I did the training or not was up to me. But if I didn’t train, I’d have to face my coach each week and question why I was paying for this.
It still took me a while to commit. Was I really willing to do the work?
Get matched with a Vert.run coach in 60-seconds.
Answer a few short questions about your experience, goals, and lifestyle, and get matched with the Vert.run coach who’s your best fit.
Tip 4: Working with experienced people who have your best interests at heart creates the conditions for growth.
Here’s something I had to relearn when I started training with a Vert.Run coach: there are no instant results. And that’s actually a good thing.
Sure, my pace and effort improved, my heart rate got better, and I got stronger doing bodyweight exercises. But none of that happened overnight.
Eventually, I found I could cover more ground in timed runs and saw improvements in speed work sessions.
I still don’t look forward to hill repeats, but now I know how to do them effectively.
What made the difference for me was consistency. I’ve had the privilege of working with two coaches whose underlying, consistent message was always supportive and focused on meeting me where I was each week.
I realized that most free training plans out there aren’t harmful; some are pretty good. You could certainly make progress with them through experimentation and adaptation.
What these plans don’t offer, however, is connection and accountability. The ability to ask questions (and in my case, many questions) of someone who is experienced and actively training for big events has helped me overcome many challenges.
It has also helped me put my own training into perspective. Rather than wondering if a random training program is right or how much I should adapt it, I can simply ask my coach.
Another benefit of Vert.Run is the technology—being able to upload workouts from my watch so my coach can automatically see my progress, or uploading data myself through the app or website.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for everyone’s situation. And yes, this is the Vert.Run site, so naturally I hope you’ll consider the coaching and training plans on offer here.
Get matched with a Vert.run coach in 60-seconds.
Answer a few short questions about your experience, goals, and lifestyle, and get matched with the Vert.run coach who’s your best fit.
