Compare plan access with ongoing coaching
Marathon Handbook's plan library describes free PDF plans and member-dependent access to editable Google Sheets versions. A plan download and a coaching service answer different needs. Check the specific plan and format before paying or switching.
When a plan is enough
Keep a downloaded schedule when its opening frequency and long run fit your recent training, you understand the session purposes and you can make routine adjustments. Compare the first weeks, not just the advertised finish time or number of weeks. A longer plan can still start above your current capacity.
If you want another simple plan, compare the relevant Hal Higdon schedule or Nike Run Club plan. If you need repeated individual feedback, compare a human coaching service and ask how often it reviews your training. If you want product-managed adjustment for a supported endurance or hybrid goal on iPhone, inspect 26weeks.ai's current pursuit workflow.
Use one disruption as the test
Suppose work removes a midweek session and the weekend long run is already demanding. Can you explain whether the missed session should be moved, shortened or omitted? A downloadable plan leaves that judgment with you unless a separate service supplies it. An app or coach should make the decision and its tradeoff understandable.
Check current access, cancellation, exports and device support. Choose one calendar for training load instead of merging workouts from two plans. The plan-selection guide helps compare starting demands; the online-coach guide helps compare ongoing support.
Publisher disclosure: 26weeks.ai publishes this comparison. Provider features were checked against the linked official material on October 18, 2026. This is not an independent product test; verify current access, pricing and compatibility before subscribing.