The goal is to simulate the end of the marathon during your weekday training. By the time you hit mile 20 of the actual race, your body doesn't freak out because it has been running on tired legs for weeks.
Because you run the tempo run on Thursday on tired legs, you are effectively running 10 miles at goal pace. Then you run a 16-mile long run on Sunday. You have already covered 26 miles of quality running between Thursday and Sunday. Race day is simply putting those two days together with a short break in between. Runners who switch to Hanson often report the same thing: The last 10k of the marathon still hurts, but it doesn't feel impossible. hanson marathon method
Here is everything you need to know about the method that is redefining how everyday runners qualify for Boston. Traditional plans focus on recovery. You run hard one day, rest or run easy the next. The Hanson Method does the opposite. It loads your week with consistent, moderate-intensity running. The goal is to simulate the end of