Upcoming Half & Marathon Race Schedule

I have registered for the Key West Half along with booking the trip and will likely do the same for the San Diego Marathon this fall, barring any setbacks in the marathon phase of my training. Longer term, I am planning to run the Las Vegas Marathon in January 2028 as part of a family trip shortly after my daughter's 21st birthday. The screenshot image below from my run log in late August illustrates the adaptability and evolution of the MAX-Yield Running system. This week of training included three days of running, which consisted of focused and specific workouts, including a long hill run and half/marathon simulations. This successful stress test provides validation of my marathon readiness along with the ability to train for both a sub-90 half and 3:30 marathon while following the core principles of the MAX-Yield Running system:

• avoiding consecutive running days

• avoiding junk or recovery running days

• ensuring all workouts have a clear purpose: endurance, speed, strength, balanced fitness and recovery

• balancing overall fitness and active recovery: 3 days of upper body focused strength circuit training and one day of yardwork or cross-training

The summary data below highlights my running and training volume over the past three months with peak weekly running volume of 46 miles from the most recent week which included a 23-mile Marathon-Sim workout. With a few exceptions, low-intensity training typically comprises over 80% of weekly volume. Total training duration includes all workout types since the non-running workouts include a cardio component and comprise a significant portion of weekly volume. My training will focus on the following workouts as I train for upcoming half and marathon races. 

• Half-Sim (BLOG): half marathon simulation speed workout to improve upon sub-90-minute finish at Key West Half in 2026

• Marathon-Sim (BLOG): marathon simulation workout to prepare for upcoming races in San Diego (June 2027) & Vegas (Jan 2028) with sub-3:30 goal

• Enduro-Hills (BLOG): long hill runs targeting 1.5-3 hours in duration to build run-specific strength and endurance 

• Strength Circuit Training (BLOG): upper body focused with non-impact cardio component to promote balanced fitness

Also, I will allow for longer buffer periods between Half-Sim and Marathon-Sim workouts in the future rather than completing both within the same week, which was a great stress test, but risks overuse injury and burnout if done consistently. By integrating regular race simulations for the half and/or marathon into my training regimen, the overall frequency and volume of running is reduced because these workouts are very rigorous and efficient. There is no need for me to run more than three times or 50+ miles weekly to achieve my goals of a sub-90-minute half and 3:30 marathon. 

Adaptation, Autonomy and Flow of the MAX-Yield Running System

As tracked in the Run Log Sheet, my current work schedule affords the flexibility to insert high-impact sessions into weekdays rather than exclusively on a fixed Yield Day such as Saturday. This fluid adaptability is evident throughout the Run Log, which does not strictly alternate speedwork and long runs on the same Yield Day. As outlined in Chapter 7 of MAX-Yield Running, this flexibility represents a core strength of the system, which is most fully realized in advanced half-marathon (MAX-Half) and marathon (MAX-Endurance) tiers, whereas the MAX-Foundation entry level half marathon tier is optimized by following a fixed two-week Yield Cycle.

Training under the MAX-Yield Running system is an ongoing, lifelong adaptation and evolution. You are learning to listen to your biofeedback and progress through build phases to unlock peak performance and longevity. Step away from the artificial constraints of the static spreadsheet. Stop chasing empty numbers on a calendar. Command your math and respect your recovery to find your perfect flow and run for maximum yield. The transition into a MAX-Yield Runner requires adopting three unyielding mindsets. These are the operating guidelines that grant you the flexibility to adapt the system to your evolving lifestyle.

1. Focus on the Workouts, Not the Ledger

In traditional circles, a training week is judged solely by the sum at the bottom of the column. If the spreadsheet says 50 miles, the runner feels validated, even if 20 of those miles were executed on trashed joints and dying glycogen stores. The MAX-Yield method commands you to value the integrity of the stimulus over the volume of training. If you hit your targeted multipliers and nail your core pillar sessions, the training adaptations will follow. 

2. Eliminate Junk and Filler Mileage

A massive portion of conventional distance running relies on low or moderate intensity recovery or filler runs. These miles carry an asymmetric risk-to-reward profile, resulting in chronic, low-grade inflammation while chipping away at your recovery time. By compressing your training into fewer, high-impact sessions and surrounding them with adequate recovery windows, you clear systemic fatigue and allow your body to super-compensate. 

3. Adopt a Minimalist Mindset

You do not need an expensive software subscription, a locked automated algorithm or an array of over-engineered gadgets to tell you how your body is adapting. The math belongs entirely in your hands. When you understand the basic biological levers of recovery kinetics and the simple linear ramp rates of your multipliers, you gain ultimate athletic freedom. Minimalist training means stripping away the external tech noise and tuning back into the clean, raw signals of your own biofeedback and performance tracking.

Practical Application of the MAX-Yield Running System

My training journey has led to a likely return to my marathon roots in mid-2027 as I progressed from the Tactical Reset & Build Phase to running several half marathons over the past few years. As a Masters runner, the focus on fewer high-impact running days combined with strength circuit training and active recovery days provides the perfect mix of race-specific stimulus while avoiding over-training or overuse injuries. Since everyone has different race goals and baseline running volume, the MAX-Yield Running system applies specific multipliers across the core pillar workouts which gradually progress through a build phase. 

This time-efficient training system also fits seamlessly around my 12-hour workdays and family life; in contrast to traditional plans which may include 4-6 running days weekly, resulting in junk miles or recovery runs which don't yield beneficial adaptations and slow recovery velocity. As mentioned earlier, by integrating half and/or marathon simulations into your training regimen, the overall frequency and volume of running will decrease because these workouts are so efficient. Also, completing these simulation workouts on a regular basis provides confidence so you can focus on preparing and executing for race day to achieve your goals and new personal records. 

This minimalist training system is not meant to be easy as the running workouts progress to challenging race simulations; however it is meant to be flexible and adaptable to meet your goals and fit your lifestyle. Click on the image below to learn more about the MAX-Yield Running system: the eBook and print edition are available on Amazon (SHOP BOOK).