Snel vs Hal Higdon
Hal Higdon's plans have helped millions of runners finish marathons. Here's how Snel's adaptive approach compares, and where each one fits best.
Hal Higdon deserves his reputation
Let's be clear: Hal Higdon is one of the most influential figures in recreational running. His training plans, available since the early internet era, have guided countless runners to marathon finish lines. If you've run a marathon, there's a good chance you or someone you know used a Hal Higdon plan.
His Novice 1 marathon plan is still one of the most-shared training resources online. It's simple, it's accessible, and it works for people who follow it.
So this isn't about tearing down a legend. It's about what's possible in 2026 that wasn't possible when those plans were written.
How the plans compare
| Feature | Hal Higdon | Snel |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (basic) / $25-50 (app) | €49/yr or free tier |
| Personalisation | Choose a level (Novice 1, 2, etc.) | VO2max, schedule & experience |
| Pace guidance | General ("easy," "race pace") | Exact min/km for every workout |
| Adaptation | Static plan | Weekly (RPE, pace, sessions) |
| History-aware adaptation | - | Learns from prior plans (Pro) |
| Training zones | Not in free plans | 5 VO2max zones |
| Periodisation | Linear progression | 4 distinct phases |
| Missed workouts | Manual adjustment | Auto redistribution |
| B-race support | - | ✓ |
| Injury monitoring | - | ✓ |
| Distances | 5K to Marathon | 5K to Marathon |
| Strava integration | Paid app only | Free, built-in |
Where Hal Higdon works well
Simplicity. If you want a one-page plan that says "run 5 miles on Tuesday, 3 miles on Thursday, 10 miles on Saturday," Hal Higdon delivers. There's no app to set up, no onboarding, no technology. Print it and go.
For runners who prefer minimal structure and don't want pace targets, Higdon's approach is low-friction. Some people just want to be told how far to run each day. That's a valid approach, especially for first-time marathoners who just want to finish.
Where Snel does more
Personalised pacing
Hal Higdon's free plans use descriptive effort levels: "easy," "pace," "fast." These mean different things to different runners. Snel calculates your exact training paces from your VO2max. Every tempo run, every interval, every easy run has a specific pace range. No interpretation needed.
Adaptation
This is the biggest difference. A Hal Higdon plan is the same on day 1 and day 84. It doesn't know whether you crushed last week's long run or could barely finish it. Snel adjusts. If your paces are trending faster, it recalibrates your zones upward. If you're fatigued, it reduces volume. If you miss three sessions in a week, it redistributes the work.
Periodised structure
Higdon's plans are generally linear: start low, build mileage, taper. Snel uses four distinct training phases (Foundation, Build, Specific, Taper) with different workout distributions in each. The Specific phase, for example, includes race-pace work that linear plans often miss.
Similar pricing
Hal Higdon's basic plans are free online, but the interactive app with notifications and tracking costs $25-50 per year. Snel's full adaptive plan, with VO2max zones, adaptation, Strava sync, and injury monitoring, is free.
Which plan should you use?
Use Hal Higdon if...
You want a simple, no-tech plan you can print on a single page. If you're running your first marathon with the sole goal of finishing and you don't want to think about pace zones, Higdon's Novice 1 is a solid choice.
Use Snel if...
You want a plan that adapts to you, gives you exact pace targets, and responds when life gets in the way. If you're training for a specific time goal, Snel's VO2max-based zones and weekly adaptation make a real difference.
Many runners start with Hal Higdon for their first race and switch to Snel when they want to get faster. That's a perfectly good path.
Frequently asked questions
Is Snel really free? Hal Higdon's app charges for features.
Yes. Snel's free tier covers every runner with no card required to start. Everything, including adaptive plans, VO2max zones, and Strava integration, costs nothing.
Can I switch from a Hal Higdon plan to Snel mid-training?
Yes. Enter your current fitness level during onboarding and set your race date. Snel generates a plan from where you are now, not from scratch.
I like that Hal Higdon plans are simple. Is Snel complicated?
Snel does the complex stuff behind the scenes. Your daily experience is simple: open the app, see today's workout with exact paces, go run. The adaptation happens automatically.
Does Snel have a Novice plan like Higdon's Novice 1?
Yes. During onboarding, if you indicate you're a beginner, Snel generates a plan appropriate for your level. It includes walk/run intervals if needed and builds gradually.
Hal Higdon includes cross-training days. Does Snel?
Yes. Snel can programme cross-training sessions on non-running days. The plan respects your preferred activities and available training days.
Are Hal Higdon's pace recommendations wrong?
Not wrong, just general. "Run at a comfortable pace" is fine advice. But if you want to run a specific time, you need specific paces. That's what VO2max-based zones provide.
My friend swears by Hal Higdon. Should I argue?
No. Whatever gets someone to the finish line is the right plan for them. If they're curious about adaptation and personalised pacing, tell them about Snel. If not, let them run happy.
Does Snel work for all the distances Hal Higdon covers?
Yes. Snel supports 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon plans on the free tier, all personalised and adaptive.
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