The marathon is one of the most challenging events in endurance athletics. Success requires well-developed aerobic capabilities as well as stable connective tissue and a psychological resolve not seen in other events. Executing a proper training program is essential to maximizing performance on marathon day.
This maxim rings particularly true for first-timers who are likely to make common errors in the critical final 12 weeks of build-up. This plan lays out an intelligent approach to the final few months of marathon training—both for beginners and for those returning to the event after an extended hiatus.
Background Work
The final 12 weeks of a marathon schedule—considered the “specificity” portion of the training program— is where the realization of hard work is found. The background work, however, is what allows a marathoner to train intently through that specificity with reduced risk of injury. As a general rule, I require any first-time marathoner to complete a minimum of six weeks running of no less than 18 to 24 miles each week prior to the 12-week specificity period.
Pro Tip: If you have the time, add one to two non-running sessions (swim, stationary bike spin, elliptical session or a hike) to add some additional aerobic work in the lead up to the critical “final 12.”
Introductory Period
Sunday : 6-7 miles, easy running
Monday: Off/rest
Tuesday: 3-4 miles easy, with 6x100m post-run form strides for economy
Wednesday: Repeat Tuesday
Thursday: Off/rest with 40-min non-run aerobic (swim, stationary bike spin, elliptical, etc.)
Friday: Short run, 3 miles
Saturday: 5 miles with light pick-ups (6 to 7 moderate 1-minute surges with 1:30 recovery walk/jog between each) over the final 3 miles
Approximate Total: 22 to 23 miles
Pro Tip: Be sure to hit three key elements in the first 2 weeks of the final 12:
-A longer run with gear changing
-A medium long run
-A run with some moderate sustained running
- 1
- of
- 3
About the Author
Get ACTIVE on the Go
Couch to 5K®
The best way to get new runners off the couch and across the finish line of their first 5K.
Available for iOS | Android
Discuss This Article