
Can you train for a marathon in 8 weeks?
Training for a marathon in 8 weeks–or any amount of time–takes more than just running, strength training, and cross-training. You also need to master your nutrition, recovery, and the skill of listening to your body’s needs. It’s important to practice with the fuel you plan to use on race day during you training runs.
How does the 16 week marathon training plan work?
The plan is designed to help you get from a solid running base to crossing the finish line of a full marathon in 16 weeks. This plan includes 4 run workouts each week with optional cross-training days on Wednesdays and Sundays. Mid-week runs range from 20 minutes to 90 minutes. Weekly long runs range from 8 miles to 20 miles.
Should I Cross train when training for a marathon?
It is much better to focus on your running, especially your long run when training for a marathon than it is to get a cross training workout in once a week. If you do choose to cross train then a good day to fit it into this plan would be on Thursday, in the middle of your training week.
How many miles will I run during my marathon training schedule?
Once you hit Week 6 of the marathon training schedule you will have a reduction in your long run miles to help your body get a bit more rest and recovery in before increasing your long run the following. Your highest mileage week will be around 38 miles in Week 13.

How long is the marathon training?
This is a 16 week marathon training schedule for beginner marathoners that is focused on building endurance.
How do I know if I'm ready for this marathon training plan?
Before jumping into any marathon training schedule you should assess whether or not you are truly ready.
What is the goal of this marathon training schedule?
As a beginner or even first time marathon runner, the goal of this training plan is to build your running volume and your endurance level.
What is the highest mileage week for a marathon?
Your highest mileage week will be around 38 miles in Week 13. You will be doing a taper phase during the last 2 weeks of this schedule. Tapering allows your body to really peak of your marathon race day and if done can help enhance your performance. Here's more information on tapering for a marathon.
What is the goal of running a marathon?
The main goal is to build running volume and mileage so that you are able to run and complete the marathon distance.
How many easy runs are there in a week?
Easy Running Days: Each week, (Tuesday, Wednesday, Fridays) you will perform 3 easy runs. The goal of these easier, shorter training runs is to build your weekly running volume (your weekly mileage) and keep your body maintained and prepped for your long run on the weekend.
When to reduce long run miles?
Once you hit Week 6 of the marathon training schedule you will have a reduction in your long run miles to help your body get a bit more rest and recovery in before increasing your long run the following.
What does hypertrophy mean in running?
Well muscle hypertrophy basically means growth, growth of the muscle fibres through contraction, damage and repair and thus increasing muscle glycogen storage. Improved glycogen storage means more fuel for your muscles, which is exactly what you need when running 26.2 miles.
Do you have to pay for a PT to get a marathon PB?
These are two very common questions runners have when faced with strength and conditioning work; heading into the gym and strengthening your core and those all-important stabiliser muscles is vital when it comes to getting a marathon PB, but without paying for a PT, structuring every session to maximise on time can be difficult.
How long does it take to train for a marathon?
So, how many weeks does it take to train for a marathon? This article is all about training WELL for a marathon for someone who is ready. To do that, depending on how much of a base you have going into marathon training, you’ll need to plan for 16 – 22 weeks of marathon training. Each phase of the training serves a different purpose including: 1 Base-Building Phase (5 weeks) 2 Build-Up and Strength Phase (7 weeks) 3 Peak-Mileage Phase (5 weeks) 4 Taper Phase (3 weeks)
How many miles should I run in a week?
Doing so gets you extremely fit – and ready for every single mile of your marathon. I personally think hitting 60 miles is my personal magic number, but everyone will be a little different. Elite runners run up to 100 miles per week or more!
Why do marathon runners get injured?
The thing with runners is that they can get overzealous about their upcoming marathon training. We’re a dedicated bunch and therefore that means injury runs rampant among marathon runners. Not because marathons hurt you, but because runners are notorious for doing too much, too soon . Greg Mcmillan, one of the masters behind marathon training (IMHO), talks in-depth here about the need for the body to adapt. And that requires a constant stress/rest cycle so you won’t get injured.
How long is Hal Higdon's marathon training program?
New to the marathon distance? Many people start by utilizing one of Hal Higdon’s plans. These training programs are 18 weeks long. There are many options to choose from depending on your level and a simple printed plan is free! You can also use the interactive plans through Training Peaks for $40. There is an app option to utilize to track your runs, as well.
What happens if you train too short?
If you utilize a training plan that’s too short, you end up trying to fit way too much “stress” into a short number of weeks. This is not going to get you to the starting line of your marathon healthy and ready to do your best. Each phase of training is important to get you prepared to run your best and stay injury-free.
How long is Greg McMillan's training plan?
Greg McMillan’s training plans are 16-17 weeks long and also include strength training to reduce injury. There is also an 8-week supplement plan you can purchase to build up your base (which you’ll need if you’re not coming into training with a comfortable 25 miles per week.) There are many choices and a printed plan costs $50 with an extra coaching option, as well.
How long is a tempo run?
Tempo runs are “comfortably hard” runs that can be sustained for at least 20 minutes. This is not quite your 5k race pace, but should be about 25 – 30 seconds slower (getting close to 10k race pace.) So not an all-out effort. But there are both physical as well as psychological benefits to doing these types of runs.
How long does it take to train for a marathon?
It’s estimated that it takes the average beginner about 15 weeks of training to get themselves mentally and physically prepared for a marathon. 15 weeks - hundreds of hours and kilometers to then run 42.2 km in around 4 and a half hours (the world average marathon time).
How often do you need aid stations for a marathon?
The modern marathon is a well-structured and organized event, usually having an aid and food station every 5-8km along the course. However, some carry less of what you need than others, so read up before you start on what each aid station provides (water, electrolyte drinks, fruit, salt pills, chocolate, massages). Usually, they should have each of these things, but, for the sake of argument, if a race only had water stations, here are the very basics you should have in your pack or pockets for during the race:
Why is it important to have high performance running shoes?
Even if you don’t normally need extra support shoe for shorter runs, extra support can help you overcome accumulated fatigue during training and failing muscles come the big day.
How to make sure your pace isn't too fast?
One way to make sure your pace isn’t too fast is to listen to music with a max of 80-100 beats per minute (a moderate track). Making sure the music is also interesting will further help your run as it will distract you from your body and the time of the race. Note, however, not all races allow runners to listen to music, so check that in advance. The sound of silence can be even louder if you were expecting to run accompanied by Rihanna or The Gallagher Brothers.
How to get back from mixed sports?
Stretch and do an activity like yoga or Pilates. Or simply nothing at all.
Can you listen to a marathoner?
You may not listen to them, but at least talk to them and get a check-up to make sure you are not in a high-risk group for experiencing cardiac complications (a risk of the marathon that should not be underestimated, especially on no training). Go slow.
Can you switch to Sundays for a long run?
Saturdays and Sundays: Can be switched as needed, with the long run more important than the mixed workout (if time permits only 1 training over the weekend).
How long does it take to train for a marathon?
A marathon mostly is around 42.195 kilometres or 26.2 miles. For an average marathon training plan, it's usually 16 to 20 weeks long. Typically, you will need to run three to five times a week and increase your mileage as your race day get closer.
How long before a marathon should I plan?
Fajar: I always plan the year ahead at least 6 months before joining a marathon. I put the marathon as one of my a races of the year. Towards the race day, I can squeeze in other B and C races to support the training plan for the big race.
What is the Best Marathon Training plan?
Marathon training plans differ and there is no consensus on which marathon training plan is the best. However there are some key attributes to consider.
What Is an Average Time for a Marathon?
For an average runner in Singapore, the marathon time is about 4:30:00. To hit a sub 4:00:00 race, runners need to maintain around a 5 1/2-minute per km pace.
How to Train for a Marathon?
It's important to be honest with yourself about what level of runner you are. New and older marathon runners will need more time to build up to the long run and require more time to recover from the demands of training.
Why is it so hard to work out how fast you can run?
It can be challenging to work out how fast to run because everybody have their own training plan and ability to achieve their race or marathon goals.
How long is a long run?
The usual runs are 1 - 2 hours and long run last up to 3 hours. The maximum distance in one run is the 32 km. I will include strength training which focuses on lower as well as upper body parts to get my entire body prepared for the race.
How long does it take to train for a marathon?
You’ll also need at least 12-16 weeks for your training program, so if you’re going to be doing a lot of traveling for work, have a big vacation scheduled, are getting ready to move, or are preparing for a new baby at home, it might not be the best time to get your formal marathon training underway.
How long is a marathon?
Marathons are 26.2 miles long and take even the fastest runners more than a couple hours of non-stop effort to complete. Because it’s no easy feat, finishing a marathon is really only possible with dedicated training and adherence to a smart training plan. A good training plan will not only prepare you to achieve your marathon goals — whether just finishing the race, hitting a personal best, or qualifying for another race — but it will also get you to the starting and finishing line healthy and strong.
How long does it take to train for a marathon?
Training for a marathon typically takes 12 to 20 weeks of regimented work. But if you have a solid base, your body can handle a more abbreviated 8 week marathon training plan. “The base is the mileage in a training plan. It’s building the muscles strength and endurance.
What is the goal of all runners?
All runners no matter their skill level have at least one common goal when it comes to racing: To cross the finish line.
How to prevent injuries during workout?
And it’s extremely important to add in a warm-up and cool-down during every workout to prevent injuries. Henwood suggests warming up with dynamic stretches, such as leg swings, which are ideal for a run with a light jog. After each workout do your static stretching.
How much should I decrease my mileage for 20mi?
This involves scaling down mileage to allow the body to recover from all the hard work thus far. Most runners recommend a 20-25 % decrease in total weekly volume. In my case, the decrease will be around 5-10% since I’ve been playing catch-up from the start.
How long is a LSD run?
The key to this program is the “long slow distance” (LSD) run each week. These ramp up from 8 to 20 miles, and are meant to be run 30-90 seconds per mile slower than your estimated race pace. They’re essential for training, since the runs build endurance and train the body to burn energy more efficiently.
Do you have to take in carbs when doing endurance?
I described my situation to a co-worker who does triathlons. His stance was when doing endurance events, you must force yourself to take in carbohydrates, electrolytes, and sugars at regular intervals, even if you aren’t hungry or thirsty. It takes time to process the fuel, so being proactive will allow the energy to be available when your body needs it.
