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Marathon Training Schedule

by Megan

It’s been a long-time goal of mine to run a marathon. After I had my third baby, I decided it was time to find a marathon training plan for beginners, and get it done before I had another baby. Well, that time is now! Today I thought I’d share with you my training schedule for marathon beginners.

My 16-Week Marathon Training Schedule

I plan on running the Desert Classic Marathon, in Surprise (my own town, just down the street, and yes I plan on running the course to practice!), on January 31st, 2015. Here is proof that I’m committed:

Marathon Training Schedule: 16 Week Program

I’ve heard that it’s an easy marathon, being that it’s mostly flat. Plus, a bonus for me is that runners are allowed to start an hour early. You see, I’m a very slow runner. One of my claims to fame is not that I’ve won any races but that I have never been the last person to cross the finish line. #highstandards

I’m excited and nervous. I have no doubt that I will do it and that I will finish. But what shape I’ll be in at the end, who knows? When I ran my half-marathon and made it to the end, all I could think was, “For a full marathon, I’d only be halfway!” I couldn’t imagine turning around and running all the way back to the start. But, that’s what training is for.

For my marathon training plan, I’ve been following the book, “The Non-Runner’s Marathon Trainer.”

Click to view on Amazon (affiliate link)

This book is based on a college class that prepared students to run a marathon at the conclusion of the course. There is a chapter dedicated to each week of training (16 weeks), and each chapter is broken into three parts that cover mental preparation and techniques, physical preparation and information, and first-hand experiences and tips from some of the class participants. The authors are adamant that if you follow their program, you WILL complete your first marathon.

I’m glad they have faith in me.

My sister-in-law Kadi borrowed my copy a few years back and used it to train for her first marathon. She suggested that I read the entire book and then read it again while I’m training. I begin training on Monday, so I’m trying to quickly read the last few chapters before going back to the beginning and reviewing the chapters corresponding to my training week, as I’m doing the training.

The authors suggest a pre-training program, for anyone who cannot currently run 3 miles at a time. I’ve been following their pre-training program for the past 9 weeks, to get myself back in running shape. This week is 4 35-minute runs, and then it’s on to the regular training program, which is measured in miles.

If you want to see what I’ll be doing this fall and winter, here is the 16-week training schedule for marathon beginners that I will be following, in a fun printable!

Marathon Training Schedule Printable: 16 Week ProgramClick to download!

What do you think, want to do it with me? Come on, let’s go for a run!

Have you, or would you ever, run a marathon? What are your bucket list “big ticket” items?

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13 comments

Karen G. October 8, 2014 - 9:07am

Congrats on deciding to run a marathon! Looks like a very doable training plan. :)
26.2 is an amazing experience!

Reply
Esther Davison October 8, 2014 - 10:39am

I just ran my first half marathon and I had so much fun! I could do a full if I wanted to but right now I’m training for my second half and there’s two half’s next year too. I’m definitely getting into running. Your schedule looks totally doable. I’ll save it for when I decide to do a full.

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