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If you are more of a beginner when it comes to marathons, a 20 week programme will be the most sensible training option, provided you have the time before your big race.
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Training plans also give you more structure and stop training from becoming a bore.īelow, we explain some of the different marathon training programme lengths and what you can expect to achieve by following one. Those who have more running experience may want to take on more challenging training programmes that focus on improving speed and endurance. For total beginners or those who don’t have much experience with long distance running, it is best to train with the goal of completing the course in mind, rather than aiming for a particular time. There is a range of training schedules that can guide runners of all levels, to take you from easy runs to higher intensity workouts as you build up to your race. The answer to this question will depend on a few things, such as your current fitness level, your goals and of course, how much time you actually have before race day to train, however the average training time for a marathon is between 16 and 20 weeks, with a minimum of 4 training days per week. Even if you are planning on walking the whole course in a gorilla suit for a charity you should make sure you get plenty of training in to prepare for the exertion of travelling 26.2 miles by foot! How long does it take to train for a Marathon?
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For more experienced runners or athletes, a good training plan can really make the difference in shaving the seconds off your time too. Training before you set your sights on the finish line of your 26.2 mile run is really important to help you build up your fitness level to run longer distances and also to avoid injury. Download our FREE Ultimate Marathon Guide
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