I'm in my mid 20s, 68 kg trying to hit 73kg. 13 weeks to my marathon. Also coaching hoops so my weekly load is kinda messed up. Right now I'm running 4x a week in average 10-12 miles minimum long run. Doing also lifting at least 3x a week and doing barefoot plus pool work for recovery. Calories are up but my RHR and HRV are trash and my easy pace is getting slower.

I know concurrent training is a thing, but most of the research is on athletes who aren’t also on their feet 15 hours a week.

For S&C folks out here, how would you periodize this? Do you drop lifting volume, prioritize sleep more over calories, or just accept that performance in one will tank? And any recovery modalities that actually moved the needle for you? I’m already doing contrast showers and mobility. I appreciate any advice.

Hey everyone! Looking for a little advice (and maybe some reassurance).

I’m training for my first marathon (NYC Marathon), and while I’ve really been enjoying running, I’m realizing I wasn’t nearly as strong as I thought I was. It’s made me appreciate how much strength running actually requires.
I started training and had some knee issues, so I worked on strengthening my knees and that seemed to help. But now I’m dealing with IT band pain, and I honestly feel like I’m back at square one. So far, I haven’t really been able to get past 2 miles without something starting to hurt.

Right now I’m taking a little time off to let my IT band recover, but it’s definitely been discouraging feeling like every time I make progress, a new issue pops up.
I’ve started being much more intentional with strength training at the gym, especially focusing on my glutes, hips, calves, knees, and overall leg strength. For those of you who’ve been through this, did you experience something similar when you first started marathon training?

Any tips for staying injury-free, building more resilient legs, or things you wish you knew when you started? I’d love to hear what worked for you because I really want to make it to the start line healthy. Thanks in advance!

​My first marathon training block officially starts this Sunday!

​I’ve got a 16-week build ahead of me, currently coming off a base of about 25 miles per week. After taking some good advice, I’ve adjusted my main goal: I’m focusing strictly on crossing the finish line for this first one, and I'll worry about chasing a specific time on the next one (you guys definitely had a hand in that decision!).

​I’ll be running the Gobbler Grind in Kansas this November—if anyone has course tips or advice, I’m all ears 😎.

​I'm super excited to get to work. I’ll keep you all updated on the training build and post my finishing time in November. Pretty sure we’ll have plenty more conversations between now and then!

I signed up for my first marathon for May 2027. I still have a good amount of time to train and prepare for it. I want to get a head start on it asap as I’m pretty nervous.

I’m here to look for any tips and tricks to help me be successful and not pass away lol. I’m a beginner/mild intermediate runner. The longest run I’ve ever done is 10k. I enjoy running here and there but I’ve never seriously trained or have been consistent with it.

My goal for my first marathon is honestly to just complete it before the cut off time and hopefully to keep up a steady pace where I don’t burn out.

Any training apps, personal tips/tricks, shoe recommendations, gears, hydration and fuel recs are all appreciated.

Thank you, Team :)

I’m training for the Chicago marathon and I just completed my first long run of a half marathon distance! My completion time was about 2:42:00 and I had to do it in Lisbon, Portugal. I’m currently on a Europe tour right now and I still needed to train.

had to get up at 5:30 AM it was brutal. I love this city but holy FUCK it’s terrible for running. very Bumpy course with lots of slopes and inclines and poorly paved sidewalks. I ended up gaining about 400 meters of elevation (1.3k feet). Chicago is super flat so I am not used to this kind of terrain.

Anyways yeah that was pretty uncomfortable. Can’t wait to do it all again next week!!

Hi, good chance i'll be doing the London Marathon next year through work, was hoping to get advice on setting a realistic target.

5'11, 34, 75kg, beginner runner, have lifted weights 5 times a week for as long as I can remember, sat at around 11% bodyfat at the moment, decent level of muscle mass.

Ran first 5k a month ago, did my first 10k a week ago and my second yesterday morning. First one wiped me out, feel fine after the second one.

Assuming I follow an appropriate training programme and ensure that nutrition is optimal, what do you think? Something like 4:30?

Quickest 5k 23.48 Quickest 10k 53.56

Thank you!

Hi all! I’m a new mom, used to be quite an active runner (mostly 5ks and such). I was training for my first half marathon when I got pregnant last year, and dropped out of training due to horrific morning sickness. I’m hoping to sign up for a half or maybe even a full marathon for fall 2027, and want to start training in early 2027 after I finish breastfeeding.

I’m here to ask: What can I do in the next 6 or 7 months to pre-prepare before I start my marathon training? I’ve tried running once or twice since having the baby but honestly it’s HARD with milk-engorged breasts 😅 Are there any other conditioning workouts or activities I can do in the meantime while still breastfeeding? Looking for any and all advice, especially from post-partum moms!

I've just signed up to run my first marathon for this time next year and I'm wondering how I can best make use of the time before I actually start properly training in March. Does anyone have any advice on what to do with such a long lead in?

Bit of background: I've been running for about 10 years, on-and-off for the first few but got into parkruns after Covid and have been pretty consistent since then, particularly the last year or so where I'm running 3-4 times a week. Mileage varies between 25-35 km a week. I did previously enter a marathon back in 2020, but repeated postponements and eventually a cancellation (plus a couple of injuries on my side) wrecked that idea. I've so far finished 10 half marathons and my most recent race was ~1:48 so it almost feels like if I use this extra time I've got well, a sub-4 hour could maybe be on the table (reaching the finish is very much the A goal though). I've not run further than 25 km before, and I've not really had to consider nutrition/hydration too much previously so those are the biggest gaps for me.

One idea I had was using the autumn to try building up to 30 km, no pace targets or anything, to see how that feels on the legs and try experimenting with gels and the like.

I started running and after 3 weeks developed a weird feeling in my heel. It didn't really hurt but it felt weird and i didn't want to risk it so i stopped. 3 days later it still doesn't hurt but it's obvious that something isn't right.

Since I have been doing calisthenics for a long time, i am already familiar with all kinds of injury protocols but achilles seems weird because all the research i could find doesn't really have unified advice about proper loading and frequency when doing calf raises.

I get the tempo and increase of range of motion over time because it seems like it's the start of insertional tendinitis. But loading and how many days per week and sets is where i need help.

What I did so far is single leg calf raises. 3 sets, 3 times a week. No pain during or after the set. Day after also doesn't seem to be more painful.

Increase the load? Do what i did so far?

Thanks

Hello, I (26 M) have been training for my first marathon (set for October) since February this year. I've been using the Runna app for the last 2-3 months with 4 runs a week and have been pretty consistent with it and on track for my pace, but the summer heat has really thrown me off. I just hit double digits in my runs, so I can't easily train at my gym (they only have treadmills and are strict with time limits since it's a small/crowded space), but I've been failing to hit my last two runs mainly due to the heat pushing me over the limit. I work odd hours, so my training time can't be moved around as much.

Does anyone have any tips on working through the hotter months or even experience of struggling through Summer? I'm not sure how worried I should be for having issues when it's 80-90 F when the race I'm running for is typically 60-70 F.

A couple weeks ago I completed the C25K program, and this last week I ran my first 5k in at least a decade. After I finished I started having the thought of "What if I trained for a marathon?"

It's been sticking with me and now I'm starting to actually think about a training program for it. What would be a realistic timeline for training for the marathon? Also there's a half marathon in November that still has open registration. Would that be a reasonable timeline for a half marathon to see where I'm at?

When preparing for my first marathon, I always wanted a way to understand the course before race day.

So I started creating 3D course previews to help visualize the route, major turns, and overall layout before the race.

I'm curious:

Would something like this have been useful before your first marathon?

If not, what kind of course information would have helped you the most?

Hiii wondering if anyone else here is running SF this Sunday? I’m so nervous but excited

I’ve run six half marathons, and I’m finally running my first full marathon on November 1. Right now I’m training four days a week.

I’ve already signed up for a second marathon on March 14. Would it be crazy to squeeze another marathon in between those two?

The race I’m considering is at the end of January. It’s local, has a great atmosphere, and it’s known for being a flat, fast, beginner-friendly course. It also offers a half marathon on the same day, which I’ve ran before.

Would I be better off running the half instead? The biggest unknown for me is marathon recovery since I’ve never done one before. Is running three marathons in about 5 months too much for a first-time marathoner, or is it reasonable if recovery and training are going well?

Hi everyone, this is my first post here. I'm not entirely sure if this is the right community since I am preparing for a half-marathon, but I wanted to ask for some advice regardless.

I am 23 years old and I took up running in March 2026 after a 10 kg weight loss. At first, I was only running once a week, but I enjoyed it so much that I started running more frequently. When I noticed I could easily run 10k, I wanted to push my limits and tried a 15k. After a few weeks, that distance became comfortable as well.

In May, I decided to take running seriously, and at the end of June, I registered for a half-marathon in October.

I am attempting to build a preparation plan based on Jack Daniels' book. Since I am still a beginner, I would love to get some tips from seasoned runners who have completed multiple halfs or full marathons and know how to train properly for these distances.

For context, I completed my first-ever race last week: a 10k finished in 56min 47sec. I currently run 3-4 times per week and swim once a week. As for my sports background, I played basketball for 15 years, then switched to weightlifting for 2 years, and I am now focusing on running.

I weighed myself for the first time in a couple of months and I've put on 5kg since April 😅. I have a history of underfilling, losing a tonne of weight and getting injured and was adamant that wasn't going to happen this training block...so I guess I was kinda successful.

I think I know where I went wrong with my calculations but I'm finding it really hard to stroke the right balance. To be transparent. I'm currently 5ft5 and 62kg (up from 57kg which is my normal). I run 45-55 miles a week, averaging 32,000 steps a day. Also breastfeeding which does complicate calorie-counting. My watch says I burn about 3,400 calories a day (which is probably and overestimate) BUT also doesn't take into account breastfeeding, the fact I'm actually running with a pushchair and that I do about an hour of walking a day with a 13kg toddler on my shoulders. So intake it with a pinch of salt. I also do about 45 mins of strength and conditioning across the day.

All my health metrics have improved since April when I started running again except weight and body fat %. Weight gain is not muscle, unfortunately. Performance has improved massively, but starting to plateau now and feel heavier.

I eat healthy, cook all my own meals etc. only difference I've done is introduce a huel light after a run (190cals), sometimes a lucozade sport on the run itself, and then aside from that adding in piece of toast on the evening, or snacking on yogurt/bananas in the day if I feel hungry when usually I wouldn't. I've clearly overestimated how much I'm burning during runs, but now I need to lose the weight while training without getting injured. I already feel physical hunger, as in my tummy is rumbling during a run and before meals so I think this is going to be tough.

Does anyone see what I'm doing wrong or have any advice on how to train for a first marathon in a small deficit?

Last Saturday i added a few easy miles around my usual parkrun route and, weirdly, the win was that i didn't stare at my Apple Watch every 30 seconds. I started with Nike Run Club because it got me out after c25k, tried Runna for a bit because the structure felt reassuring, then switched to Hiiro for this long London or Manchester build because it asks for effort first and lets me message the coach when my week gets messy. I might be wrong but RPE seems kinder for base than being told exact paces while i'm still 40-ish weeks out. Tiny sample size though. For first marathon people who moved from pace-based plans to effort-based ones, did you feel less cooked after a month or did it just make you second-guess every run?

52F here. I have been running for 18 months alongside gym work (started with the gym) and I have done a few hybrid events and a couple of half marathons. Had bursitis in my hip which is a low grade niggle these days. My current issue is knee pain (runner's knee/patellar tendinopathy methinks) and I have a marathon booked in October.

I know the usual advice is strength training to help the knee but not only have I always strength trained (having started the fitness journey in the gym and still go at least 3 times a week) but the pain is now preventing me doing a lot of the leg work. I'm a bit stumped how to resolve this - is it best to give up the marathon dream as I am unable to do the distances my plan dictates? Should i spend however many months it takes not running (doing gym cardio) while i continue strength training and try a different marathon next year? Can I somehow run through this and do this marathon in October?

Thanks

Just wanted to make sure I’m not alone and crazy here, lol! I’ve kinda been running on/off my whole life, but properly committed to it about a year ago. Fell in love with it and have some friends planning for a marathon at the end of this November, so I decided what the hell, why not. I have a half marathon lined up for September around when I would need to run that distance in my training plan anyways.

I’m not so nervous about the half marathon, as I can run a 10k and still feel like I have more in me, but am definitely getting nervous about the full marathon 🫣 worst case scenario I’ll run/walk it but wanna know if others are in the same boat !

Fuck me, it wasn't so bad, did a lot of training this year and that paid out.

Finished in 4:22, been training off and on for 4 years with consisten training this year, at least 4 runs per week 50/60km in total.

The race wasn't so bad, I even got watermelon during the race, and I fucking love watermelons so you can imagine how I felt after I got it.

It was a night marathon starting at 11pm, got home by bike (lol) and adrenaline rush stopped and couldn't walk, had a hard time to sleep, but finally woke up at 12pm and legs are just sore like after a long ass run.

Will definitely run more marathons, glad I run all course and didn't hit the wall - thx for reading.

A couple weeks ago I beat my running record and ran 16.5 miles (I estimate myself to 10 min miles) in 2 hours and 45 minutes. Im not really that interested in participating in an official race or anything just running on the bike trail or on the streets on my own but I do want to make a full marathon.

Has anyone here ran a marathon on their own and do you think its important to run in a race instead of just by yourself?

What are you guys all doing in the hours/days after your marathon has been completed?

I’m thinking celebrations, self care, recovery????

I have been struggling with flat feet for as long as I can remember. I am 35 now, and even while in high school, playing any sport for an hour or two (or just walking long distance), I experience severe pain in my left foot (as left is worse than right in flatness) the next day. Basically limping for a day or two after. No pain during running though.

I am training now for a marathon in January, but even running 2 miles now causes debilitating pain the following day lasting for about 24-48 hours. I have horrible flat feet and have custom orthotics by a podiatrist (again which I have been wearing since I have been about 13 and obviously getting new ones every couple of years), but despite them the pain is aggravating and preventing me from training. I have HOKA Bondi 9 wide, Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 standard width, and Brooks Ghost Max 2 wide. All comfortable when walking, but after running even short distances has been tough. I am new to running so I get my muscles and body are not used to this yet, but have always been athletic my whole life.

Can anyone with flat feet relate? I went to my local trusted shoe store that because I use custom orthotics I should be running in only neutral shoes to prevent overcorrection, but then the Brooks Adrenalines are stability shoes and have read online that I need those. So I am just lost and yet I really want to run this marathon. Or should I just give up on running as a hobby?

im currently following Matt fitzgerald couch to marathon plan ( https://run.outsideonline.com/training/training-plans/marathon/couch-to-marathon-training-plan/#1 ) and i just finished the 10k portion. so ive been running for 8 weeks and i did my first 10k in 1:04:00, my goal was sub hour but i went a bit too fast in the first half and kinda blew up the last 3 miles.

either way, im about to start the half marathon portion and then the marathon portion which both last 8 weeks, which would mean it would end 5 weeks before my marathon.

how should i approach these 5 weeks? id assume to just push back the taper weeks and copy/insert some of the longer milage weeks it already has me doing like the 16 mile long run week or the 20 mile long run week, maybe even bumping up my peak week to a 22 mile long run considering ill have more time to get used to longer milage.

what do you think? i have a soft goal of sub 4 hours which i know is probably unrealistic but its mostly to base my goal training paces off of but if that makes a difference with the decision i figured id include it.

Hi guys!! I’ve been accepted into the London Marathon 2027 (finally!!) and was planning on training with Runna but I had an email from TCS today to say Coopah is the official training app of the London marathon so would just like to ask opinions on which one would you think is best to train with? I have ran 3 half marathons before but never used a training plan for those. I just know I will definitely need one to be able to complete the marathon. Thank you in advance!