Marathon Training Schedule for Beginners

Good marathon training schedules for beginners is hard to come by these days. It seems like the general assumption is that you have already run a marathon and are now just looking to cut down the amount it takes to run 26.2 miles.

There are schedules for beginners that are as few as 16 weeks to as long as 52 weeks. You have to be a bit in shape and be running 3-5 miles to tackle a 16 week schedule. Although this is a beginner level, in my opinion its not a true beginner schedule because in my experience I find that many people have trouble getting to the 3-5 mile level.

52 weeks is a bit too long and drawn out for a good marathon training schedule for beginners. For this reason I suggest you use the following 26 week schedule.

Something beginners like about this schedule is that it is measured by minutes instead of miles. We talk about the 26.2 miles but what really is critical to train for is to keep moving for 4 to 6 hours.

Bill Rodgers who routinely ran 2 hour 12 minute marathons was genuinely impressed with the back of the packers that could stay out on the roads for 5 hours straight.

That is why this marathon training schedule for beginners is unique and best suited for an initial marathon. Most coaches think in terms of miles, we need to think in terms of duration.

In preparation for starting the marathon training schedule for beginners, you are advised to first go to a doctor for a general check-up. You want to make sure that things like your heart is healthy for the training you are about to start. If you have any aches and pains in your arms and legs before you start, these should be discussed with your doctor. It's better to know everything is fine before you start because once you embark on the training schedule you will find you have pains in places that you didn't know you had places.

Before you start your training, tell people your plans to run a marathon. You will be surprised with the amount of support you get from friends and family. You will need that support. It's REALLY helpful on race day but its just as helpful during the training phase when you need help with your schedule and encouragement to keep going.

To get more help with motivation, tips and tricks of surviving....er I mean running a marathon, I would suggest that you head over to http://www.BeginnerMarathon.Sleekwood.com for more information.

So as you start the marathon training for beginners, remember that it's a individual journey. It's an individual journey that is best done with some help from others. I realize the conflict of the previous statement but you will come to realize the wisdom.

Good Luck

Day Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4
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2 - 25 35 20
3 30 40 30 -
4 - - - 35
5 35 30 30 -
6 25 25 25 20
7 40 30 50 40
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3 40 55 35 40
4 - 30 60 30
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3 30 40 30 40
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3 35 40 40 40
4 75 40 90 90
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4 30 -
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7 20 Race