the best Marathon Training Schedules for beginner, intermediate, & advanced runners!
So you are looking for a marathon training schedule!
I’m already so excited for you!
Training for a marathon is going to be one of the best memories of your life! (perhaps you already know that though if you have previously run a marathon!)
I want you to know something though beforehand:
Your big dream is easier to achieve than you think!
A simplified approach is all you need to make crossing your marathon finish line a fun success!
And that is exactly what I’m going to give you on this page!
A list of simple yet highly effective marathon training schedules that have been well loved and used by thousands of runners world wide!
For your convenience, I put together this list of all the marathon training schedules that I currently offer on the All About Marathon Training Site in an organized list here on this page.
I have so many different marathon training plans to offer you from paid options to free printable pdf options so that you can start your marathon journey TODAY!
Here’s a quick list of all the marathon training schedules you will find linked on this page:
Beginner Marathon Training Plans
Intermediate Marathon Training Plans
Time Goal Marathon Training Plans / some are slightly more advanced training schedules depending on your specific time goals
Many of these marathon plans are available in miles as well as kilometers!
On each marathon training schedule plan that is linked, click the link to find a full run-down of everything you need to know in order to train and run a great race using the plan on the specific page that is linked.
I will give you a quick overview though of what each training plan entails on this page.
If you are looking for something specific that you don't see here, you can always reach out to me in the Contact Me form in the top right hand side of the navigation bar.
Let’s answer some common questions first before jumping into the training plans!
What is the purpose of a marathon training schedule?
A marathon is largely a feat of endurance.
The question always looms....Can I run a full 26.2 mile marathon?
A marathon training schedule will help you to reach your peak endurance potential at a certain point in time in order for you to be able to complete the entire marathon distance!
For most runners, training for a marathon is a challenge that requires months of upfront hard work, sweat, and probably a few tears.
Without a good training schedule, you quite possibly won’t even make it halfway through the marathon race.
This is devastating to anyone who has invested so much time into their running.
However, all of the training plans on this page have been well loved by thousands upon thousands of runners.
Be assured you can find your perfect marathon training schedule on this page! Yay!
What is the best marathon training schedule for me?
The best training schedule for you is going to be the one that is right for:
your current fitness level
running history
time available to train
current life commitments
your belief in yourself that you CAN run a marathon!
These factors are just scratching the surface though.
Here are the training plans, starting with beginners (+ first time marathoners), intermediate runners & runners who are striving for a time goal!
beginner marathon training schedules
My philosophy in regards to marathon training is to keep it simple and focus on your running!
I have heard from so many of you of the success you have had training for a marathon using these training plans while keeping your training sweet and simple!
This training schedule was designed specifically for first time marathon runners in mind.
Is this the best training schedule for you?
Are you a first time marathon runner?
Are you comfortable with running at least 3 to 4 miles at one time?
This plan is also great for run/walkers!
Here’s what’s scheduled on this training plan:
4 days of running scheduled every week (3 shorter runs and 1 long run)
1 scheduled cross training day per week
the focus is almost completely on the long run and does not include other quality running workouts such as tempo runs or hill repeats as this plan is specifically for first time marathoners
10% increase in mileage each week where your long run is over 10 miles in length.
You will have alternating “reduction/easy weeks” after you pass your 12 mile long run during training, where your mileage is reduced and the "long" run is much shorter in length (between 6-10 miles). These help you to stay fresh and injury free!
The goal of this training plan is to build your running volume and endurance at a healthy rate for a beginner marathon runner.
This is a another training schedule that does not contain quality running workouts such as speed or hill training as the focus is on getting across the finish line for a beginner runner.
Is this training plan for you?
Before you begin this marathon training schedule ask yourself if:
You are comfortable running at least 4 miles. (4 to 6 miles is ideal)
You are a beginner or first time marathon runner
You aren’t striving for a finishing time goal
What’s scheduled on this training plan?
Your first long run schedule is 6 miles (that’s why it is good to be able to run 4 to 6 miles before you begin the plan)
Each week you will run 3 “easy” base runs and 1 long run.
You will have an optional cross training day (or take it as a rest day)
Your highest mileage week will be around 38 miles in Week 13.
Reduction/Rest Weeks are incorporated into the schedule
Therefore, this training schedule is multi-tiered and will have you train first for a 5K, then a 10K, a half marathon, and then the marathon itself!
The beauty with a plan of this length is that although you could use the phases as stand-alone training plans, when creating this 52 Week Training Schedule, I know exactly where you are coming from and your running history from the past couple of months leading into the marathon training phase.
If you follow the plan, you WILL be ready for that marathon in one year's time.
You can absolutely trim this plan to fit your needs and jump into the training at the level you are at and when you are ready. As always, make this training schedule your own!
The Run Your First Marathon Training Program is a fully guided training plan that walks you through step-by-step everything that you need to know about training and running your very first marathon!
What's included in the RUN YOUR FIRST MARATHON Training Program:
28 step-by-step training videos where I walk you through the entire process and cheer you along the way!
3 marathon training plans to choose from (+ a prep week plan): 20 weeks, 16 weeks, or 12 week marathon schedules
Goals Assessment + Body Assessment + worksheets
Your Warm Up + Cool Down Prescriptions during marathon training
The 20 Week Mindset Training Plan for Marathon Runners. This features weekly Prompts (the marathon is 80% in the head so we need to train ourselves to be mentally strong during the marathon!)
Your Cross Training Prescription + Goals that you will want to incorporate as you train for your first marathon!
Strength Training Workouts for Runners (to choose from on your cross training days)Injury Prevention Guide for Marathoners
A Mini Marathon Nutrition Guide
Your Pre-Marathon Week Strategy all laid out including nutrition! (That last week is crucial!)Your very first marathon carbo-loading plan
Pre-Race Meal Plans Race Week Checklists for a smooth marathon start and finish
A Recovery Action Guide for after your long runs and the marathon race!
Journal/Log space with prompts because it's your first marathon and you should document it!
all the included PDF downloads throughout the program are digitally fillable and printable
I would recommend this 3 month marathon training schedule plan for a first time marathon runner only if they were very comfortable running about 4 to 6 miles, if they have previously run a half marathon or 10K within the past 3 to 6 months.
Otherwise this is also the perfect marathon plan for those who have already run a marathon or two, and would like to run another in 3 months time!
What is scheduled on this training plan?
This plan comes in both miles and kilometers
The plan is divided into 3 phases: a base building phase, a strength building phase, and a speed training phase
Your first scheduled “long run” is 6 miles (10 kilometers)
This 12 Week Marathon Training PLUS Plan takes the same training schedule as the 12 Week Marathon Training plan but gives you a complete path to the marathon finish line!
Who is this plan for?
Those who are comfortable running between 4 and 6 miles (6 and 10 kilometers)
Would like to run a marathon in 3 months
Prefer a faster progression of there training and long run buildup
Want to include quality workouts in there marathon training strategy.
This training plan is perfect for the runner who has perhaps run one or a couple of marathons and is looking to become faster and stronger at the marathon distance!
Before using this training plan, it would also be ideal if you:
There is something so thrilling about chasing a time goal dream when you are training for a marathon!
Maybe you are trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon or you simply want to achieve a personal best with a huge boost of self-esteem to go along with it!
Whatever your reason, I have 7 Marathon Finishing Time Goal Training Schedules just for you!
Here are some of the details concerning each of the time goal training plans:
The plans combine base running with a variety of quality runs that will help you gain strength and speed so that you can crush your time goals!
Each plan includes both a version in miles and a version in kilometers!
Each plan is 16 weeks (4 months) in length
4 training blocks are scheduled onto each plan and are divided into: a 2 week block of base building, 4 week block of strength building, 8 week block of speed training, 2 week prep and taper before the race!
Is one of these marathon finishing time goal plans for you?
If you have run a previous marathon or have been running for at least 6 months to 1 year then you are well suited for one of these plans
It would be ideal if you can run about 6 miles comfortably and are comfortable running 15 to 20 miles a week on a regular basis
You are excited and motivated to put in the hard work to achieve your marathon dream goals!
Here are the 7 Finishing Time Goal Marathon Training Plans that I currently offer:
Alright! You've come to the end of the list of the best marathon training schedules for beginner, intermediate, and advanced runners!
I hope that you are excited by one of these training schedules!
Each one has been designed with your success in mind! My wish is that you can have a fulfilling journey all the way to the finish line and cross with a smile on your face no matter what the outcome!
You got this! I can't wait to hear all about it!
Now that you have your training schedule here's your ultimate guide on how to train for a marathon
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Hi! I'm Molly! I combined my love for running with my Exercise Science degree to provide training plans and resources to help runners achieve their marathon goals!
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