Training for a marathon, a 26.2-mile footrace that tests endurance, mental strength, and consistent training. Also known as 42.2 kilometers, it’s not something you jump into after a few weeks of jogging. Most people need at least 16 to 20 weeks to build up safely—even if they’re already active. If you’re starting from zero, plan for 6 months. There’s no magic number, but skipping steps leads to injuries, burnout, or quitting halfway.
The real question isn’t just how long, but how consistently. A beginner who runs three times a week, adds a long run every Sunday, and takes rest days seriously will finish stronger than someone who runs five days a week but skips recovery. Your body needs time to adapt—bones, tendons, and muscles don’t keep up with ambition. That’s why marathon training, a structured plan that gradually increases mileage while building stamina and preventing injury works better than random long runs. It’s not about running farther every day; it’s about running smarter.
What you wear matters too. running shoes, the most critical piece of gear for any runner, especially during long-distance training. Also known as training footwear, they need to fit right—most runners need half a size bigger than their normal shoe to account for foot swelling during long runs. Bad shoes cause blisters, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures. And don’t forget rest. Sleep, hydration, and nutrition aren’t optional add-ons—they’re part of your training. A runner who eats well, sleeps 7+ hours, and takes one full rest day a week will outperform someone logging more miles but running on empty.
Age doesn’t lock you out. People in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s finish marathons every year. What changes is recovery time. Older runners need more rest between hard sessions, and mobility work becomes non-negotiable. The key isn’t how fast you go—it’s whether you show up, day after day, without breaking down.
Below, you’ll find real advice from people who’ve done it. Whether you’re wondering how much to run each day, whether to buy bigger shoes, or if starting at 37 is too late, the answers are here. No fluff. Just what works.
