how long does it take to train for a marathon?

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barbiex3
barbiex3 Posts: 1,036 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I currently run cross country for my college... but I really want to train for a marathon to run it next summer or something. I know that the training takes a long time, but what if your mileage is already around 35ish miles a week with long runs being about 8-9 miles...?


I am well aware that there are training plans/schdules out there to google, but I was looking for more like a ball park figure of how long it would take to get my milage up?... any suggestions on time of year to run or anything?

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  • tlynnweb
    tlynnweb Posts: 201 Member
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    Look up Hal Higdon's marathon training program, he's got some good ones. You can follow his recommendations or you can extend the program as you need fit! Good luck!
  • arc918
    arc918 Posts: 2,037 Member
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    With a decent base (which you have) you can train for one in 12 weeks (maybe less depending on how long your long run is).

    That said, I can almost guarantee your coach will NOT be happy about your plans. At some point the distance and recovery gets in the way of your training for the 5K - 8K distances.

    How about blasting a fast half instead?
  • DizzieLittleLifter
    DizzieLittleLifter Posts: 1,020 Member
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    If you run that much then should only take 12 weeks at most. Your lactic acid thresh hold is already high.
  • jillybeanruns
    jillybeanruns Posts: 1,420 Member
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    You can do it in 12 weeks.

    I took 3 weeks off after training for a half/running the half and still did a 16 week plan. My base was up there, but I wanted a longer plan that allowed time for injuries and such. On week 10 now:smile:
  • 0112317
    0112317 Posts: 17
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    I agree with Arc, just start upping the long runs. Also don't skimp on dead lifts/squats, the extra strength in legs and back will help prevent injury.
  • keengkong
    keengkong Posts: 83 Member
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    It should take you about 12 weeks, assuming you follow a good training program. I ran two marathons. One involved 14 weeks of preparation. The other involved 18 weeks. Before I started each training program, I was runnng about 3 miles per run. I hope that helps.

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