Running Race Training Marathon Training Schedules Advanced Marathon Training Schedule By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Luff, ACE-CPT LinkedIn Twitter Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 16, 2020 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by John Honerkamp Reviewed by John Honerkamp LinkedIn Twitter John Honerkamp is an RRCA and USATF certified running coach, celebrity marathon pacer, and recognized leader in the New York City running community. Learn about our Review Board Print Mitchell Funk/Getty Images Have you picked out your next marathon? If you've done more than one marathon, you're already running five days a week, and you can run up to 8 miles comfortably, this advanced marathon schedule may be good for you. Take a look at the program (see chart below) and see what you think. If it looks like it might be too tough right now, try this intermediate schedule. Notes Cross-training (CT): Cross-training activities allow you to give your joints and running muscles a break, while still working on your cardio. When the schedule calls for CT, do a cardio activity other than running (biking, swimming, elliptical trainer) at a moderate effort for 45 to 60 minutes. Tempo Run: Tempo runs help you develop your anaerobic threshold, which is critical for faster racing. For a 40-minute tempo run, for example, start your run with 5 to 10 minutes of easy running, then continue with 15 to 20 minutes of running at about a pace that falls between your half marathon and 10K pace. Finish with 5 to 10 minutes of cooling down. If you're not sure what your 10K pace is, run at a pace that feels "comfortably hard." Strength-train: Spend about 20-25 minutes doing lower body and core strengthening. Here are some sample strength-training workouts. Interval workouts (IW): After a 10-minute warm-up, run the designated interval at Race Pace (see below), then recover with easy running for 2 minutes before you start the next interval. Finish intervals with a 10-minute cooldown. Easy pace (EP): These runs should be done at an easy, comfortable pace. You should be able to breathe and talk easily. This is also your long run (Saturday) pace. Race Pace (RP): These runs (or portions of runs) should be done at your estimated marathon race pace (RP). If you're not sure what your marathon race pace is, add 30-45 seconds per mile to your half-marathon pace. You can also use a recent race time to figure out what your estimated marathon race time would be. Rest: Rest is critical to your recovery and injury prevention efforts. Your muscles build and repair themselves during your rest days. Running every day can lead to injuries and burnout. Fridays are a good day for rest, as you'll have run on Thursday and will have your long run the next day. You can switch days to accommodate your schedule. If you're busy one day, it's fine to swap a rest day for a run day. For example, some runners prefer to do their long runs on Sunday, so you could do your EP run on Friday, rest on Saturday, and do your long run Sunday. Advanced Marathon Training Schedule Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 3 mi EP 35 min tempo Strength train + 3 mi EP 5 mi EP Rest 8 mi 4-5 mi EP 2 3 mi EP 35 min tempo Strength train + 3 mi EP 5 mi EP Rest 9 mi 4-5 mi EP 3 4 mi EP 40 min tempo Strength train + 4 mi EP 6 mi EP Rest 10 mi 4-5 mi EP 4 4 mi EP 40 min tempo Strength train + 5 mi EP 6 mi EP Rest 12 mi 4-5 mi EP 5 5 mi EP IW: 5 x 800 RP Strength train + 5 mi EP 40 min tempo Rest 14 mi 4-5 mi EP 6 5 mi EP 5 hill repeats Strength train + 6 mi EP 40 min tempo Rest 16 mi 4-5 mi EP 7 5 mi EP IW: 7 x 800 RP Strength train + 6 mi EP 2 mi EP + 5 mi RP Rest 18 mi 4-5 mi EP 8 5 mi EP 7 hill repeats Strength train + 6 mi EP 40 min tempo CT or Rest 12 mi 5-6 mi EP 9 5 mi EP IW: 6 x 800 RP Strength train + 5 mi EP 2 mi EP + 6 mi RP Rest 20 mi 3-4 mi EP 10 5 mi EP 8 hill repeats Strength train + 6 mi EP 40 min tempo Rest 14 mi 5-6 mi EP 11 5 mi EP IW: 8 x 800 RP Strength train + 6 mi EP 4 mi EP + 4 miles RP Rest 16 mi (last 4 mi RP) 6-7 mi EP 12 6 mi EP 7 hill repeats Strength train + 5 mi EP 40 min tempo CT or Rest 12 mi 4-5 mi EP 13 5 mi EP 2 mi EP + 6 mi RP Strength train + 5 mi EP 2 mi EP + 5 mi RP Rest 21 mi 4-5 mi EP 14 5 mi EP 6 hill repeats Strength train + 5 mi EP 45 min tempo CT or Rest 14 mi 4-5 mi EP 15 4 mi EP IW: 6 x 800 RP Strength train + 5 mi EP 45 min tempo Rest 20 mi (last 4 mi RP) 3-4 mi EP 16 CT 5 hill repeats 5 mi EP 40 min tempo Rest 12 mi 3-4 mi EP 17 Rest IW: 5 x 800 RP 4 mi EP 4 mi EP Rest 6 mi 3-4 mi EP 18 CT 4 mi RP Rest 4 mi EP Rest 2 mi EP Race! Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! If you're planning to run a 5K, you'll need to get in shape. Our free training guide will get you ready to run. Sign up and get it free! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies