Make your marathon build fit your starting point

How the marathon template starts

The default marathon template lasts sixteen weeks and asks for at least four training days. It is intended for runners with an established base. Current weekly volume, recent long runs and race date guide the shape of the plan.

What the training weeks contain

The model gives marathon training more base and specific work. Marathon-pace work is related to current fitness, while the race itself can carry your target pace. The final three weeks reduce training towards race day.

The long run is constrained by its share of weekly distance, recent history and a duration limit. The template does not promise that every runner will reach a particular long-run distance, and it is not a substitute for an individual preparation assessment.

Before you add the plan

Look beyond the total distance before adding the block. Consider the time needed for long runs and recovery, which days you can consistently train, and whether the first weeks resemble your recent routine.

Choose the days you can repeat consistently and use your current fitness for training paces. Templates are editable: move or change sessions when the plan no longer fits what you can do.

• Enter current weekly distance and recent fitness honestly.
• Choose the race date, training days and preferred long-run day.
• Check the proposed weeks before adding them to your calendar.

Follow the plan alongside your actual runs

Try the planner for free, or create an account to save your training across devices. Connect Strava in Settings → Integrations to bring completed activities into the same log.

A template provides a starting structure, not a guaranteed finish time. Review planned and completed work as the weeks pass and adapt the schedule when your circumstances change.

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