BEST 5 Marathon Training Plans for Beginners

Thank you for the tips. This was very helpful.

I’m looking at the Nike run app plan. Do you think it is a good one? I like that the runs are guided.

Super useful to see such a wide range of training methods. Although I'm a bit surprised there doesn't seem to be a mention in any of them of strength and conditioning work.

What do you think of garmin hr based marathon plans? I started the intermediate plan. I have run on and off through the years never for more than a year. I raced mtn and road bikes alot though. You think that plan is to much? It is all zone 2 runs and zone 4 threshould runs 5 days a week.

But do you not also have a risk going from 20 to 26 miles? I can see not going up to 26 miles but maybe 22-24?

Most of the plans I have saw max out at around 20 miles. I do not understand why they would not be closer to 26 miles?

Loved the video. Thanks for the inspiration. 👟

Great video. Extremely informative. I like your specific number of mileages

In the Galloway method, you should know it's fast walking, definitely not leisurely.

I've seen some people being down on Galloway's plan because there's some walking. However, his method played an important part in my running journey. I used his book for my first marathon. Once I had built up my mileage, I gradually tapered off of the walk breaks and now I'm running the whole time. But I still appreciate my time of following the run/walk method.

Great advices. Thanks

Great video, What do you think of Pfitzinger and Douglas Advanced Marathoning? I am on the 55 to 70 mile plan so far. Tough but I feel my fitness improving.

Thank you so much. The video was jam packed with great info

Join a running group.
All the advice here is great and it will help you get to where you want to go, but take the advice from the Kenyan runners, Kipchoge et. al., and form a group that you run with regularly. That part is more important than almost anything else because the collective knowledge and experience will keep you safe and get you to the goal. From that core, you will get advice and encouragement you need along the way. Also, listen to your body. When you develop soreness and nagging pains, like IT band issues, it means you need rest. Take a year to do the first marathon and hope that you can do it earlier, but I have coached a lot of people and the strain on your system to run a marathon is pretty serious.Take it slow.

I am currently on your 18 week beginner plan and looking forward to the challenge. But once it's over and I've raced what I wanna race-do you have plans for just regular maintenance? I find that I'm a plan to plan girl and in between, pretty unorganized/non consistent.

Just found your channel and am loving your videos!

I was wondering why your plan wasn’t included… then I noticed the time.

How would you say yours compares to the plans above?

Take care always, Jane!

Any idea for petite hydration vests? (I’d prefer two front pockets for bottles not a bladder). I am 5’2” and 52 kg broad shoulders but short back/body. All advice welcome 🙏

Such a great video! Thank you for sharing all of this 😁

I found this insightful! I believe a running coach is a great suggestion!

This is awesome! I am training for my first marathon now and I love it! I am building out a van to travel and live in and I want to take it out to California when I run my marathon in May! Thank you for the video!

I checked out that Hal Higdon book from the library, and other than the training plans, good grief the guy has a large amount of self esteem to put it politelty. Pretty off-putting for me.
Also got the Galloway book, and for me having that "permission" to walk is a great stepping stone for building back confidence or instilling it to brand new runners. And I found out you really don't need to purchase that book, Disney Run website offers FREE printable training plans based off Jeff's methods for intermediate and advanced runners. Thanks again, Jane!

Thanks for the helpful video!

I just came across your videos because my husband bought me a Garmin for Christmas and I’m trying to learn to use it! Your content is wonderful! I’ve run for 32 years, 3-6 miles a day, for 4-6 days a week. I’ve decided….yes I’m 50 now….to run my first marathon. I’m so glad to have found you!!! I definitely subscribed!

Hi! Thank you for the video it was really
Helpful. I just wondered what your thoughts were on doing the novice 1 vs novice 2 for Hal Higdon.. I have ran for a few years now, recently been doing 16-18 miles a week but I also enjoy a bit of speed work. I did one half marathon a couple of years ago so not sure whether to do novice 1 or novice 2! Thank you

I am 26 years old I want to be runner Marathon......is it too late for me......

Thank you for putting these videos together, I have been enjoying them and have learned a lot. Do you do any consulting in regards to training plans? I have a marathon coming up in January and started training late. I feel I have a lot of ground to make up but am worried of pushing too far. Thanks!

This was a great video. Running my first marathon in October and have not been happy with the plan I’ve been running for a few weeks now as I keep getting twinges from the steep long run increases. I’m athletic but not a running background and heavier due to lifting weights. I was going to do Hanson’s but will most likely do Higdon’s novice 1 now based on your video. Ankle is still somewhat sore but took this week off and plan is to start Higdon next week which will give me 18 weeks to my marathon Oct 31st. Thanks!