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Marathon training hub

Marathon training plans, tools, and guides — built to reduce decision fatigue and keep you consistent.

Last updated/Feb 03, 2026, 02:17 PM

marathon

Train for race day without burning out.

For runners who want structure, pacing clarity, and a plan that adapts to missed sessions and real life.

Time horizon

Train in ~12–26 weeks (choose the plan that fits your base).

Start with a default plan, then customize only what you need.

Start with a plan

Pick one plan. Variations live inside the page so you can choose without overwhelm.

Then use a tool

No signup required. Get numbers you can act on today.

Finish with a guide

Checklists + decision rules for the parts people mess up.

This week

What changed

Updated: Feb 03, 2026, 02:17 PM

  • Added new training plans with smart variations (so you can pick without overwhelm).
  • Improved tools (pace, fueling, cutoffs) so you get numbers you can use immediately.
  • Expanded adaptation rules so missed sessions don’t turn into panic make-up workouts.
  • Expanded race directories and athlete guides with sources and verification timestamps.
Changed pages: /blog/training/marathon/20-week-plan, /blog/tools/running-pace-calculator

Coaching beta

Get a plan that adapts to your life.

Join the 26weeks.ai TestFlight beta for adaptive coaching, recovery-aware adjustments, and race-week reminders.

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FAQs

What’s the best plan length?

Pick the shortest plan you can execute consistently without injury. If you’re building durability, longer is usually safer.

How many workouts per week?

One quality workout plus one long-run focus is enough for most runners. Keep easy days easy.

When do I start fueling practice?

Early. Fueling is a skill — practice the timing and products during long runs so race day is repeatable.

Keep going

18-Week Marathon Training Plan

A 18-week marathon training plan with week-by-week structure, workouts, adaptation rules, and built-in pace + fueling tools. Variations are included on one page.

20-Week Marathon Training Plan

A 20-week marathon training plan with week-by-week structure, workouts, adaptation rules, and built-in pace + fueling tools. Variations are included on one page.

16-Week Marathon Training Plan

A 16-week marathon training plan with week-by-week structure, workouts, adaptation rules, and built-in pace + fueling tools. Variations are included on one page.

24-Week Marathon Training Plan

A 24-week marathon training plan with week-by-week structure, workouts, adaptation rules, and built-in pace + fueling tools. Variations are included on one page.

22-Week Marathon Training Plan

A 22-week marathon training plan with week-by-week structure, workouts, adaptation rules, and built-in pace + fueling tools. Variations are included on one page.

12-Week Marathon Training Plan

A 12-week marathon training plan with week-by-week structure, workouts, adaptation rules, and built-in pace + fueling tools. Variations are included on one page.

Running Pace Calculator (with Splits)

Convert distance + time into pace per km/mile and generate a splits table. Useful for planning workouts and race pacing.

Marathon Fueling Planner (Carbs Schedule)

Turn a carbs-per-hour target into a simple fueling schedule you can practice in training and execute on race day.

How to Choose a Marathon Plan (Decision Tree)

A practical decision tree to pick a marathon plan you can actually execute — based on your base, recovery, and constraints.

How to Pace a Marathon (Rules That Prevent Blow-Ups)

Effort-first marathon pacing rules: how to start, when to settle, how to handle hills/heat, and how to avoid the classic late-race crash.

Sources