Training For My First Marathon | My Longest Run EVER! - The Running Channel

Aug 13, 2025

This is a quick summary of Training For My First Marathon | My Longest Run EVER! from The Running Channel. It’s a great watch — we’re breaking it down so you can try the workout today. Be sure to check out the full video for all the details.

Key Points:

Plan ahead: Choose a solid route, fuel up with a good breakfast, and prep gear (e.g., shoes, hydration pack).
Map & pace overlay: If you have a GPS watch, enable the pace‑on‑map feature before you start.
Break the long run into segments: Instead of one long, monotonous effort, this workout is broken into distinct segments. This structured approach is a powerful way to build endurance and mental toughness. For a deeper look at the science behind this method, explore our guide on Mastering Interval Training: Science-Backed Workouts and How a Smart App Can Personalize Them.
Hill strategy: Start with a short vertical hill to warm up, then tackle longer climbs with a steady effort; walk when needed to protect form.
Nutrition on the go: Keep gels or easy‑to‑eat carbs in a pack that won’t rub against your legs.

Workout Example (32 km):

First 20 km – run at a comfortable, conversational pace (≈ 6:45 – 7:15 per km).
Next 10 km – aim for a “tempo” effort, holding between 6:25 – 6:55 per km (adjust based on how you feel). This segment is a fantastic way to practice race-day focus. To really dial in your pacing for this distance, check out our tips in Mastering the 10K: Proven Training Plans, Pace Strategies, and How a Smart App Can Elevate Your Performance.
Final 2 km – easy jog or walk to finish without over‑reaching. Feel free to swap the paces for miles in the Pacing app if you prefer.

Closing Note: Give this 32 km run a go (or scale it to your current mileage) and tweak the paces to match your fitness. You’ll build confidence for race day and see how planning pays off. Remember, a great marathon plan combines endurance with speed. To complement long runs like this, consider adding shorter, faster workouts to your routine. Our guide on Mastering 5K Speed: Proven Interval Strategies to Cut Minutes off Your Time offers effective strategies that can boost your overall efficiency and make your marathon pace feel easier. Happy running