Training For My First Marathon - The Running Channel

Aug 13, 2025

Intro

This is a quick summary of Training For My First Marathon 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

Consistency is king: a structured 20‑week plan helps busy parents fit in regular sessions.
Interval training (800 m repeats) mimics the fatigue you’ll feel late in a marathon and builds confidence on tired legs.
Mental tricks – visualise the finish line, focus on the post‑run reward, and run with a partner for extra motivation.
Taper wisely: after a 17‑mile (≈27 km) long run, drop mileage the week before the race and finish with a short 21‑mile (≈34 km) run to lock in endurance.
Don’t get obsessed with a target time; enjoy the experience and celebrate milestones along the way.

Workout Example

800 m Interval Session (Runna plan)

Warm‑up: 1.6 km easy jog
Main set: 8 × 800 m at a comfortably hard pace (around your 5K race pace) with 90 seconds easy jog or walk recovery between each repeat.
Cool‑down: 5–10 min easy jog/stretch Tip: Start the repeats feeling fresh, then use each interval to practice running on progressively more tired legs – exactly what you’ll face after 30 km in the marathon.

Practical Tips You Can Use Now

Schedule your workouts like appointments; the plan’s structure makes it easier to stay consistent.
Pair up with a friend or join a running club – the shared effort makes tough intervals feel doable.
During long runs, picture crossing the London Marathon finish line to boost morale.
After each workout, note how you felt and adjust the pacing in the Pacing app to match your current fitness.

Closing Note

Give the interval session a go, tweak the paces to suit your level in the Pacing app, and keep building that consistency. You’ve got this – happy training and see you at the London Marathon finish line!