[hlnx1]

“I want to run a marathon, how many weeks do I need?” It depends on where you’re starting from.

Roughly:

• If you’ve been running 30-40 km a week consistently for a few months, 16-20 weeks is realistic
• Having run a half marathon first is a big advantage
• Starting from zero, a few months of base running and a half marathon first is the safer route
• Long runs top out around 30-35 km; you don’t need to run the full distance in training

The bigger picture: periodization for endurance athletes.

How long did you take for your first one?

[hlnx1]

The most common mistake: ramping weekly mileage too fast because the plan is short. Getting injured in week 10 of a 16-week plan costs far more time than a calm 20-week build. If the calendar is tight, picking a later race is an option too.

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