January 8, 2025
Training for a marathon is a wild ride—equal parts sweat, determination, and “Why did I sign up for this?” moments. A traditional marathon build usually lasts 16 weeks, and every step (or stumble) along the way matters. Let’s talk about how cross-training, conquering long runs (yes, up to 36 km!), and a few amazing partners like Fitness World and Brooks can make your marathon journey not just successful, but downright enjoyable.
Why Cross Training is Your Secret Weapon
Running is awesome, but let’s be real—it’s tough on the body. Enter cross-training: your ticket to becoming a stronger, more balanced athlete while giving your running muscles a break. Think of it as a cheat code to better performance.
Here’s why you should give it a try:
- Injury Prevention: Strengthen those lesser-used muscles to keep pesky injuries at bay.
- Boost Your Fitness: Low-impact activities like swimming or cycling are great for building endurance without pounding your joints.
- Mental Refresh: Mixing things up keeps training exciting. Plus, who doesn’t love a good spin class playlist?
Fitness World is perfect for this! Whether you’re into yoga, weights, or sweating it out on a bike, their classes and equipment make cross-training a breeze. And the vibe there will keep you motivated even on those “rainy, I’d rather stay in bed” days. Bonus: our runners get a free pass by signing-up here!
Tackling the Long Run (aka Your Weekly Marathon Rehearsal)
Long runs are the backbone of marathon training. They’re like mini-adventures that prep you for the big day. Here’s how to crush them:
- Ease Into It: Build up your distance slowly—no need to go full hero mode too soon.
- Hit That Sweet Spot: Aim for a peak long run of up to 36 km. It’ll push your limits but leave enough gas in the tank for race day.
- Test Your Fuel: Long runs are the perfect chance to figure out which gels, chews, or snacks your stomach doesn’t hate. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t leave it to race day to fuel up on your run for the first time! (Insider tip: our race fueling blog comes out Feb.5)
And along with having the best training plan, you’ll also want the best gear. Brooks shoes are like running on clouds (without the sogginess), and their apparel? Top-notch. Trust me, your feet and legs will thank you after those long training sessions.
Let’s Do This!
Marathon training is more than just a grind—it’s a journey full of milestones, lessons, and maybe even a few laughs. By mixing in some cross-training and building those long runs smartly you’ll set yourself up for an unforgettable race day.
So lace up, hit the gym, and start dreaming of that finish line. You’ve got this!
