Save 25% on one year of TrainingPeaks Premium when you buy a training plan.

Save 25% on one year of TrainingPeaks Premium when you buy a training plan.

Go all in for 2025. Purchase a training plan and get 15% off Premium at checkout for a limited time.

Browse More Plans

Novice/Intermediate Marathon Plan

Browse More Plans

Novice/Intermediate Marathon Plan

Includes Structured Workouts

Structured Workouts automatically sync with compatible devices and guide you through workouts in real time.


Learn More about Structured Workouts.

Author

Donncha Long

All plans by this Coach

Length

16 Weeks

Includes Structured Workouts

Structured Workouts automatically sync with compatible devices and guide you through workouts in real time.


Learn More about Structured Workouts.

Plan Description

Who is this plan for?
Runners with little to some experience. Anyone that can run for 60-70 minutes and runs 2-3 times a week.
Runners looking for a plan to complete their first marathon.
Runners doing a marathon that are time restrained and looking for an easy plan to follow that doesn't require high mileage.

What does it entail?
4 runs a week for 16 weeks.
3 weekly runs building from 45 to 70 minutes and one long run building from 70 to 180 minutes.
(I believe anyone training for their first marathon should complete at least one 3 hour run prior to the event)
A deload week every 4 weeks (volume reduction to aid recovery and reduce injury risk)
2 peak training weeks where overall running volume is 6 hours - that's the max amount of time in any week.
Strength day - highly recommended - not included.

What do I need?
Any device compatible with Training Peaks (Garmin is my preference) is linked below.
As the sessions are programmed using Heart Rate (HR) - I would highly recommend the use of a HR Monitor Chest Strap as it is far more accurate than wrist based sensors and will give you a better experience overall.
All sessions have RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) in their description which should in theory allow you to complete a session 'going by feel' - I would not recommend using just this metric however as it would be more suited to experienced runners. At the same time, it is worth noting the RPE and how it changes for each session in case you do run into trouble with your device or HRM.

When can I start?
If you decide to buy the program, you can set the start date for whenever you want - 16 weeks from your marathon date would make the most sense.
There is a note, on day 1, of how to fix your HR training zones in Training Peaks settings - follow this for accurate feedback from Training Peaks to your device.

Notable mentions:
Heart rate training while vastly successfull has it's issues. Mosy notably, faulty devices and/or wrist based sensors not flush enough against the skin. Other HR issues could be an increase in HR from lack of sleep, caffeine or stress. All of these things can be taken into consideration with your RPE for each session. Having the two of these metrics working in tandem is your best chance for success.
Some people run a very high Heart Rate - for these individuals it's simply not effective to use a formula, you will need to find your Max HR through a vigourous short session (I've attached a 'How To' in the notes on day 1.

This is not a coaching plan, it is a programmed Training Peaks running plan.
For coaching enquiries, please visit https://www.fitforlong.com/

Devices compatible with Training Peaks:
https://help.trainingpeaks.com/hc/en-us/articles/204070114-What-Devices-are-Compatible-with-TrainingPeaks-

I really hope you enjoy this training plan.

How it Works

Load Your Plan

Quickly view upcoming workouts in the TrainingPeaks app.

Workout and Analyze

Upload completed workouts from your favorite tracking app or device.

Track Your Progress

Get feedback, stay on top of your training and perform at your best.

Learn More

Training Plan Sample Week

Stats

Average Weekly Breakdown

Workouts Weekly Average Longest Workout
Run x4
04:24:00 03:00:00
Day Off x2
—— ——
Strength x1
—— ——
Workouts Per Week Weekly Average Longest Workout
Run Run
04:24:00 03:00:00
Rest Day Off
—— ——
Strength Strength
—— ——

Training Load By Week


This plan works best with the following fitness devices:

  • Heart Rate Monitor

All supported devices

Donncha Long

FITFORLONG

Donncha Long @fitforlong
Coaching for triathlon, running, ultra running, adventure races and strength and conditioning.
Operates a sports injury clinic in Cork city (Ireland).
Neuromuscular Therapist HDip.
Certified Ironman Coach.
Level 2 Triathlon Ireland Coach.
Training Peaks Level 2 Coach.


  • This plan includes a Free Basic TrainingPeaks Account.
  • Access your training plan anywhere on the TrainingPeaks mobile and desktop apps.
  • Track your performance with robust data tracking and detailed graphs.
  • Plan for your event in the TrainingPeaks calendar.
  • Track your weight, sleep, hours, fatigue and stress while you train.
  • Completed workouts sync with popular apps like Garmin and Wahoo. Learn More
  • If plan includes Structured Workouts, then planned workouts sync to compatible devices and guide you through workouts in real time. Learn More

Refund Policy

This plan is protected by our Refund Policy and may, with the author's approval, be exchanged for a plan of equal value from the same author.

Still have questions about this plan?
| Premium

15% Off

Bundle your plan with TrainingPeaks Premium, and you'll unlock our progress-tracking tools, plus the freedom to move workouts to fit your schedule.

$114.74 USD for the first year, billed yearly.