How to Train BEFORE Your Marathon Build Starts | Part 1 of My Build to the Berlin Marathon

Welcome to my Berlin Marathon build-up series! Join me as I document my journey to one of the world's most iconic marathons. In this series, I'll share my training regimen, day-to-day life, and valuable insights to help you prepare for your best marathon.
From workouts and nutrition tips to recovery strategies and mental preparation, you'll get an inside look at what it takes to reach the finish line in Berlin. Whether you're a seasoned runner or gearing up for your first marathon, there's something here for everyone.
In Part 1, I go over what to do BEFORE your marathon build begins; how to focus on strength and speed work in a marathon build, how important rest and recovery are in your training, and tidbits that I have picked up in my own experience training as a distance runner.
00:00 Intro
04:15 Diving into Strava and weekly workouts
15:34 Takeaways
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[@eliecarbono]

So stoked for this series/ build!!

[@DrewMartig]

Thanks 🙏 me too

[@teeroy9886]

Nice. I hit 10mi last week.

[@DrewMartig]

Keep it up

[@user-ql4rc9qt4v]

It makes me want to go back to running

[@DrewMartig]

There’s no better time than the present!

[@MyWildBackyard]

Interesting on frontloading VO2max work. I was playing with a training plan doing that, primarily due to time constraints. I can't run daily during my busy seasons, as production trips have me working 100+ hours a week filming and searching for film subjects in remote habitat (wildlife documentaries). I REALLY miss being in competitive shape, and if I could get into a rhythm I think I've got some good races left in me.

[@DrewMartig]

I have a similar problem with time constraints and the harder sessions definitely make it easier to squeeze good work in. I’ve found I’ve gotten the most PR gains out of 30 min race pace (critical velocity) work. Pretty much anything between 5k and 10k pace for most people. PS: Your work and training balance is impressive! Kudos! 👍

[@MyWildBackyard]

@@DrewMartig that was my thought. Been seeing a lot of these hybrid plans making headlines (Parker Valby most recently) and was almost thinking if I could only squeeze 2 sessions in during trips I could focus VO2 and threshold. Consistency is easy when I’m home, but it’s been those training block interruptions that kill me

[@DrewMartig]

@MyWildBackyard My two cents is that the only potential gap would be base aerobic fitness which can limit your ceiling over the long term. But for someone like you who has a strong competitive background I’d bet that’s less of a concern.