Q: How long do you need to train for a marathon?

How long it takes to train for a marathon really depends on where you're starting from. If you're new to running, jumping in too quickly can lead to injuries — it’s important to build your mileage gradually. Beginners can train for a marathon in about 24 weeks if they use a run-walk method. But if your goal is to run the entire distance without walking, you’ll need at least a year or longer to build your mileage up safely. If you’re a more experienced runner with at least a year of consistent training under your belt, you may need only 15 weeks to get ready. That said, 18 to 24 weeks is ideal if you’re aiming to hit your peak for race day.

Q: Can I choose when to run?

Yes, you can easily adjust your training schedule and choose what workouts you want to do on specific days. The app will help you understand how best to balance your training and recovery days to avoid getting injured, but you always have the final say.

Q: Can I remove the mobility and strength workouts?

Yes, you have full control over your schedule. The app will suggest an optimal training plan, but you can always add, remove, or move workouts.

Q: Why choose a running plan from Exakt Health?

For optimal performance improvement and injury prevention combined, Exakt Health offers comprehensive running plans designed by an Olympic running coach and a team of expert sports physiotherapists. Our plans go beyond standard running schedules by including personalized strength and mobility training , providing a well-rounded approach to your running journey. Additionally, the app adapts to your feedback , tailoring the plan to your current fitness level for a customized progression.

Question 1

How long do you need to train for a marathon?

Accepted Answer

How long it takes to train for a marathon really depends on where you're starting from. If you're new to running, jumping in too quickly can lead to injuries — it’s important to build your mileage gradually.

Beginners can train for a marathon in about 24 weeks if they use a run-walk method. But if your goal is to run the entire distance without walking, you’ll need at least a year or longer to build your mileage up safely.

If you’re a more experienced runner with at least a year of consistent training under your belt, you may need only 15 weeks to get ready. That said, 18 to 24 weeks is ideal if you’re aiming to hit your peak for race day.

Question 2

How many marathons can you run in a year?

Accepted Answer

The answer depends on your training history, the intensity of your races, and how long your body takes to recover.

The more years of consistent training you have under your belt, the more robust your muscles, tendons, and joints become, allowing them to withstand higher training volumes.

A marathon training cycle takes 16 to 18 weeks on average. The lower your current training volume, the longer you need to safely ramp up your distance. Most runners need about 4 to 6 weeks to recover after a marathon.

If you've never run before, completing one marathon per year is already pushing the boundaries of what is considered safe.

If your regular weekly training volume is:

Less than 20 km per week: Running only one marathon per year may be best.
A moderate range, between 20–40 km per week: Running 2 to 3 marathons may be feasible.
More than 40 km per week: You may be able to run 4 or more marathons per year.

Question 3

Can I choose when to run?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can easily adjust your training schedule and choose what workouts you want to do on specific days.

The app will help you understand how best to balance your training and recovery days to avoid getting injured, but you always have the final say.

Question 4

How does strength training prevent running injuries?

Accepted Answer

In addition to strengthening your muscles, strength training also strengthens your tendons, helps you develop good movement patterns, and improves your position sense.

Strong muscles and tendons take longer to fatigue when you run, which means that you can sustain good running form for longer. They also reduce the impact on your joints as they can absorb more of the force.

Improved movement patterns and position sense have been shown to reduce the risk of sprains and strains.

Question 5

Will I get bulky muscles from strength training?

Accepted Answer

No. We've designed the strength training workouts in the app to build strength and control without bulking you up.

Question 6

How do mobility workouts help running?

Accepted Answer

Our bodies move as kinetic chains, meaning that what happens in one part of the body affects the movement of the next.

Mobility workouts help you optimize the movement throughout your kinetic chain — so you move more freely when you run.

Question 7

Can I remove the mobility and strength workouts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you have full control over your schedule. The app will suggest an optimal training plan, but you can always add, remove, or move workouts.

Question 8

Why choose a running plan from Exakt Health?

Accepted Answer

For optimal performance improvement and injury prevention combined, Exakt Health offers comprehensive running plans designed by an Olympic running coach and a team of expert sports physiotherapists.

Our plans go beyond standard running schedules by including personalized strength and mobility training, providing a well-rounded approach to your running journey.

Additionally, the app adapts to your feedback, tailoring the plan to your current fitness level for a customized progression.

Marathon training plan