Top 10 FAQs for First-Time Marathoners

Training for your first marathon is exciting, but also kind of overwhelming. As the host of My First Marathon and a runner myself, I’ve heard the same questions come up again and again from first-time marathoners. So I compiled the most common ones—along with advice from my own experience and over 80 guests I’ve interviewed on the show.

Whether you're in the early planning stages or halfway through your training block, this guide is designed to give you real, practical answers from runners who’ve been where you are.

1. How long should I train before my first marathon?

Most marathon training plans are 16–20 weeks long, but those assume you already have a solid running base. If you're starting from zero, you'll likely need 4–6 months of base building first—enough to run 8–13 miles consistently a few times a week before diving into a formal plan.

2. What’s the longest distance I need to run in training?

You don’t need to run 26.2 before race day (save that magic for the finish line). Most runners peak somewhere between 18 and 22 miles—20 has always been my sweet spot. Just be mindful of how long you're on your feet, especially if you're mid- or back-of-pack, and don't be afraid to repeat a long run distance if you need the mental boost.

3. Which marathon training plan should I follow?

There are three main options: free paper plans, running apps, or a coach. I’ve used all three. Apps like Run With Hal offer structure and flexibility for new runners, but working with a coach has taken so much stress off my plate—it’s worth it if you can swing it. And no, you don’t need to “earn” a coach by finishing your first marathon first.

4. How should I fuel and hydrate during long runs and the race?

Use training to experiment with fueling—everyone’s body is different, and mistakes are part of the process. My go-to strategy is water every 15 minutes and carbs every 30. I aim for 30–60g of carbs per hour and often use Tailwind or Skratch mix for an easier fueling option on the run itself.

5. How long should I taper before the marathon?

I’ve done one-, two-, and three-week tapers, and two weeks is the sweet spot for me. One week felt too rushed and left my legs tired; three weeks had me feeling stale by race day. With a two-week taper, I start to feel fresher but stay mentally locked in.

6. How should I pace the marathon?

I swear by the 10-10-10K method: first 10 miles are a warmup, second 10 miles are your base miles, and the final 10K is your race. I change up my music and fuel at mile 20 to signal “go time” and mentally prepare for the push to the finish. This method saved me after hitting the wall hard in my first marathon.

7. What’s Jeff Galloway’s run-walk method?

I haven’t personally used this method, but a lot of runners love it. You alternate between running and walking for set intervals—and many say they’ve run faster and recovered better this way. If you’re curious, check out my episode with Erin Azar, who dives into it in depth.

8. What should I do in the days before race day?

If you're traveling, give yourself a day to acclimate and plan meals ahead so you don’t try anything new. A shakeout run the day before or two days before can help ease nerves. My biggest advice: don’t experiment on race day—no new shoes, no new fuel, no matter how tempting the expo freebies are.

9. Should I strength train or cross-train during marathon training?

I didn’t strength train during my first marathon cycle, and I wish I had. Just one or two sessions per week can make a big difference. As for cross-training, you don’t need to overthink it—hikes, swims, or bike rides count if they’re already part of your lifestyle.

10. How do I stay mentally strong and motivated during training?

You won’t feel motivated every day, and that’s completely normal. The runs you least want to do often teach you the most and become the mental fuel you draw on during the race. Staying grounded in your why and visualizing the version of yourself who crosses the finish line can help carry you through the tough moments.

Bonus Tip: What should I do after the marathon?

Do not collapse into bed like I did after my first one—it made recovery brutal. For my second, I kept moving after the finish line (walking, stretching, even grocery shopping) and felt a million times better the next day. Post-race movement = faster, less painful recovery.

There’s no one perfect way to train for a marathon—but there is a way that will work for you. Hopefully these answers give you a head start and help you avoid some of the more common first-timer pitfalls. And if you want even more guidance, stories, and inspiration from real runners, check out My First Marathon Podcast or follow along on Instagram.

You’ve got this. Lace up and keep going!

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