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How to Run Back-to-Back Marathons

Here's what a sample three-week plan might look like:

Sunday   Race Marathon 1
   
 Monday

Spin or aqua jog very lightly for 30 minutes; hot tub and stretch

 
 Tuesday  

Off, hot tub and stretch, spin or aqua jog very lightly for 30 minutes

 Wednesday  

2-mile easy shakeout run (slow and easy)

 Thursday  

30 to 45 minutes easy running

 Friday  

70 percent of normal easy run volume

 Saturday  

70 percent of normal easy run volume

 Sunday  

70 to 80 percent of normal easy run volume

   
 Monday  

Easy run (70 percent of normal volume)

 Tuesday  

 2 or 3 x 2 miles at half-marathon to marathon pace with 3 minutes rest 

 Wednesday  

Off or easy run

 Thursday  

Easy run

 Friday  

4 to 5 x 1 mile at half-marathon pace with 90 seconds recovery

 Saturday  

Off or easy run

 Sunday  

10 to 12 mile easy long run

   
 Monday  

Easy run (70 percent of normal volume)

 Tuesday  

3 to 4 miles at marathon pace

 Wednesday  

Off or easy run

 Thursday  

Easy run

 Friday  

Easy run

 Saturday  

Short 15-minute shakeout

 Sunday  

Race Marathon 2

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About the Author

jeff gaudette

Jeff Gaudette

Jeff Gaudette is a 2:22 marathoner and owner of RunnersConnect, a team of expert coaches dedicated to helping you run faster with the latest running and nutrition research as well as training insights from elite runners. He recently released a free eBook, 16 Weeks to a Faster Marathon. Download it now.
Jeff Gaudette is a 2:22 marathoner and owner of RunnersConnect, a team of expert coaches dedicated to helping you run faster with the latest running and nutrition research as well as training insights from elite runners. He recently released a free eBook, 16 Weeks to a Faster Marathon. Download it now.

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