Beginner Marathon Training Plan
This beginner Marathon plan is built around deep aerobic endurance, fueling, and pacing discipline. It runs roughly 18 weeks at 3 sessions a week — but unlike a static PDF, RUNNIQ's AI coach reshapes it the moment you get sick, travel, or miss a run, so you arrive at the start line fit and fresh.
Start your plan nowWho it's for
- Beginner Marathon runners — runners newer to structured training or returning after a break
- Anyone who can train 3 days a week
- Runners who want AI coaching that reacts when life gets in the way
What to expect
- A 18-week periodised build focused on deep aerobic endurance, fueling, and pacing discipline
- 3 sessions per week, with easy days that stay easy
- Personalised pace and heart-rate zones from your recent runs
- Automatic adjustments when you get sick, travel, or miss a workout
- Daily and weekly AI coaching feedback after every session
Sample week one
Preview only — your full personalised plan is generated when you start.
| Day | Session | Effort |
|---|---|---|
| Tue | Easy aerobic run Relaxed, conversational pace to build your aerobic base. | Zone 2 · easy/conversational |
| Thu | Easy run or walk-run Keep it gentle — the goal is time on feet, not speed. | Zone 1–2 · recovery |
| Sun | Long run Steady 14–16 km easy. The single most important session of the week. | Zone 2 · easy long run |
- TueZone 2 · easy/conversationalEasy aerobic runRelaxed, conversational pace to build your aerobic base.
- ThuZone 1–2 · recoveryEasy run or walk-runKeep it gentle — the goal is time on feet, not speed.
- SunZone 2 · easy long runLong runSteady 14–16 km easy. The single most important session of the week.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Marathon training plan?+
The plan runs about 18 weeks, but RUNNIQ adjusts the length to your goal date and current fitness when you sign up.
How many days a week will I run?+
This plan is built around 3 running days a week. You can tell RUNNIQ how many days you have and it rebuilds the week to fit.
What if I get sick or miss a week?+
That's the core of RUNNIQ. When you miss sessions, fall ill, or travel, the plan automatically reshapes the remaining weeks so you arrive at your race fit, not overcooked.
Do I need a watch or Strava?+
It helps but isn't required. Connect Strava and RUNNIQ analyses your runs to set personalised zones; without it you can still follow effort-based guidance.
Is the sample week below the whole plan?+
No — it's a preview of week one. The full periodised plan, personalised to your zones and life, is generated when you start.
Related plans
What runners say
“I got the flu three weeks out and panicked. RUNNIQ just rebuilt the plan around it — I still PR'd by four minutes.”
Marina S. · First half marathon
“I hadn't run since school. The walk-run weeks were exactly my level and it never made me feel behind.”
Diego M. · Couch to 5K
“The daily feedback after each run is what kept me honest. It felt like a coach who actually saw my training.”
Aisha K. · Marathon, Berlin
“Travelled for work twice during the block. Each time the plan shifted my long runs without me asking. Knocked 90 seconds off.”
Tom R. · 10K personal best
Ready for a plan that adapts to your life?
Get a personalised, AI-built training plan that reshapes itself when you get sick, travel, or miss a run.
Start your plan now