Training for the Boston Marathon: A Recap of My Weekly Running Routine

I am currently in the midst of training for the Boston Marathon, and I wanted to share with you what a typical week of training looks like. Training for a marathon requires a lot of dedication and discipline, but it can also be a lot of fun. Here’s a summary of my weekly training routine.

Monday: Easy run plus strides. Mondays consist of an easy, aerobic run (usually 60-80 minutes), followed by strides for leg turnover.

Tuesday: Speed run. On Tuesdays, I alternate between a tempo run or speed intervals. A Tempo run involves running at a moderate pace for an extended period of time. This helps to improve my endurance and speed. Speed intervals usually range from 1/4 mile to 1/2 mile intervals at 5k to 10k race pace.

Wednesday: Recovery run. The day after speed work, I do an easy run at a comfortable pace (usually 45-60 minutes) to help me recover from the hard workout. I usually bring my dog along with me for these!

Thursday: Hill repeats. To build strength and power, I include hill repeats in my training. To train specifically for the course at Boston Marathon, I run up a hill at a hard effort, then run back down at goal marathon pace. This will help prepare me for both uphill and downhill running.

Friday: Easy run plus strides. Fridays are another day with an easy, aerobic run (usually 60-80 minutes), followed by strides for leg turnover.

Saturday: Long run. The long run is an essential part of any marathon training plan, and mine typically ranges from 14-21 miles depending on where I am in my training cycle.

Sunday: Rest day. I always make sure to take a day off each week to give my body a chance to recover.

I also include two days of strength training, typically on Sunday and Thursday afternoons. My strength training consists of full body workouts which include movements like squats, deadlifts, lunges, shoulder press, bent over rows, chest press, calf raises, and core work.

Training for a marathon can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding. I have learned so much about my body and my capabilities, and I am constantly amazed at what I am capable of.

I hope this recap of my weekly running training has given you a glimpse into my marathon journey. Until next time, happy running!