When to start training for Fall Marathons/Races

Spring is here! We are approaching the summer months, and runners are getting excited for their fall races. Actually we are going to have a TON more fall marathons this year because races are postponed!! Did you know we are less than 6 months away from the Chicago Marathon?! 6 months may seem like a long time, but it will be here before you know it. It is important to start training and building your base now so that you can spend the bulk of your marathon training cycle crushing workouts and getting in the best shape possible.

What are some of the downfalls you see happen when athletes wait until June to start training for a marathon?

What sort of mileage or weekly plan should someone have now about 5.5 months away from Chicago?

Is there such a thing as ‘peaking too soon’ many athletes will put off training until

How should you feel in June/July because they don’t want to peak too soon? Is this generally because they overtrained in the past?

What are some ways people can prevent overtraining because I know this is very common?

What should the long run look like right now and how do we safely build it?

What are signs you may be doing too much?

Should athletes be looking for a time trial race or other races later in the year within their marathon build cycle?

How do you select the right training plan for you?

Suggestions for someone who is looking for a fall marathon or half: what are things to look for?