Completing a marathon tops many runners’ bucket lists. It requires dedication and commitment, but as long as you put in the work, you CAN run 26.2 miles. And it might be one of the highlights of your life.
To run this iconic distance, you need a solid training plan. You also need sound advice on how to execute your workouts, boost your nutrition, and conquer race day. And that’s exactly what we’re here to provide with the new Runner’s World+ guide How to Master the Marathon.
Paired with the RW+ Training Plan of your choice, this holistic training program, available exclusively to Runner’s World+ members, provides all the tools you need to navigate the entire marathon training journey—from picking a race to crushing your long runs.
Nell Rojas is a professional runner and performance run coach. She has placed top 10 in both the New York City and the Boston Marathons, where she was also top American two years in a row. In the Health & Injuries, Plus, RW+ members get exclusive access to ever. So let’s get moving!
Mallory Creveling
How to Recover From Long Runs
Winnie Yu
Physical Therapist and Certified Sports Performance Specialist and Strength & Conditioning Coach at Bespoke Treatments.
Meb Keflezighi
Olympic Silver Medalist in the Marathon, Boston Marathon and New York City Marathon Winner, Run Coach with RunDot
Amy Stephens
Registered Dietitian, Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics
1: Know how to combat regular aches and pains during training
Find the perfect race for you.
7: Other Types of Runs
A former New Yorker/Brooklynite, shes now based in Easton, Pennsylvania.
10: Understand the Taper
Deputy Health & Fitness Editor, ACE-Certified Personal Trainer, RRCA-Certified Run Coach!
Learn More
How to Master the Marathon was created with our Runner’s World Marathon Training Plans in mind, which are designed to help you crush your first race or finally break that time-based goal. We have over a dozen plans to suit all your needs, whether you run/walk the full distance or want to train with three key workouts per week. These are some of our most popular plans, with each lasting at least 16 weeks. Runner’s World+ members get access to these ultimate marathon training guides (along with half marathon, 10K, and 5K plans... plus other great membership perks!) when you sign up!
- Run Your First Marathon
- staff and experts in the running community
- Break 4:40
- Run Your First Marathon
- Running Shoes - Gear!
Plus, RW+ members get exclusive access to How to Run Twice a Day Without Injury (both under 35 minutes) that can serve as your sessions for the week! You’ll get a mix of mobility, total-body strength-building moves, glute activation, and plyometrics, all blended into two challenging but scaleable workouts to fit your schedule. All you need is a set of dumbbells and a mini band—but bodyweight also works, particularly if you're just starting out with strength training.
Runners World+ is a tight-knit community as passionate about running as you are. Through RW+, we’ve expanded the ways we can reach you beyond simple stories in a magazine and on a website, offering more unique benefits to help you run faster, stronger, healthier, and happier. Along with How to Master the Marathon, here’s just a glimpse at what we offer
- Prepare for your next half marathon with our Keep your body in prime shape for each workout
- The Runner’s World Guide to Mental Health delivers a scientific explanation of how precisely running supports your mental health and provides strategies, tips, and resources to assist you with implementing running into your wellness routine.
- staff and experts in the running community, Keep your body in prime shape for each workout, cutting-edge tools, and gear reviews on RunnersWorld.com
- Get every print issue delivered straight to your mailbox
- Receive a weekly members-only newsletter with insight from the Runner’s World staff and experts in the running community
- Access hundreds of streaming video workouts on demand
Mallory Creveling is an ACE-certified personal trainer and RRCA-certified run coach, who also holds multiple other fitness certifications and regularly stays on top of her continuing education in the field. She has more than a decade of experience covering fitness, health, and nutrition for a wide range of publications, and she has nearly 10 years of experience as a trainer and fitness instructor. Mallory stays on top of the latest science in wellness, has worked with some of the best experts in their medical fields, and regularly interviews researchers, trainers, athletes, and more to find the best advice for readers looking to improve their performance and well-being.
As a freelance writer, Mallory's work appeared in Women's Health, Self, Men's Journal, Reader's Digest, and more. She has also held staff editorial positions at Family Circle and Shape magazines, as well as DailyBurn.com. A former New Yorker/Brooklynite, she's now based in Easton, Pennsylvania.
Brian has spent more than a decade focused on creating compelling news, health, and fitness content—with a particular interest on enthusiast activities like running and cycling. He’s coordinated coverage of major events like the Paris Olympics, Boston Marathon, New York City Marathon, and Tour de France, with an eye toward both the professional race and the engaging stories readers love.
Donna Raskin has had a long career as a health and fitness writer and editor of books and magazine articles. She bikes in a nearby county park, lifts weights, takes Zumba, and loves to walk/run with her dog, Dolly.
