When you’re training for a marathon, reaching your peak training weeks is a huge milestone.
These are the weeks where your runs are at their longest, your weekly mileage is at its highest, and marathon day suddenly starts to feel very real!
For many first-time runners, peak weeks can feel like the hardest part of the journey. But they’re also the weeks where you build the most belief in yourself.
The good news? You don’t need to train perfectly - you just need to train smart.
Here are five simple tips to help you get through your peak marathon weeks feeling strong, prepared, and proud.
1. Get Planning
There’s a famous saying: “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail” - and that couldn’t be more true when it comes to marathon training.
A lot of you will be juggling running around full-time work, family life, social commitments, and fundraising. It can all start to feel a little overwhelming, especially during the busiest training weeks.
So instead of a last-minute panic, take just 10 minutes at the start of each week to plan when your runs will happen - especially your long run.
Of course, you may still need to be flexible, but having a plan in place can make these weeks feel far more manageable.
When mileage increases, your body needs extra support.
Adding just one or two short strength sessions a week can make a huge difference. And don’t worry - you don’t need a gym or fancy equipment. Even 15–20 minutes at home can help reduce injury risk and improve how you feel on long runs.
Focus on simple exercises that help runners stay strong, such as:
Peak weeks can feel tiring - and that’s completely normal.
This is the stage where recovery becomes just as important as the running itself. Your body needs time to absorb all the hard work you’re putting in.
Make sure you prioritise:
It’s worth remembering: fitness builds during recovery, not during the run itself.
So if you’re feeling extra tired, it’s not a sign you’re failing - it’s a sign you’re working hard and your body is adapting.
4. Train your mindset
Peak marathon weeks aren’t just physical - they’re mental too.
Long runs and big weeks can bring doubts like:
These thoughts are incredibly common, especially for first-timers.
A few simple mental strategies can help:
And remember: every hard session is building marathon-day resilience.
Peak weeks are demanding - but they should not push you into injury
If something feels off, it’s always okay to adjust. That might mean:
Missing one run will not ruin your marathon - but trying to push through an injury might.
The goal is to reach the start line healthy and confident, not exhausted. So now more than ever, it’s important to tune in to what your body is telling you.
Peak marathon training weeks are the biggest weeks - but they’re also the weeks that show just how far you’ve come.
If you’re feeling nervous or tired, that’s normal. If you’re juggling training with work, family, and fundraising, that’s even more impressive.
Take it one run at a time. Stay consistent. Recover well. And trust the training.
You’re doing something incredible - and marathon day will be here before you know it.