Are you hoping to run a marathon one day? Whether you’re about to start marathon training or have it as a distant goal, you’re probably wondering what you’re in for.

I ran my very first marathon in April of 2024, and I learned a lot from the training and race itself. Today, I’m here to share the juicy details you want about marathon training—the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

Marathon Training Isn’t a Hobby—It’s a Lifestyle

Training for a marathon is a part-time job. You’ll be exercising more, sleeping more, eating more, and feeling differently, and all of these factors impact your day-to-day. 

Some of it is great, some of it isn’t so great, but the fact remains that marathon-training life is very different from regular-training life. Embrace it! You’re participating in a unique, challenging experience. 

You’ll Feel Physically Exhausted

Regardless of your training plan, you’ll be running a lot, and that mileage will increase weekly until a couple of weeks before the event. I followed the five-month plan from the Marathon Handbook (not sponsored—it’s free, and a great resource!). It started out with a 15-mile week and amped its way all the way up to a 39-mile week by week 17. 

And my body felt the mileage. Whether sore, hungry, sleepy, stressed, or mildly injured, there was pretty much always something gnarly going on. At times, this was discouraging, but I kept reminding myself that marathons are an athletic feat for a reason—that reason being they’re hard. 

Furthermore, though you must rest if you get injured or sick, you’re incentivized to push through mild fatigue because increasing mileage actually decreases your risk of injury. Up to a point, of course, that point being more than 64 kilometers/40 miles a week.

To be clear, you should stop marathon training if you’re suffering. Constant exhaustion could also be a tell-tale sign of overtraining. But being noticeably more physically tired is normal and can be mitigated with sufficient rest and nutrition, which I’ll talk more about below.

Marathon Training Is Emotionally Draining, Too

To be fair, this is probably more of a personal anecdote, but that’s why you’re here, isn’t it? I’m quick to feel emotion, and those emotions are intensified when I’m tired. Well, as I just told you, marathon training is exhausting. 

The result was me wearing my heart on my sleeve for the duration of my marathon training (ending in a good cry at the finish line). You might not have the same experience, but it was mine.

Your Appetite Will Skyrocket 

Running so much will burn more calories than you’re used to burning, which means you’ll probably be hungrier more often. Additionally, in your efforts to carbo-load, you might consume a lot more foods high on the glycemic index, such as oatmeal, bread, and sweet potatoes. 

These are excellent and popular carbohydrates, but they don’t keep us full for very long. Though proper nutrition for marathoners depends on the athlete and a host of complicated factors, here is some general advice to keep you satiated while you train:

• Consume more complex carbs, as these are lower on the lower glycemic index. 
• Up your protein intake (particularly after runs!)
• Don’t shy away from eating. Your body needs the fuel, but get attuned with what fills you up and helps you perform best—this can be different for everybody.

Check out these tasty meals to refuel after a long run that will help you achieve your nutrition goals while training.

You Will Likely Get Injured or Sick While Marathon Training

I sustained three mild injuries and one cold during my marathon training. Here’s some info about what you can expect in these areas.

On Injuries

Now, injuries don’t have to be a given. If you practice good form, fuel appropriately, take rest seriously, and gradually amp up your mileage, it’s possible to avoid injuries. However, don’t be discouraged if you don’t emerge unscathed because injuries are extremely common, especially in first-time marathoners. 

Fortunately, they don’t have to derail your training. As soon as you notice something off, rest for at least a few days. Practice RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation). Perform healing rehab exercises related to your specific injury. 

If you do these things, you can probably return to your training just fine. However, because you missed some of your scheduled runs, adjust your mileage to ease back into the schedule. Don’t worry—no one follows training plans to a tee.

On Sickness

Though you can avoid injury with proper form and self-care, you can’t really prevent getting sick. That’s because endurance exercise lowers your immune function, making you essentially defenseless against pathogens after intense activity.

If you do get sick, don’t stress about it. Unless you miss two or more full weeks of training (or even more, depending on your fitness), you’ll probably be able to adjust and complete your training successfully.

Motivating Yourself Is a Rewarding Challenging

I said it before, and I’ll say it again: marathon training is hard! There will inevitably be days when you just don’t want to do your planned workout or give up on the race altogether. 

However, part of the joy of completing a marathon is knowing how hard you worked to get there. So learn how to motivate yourself to run when you don’t want to and keep your eye on the prize: crossing that sweet, sweet finish line! 

You’ll Need To Sleep More Than Usual

Who doesn’t love sleep? Well, good news, because marathon training will make you very sleepy and you shouldn’t resist the urge. Sleep is essential for recovery and injury prevention, so make sure you’re getting at least eight hours a night and napping when you feel like it. 

Weird Things Will Happen to Your Body While Marathon Training

Now onto the juiciest stuff! Here are the little things that might happen to your body. Fortunately, none of them are serious, just a little annoying.

Blisters

You probably knew this one. Friction from your feet rubbing against your running shoes is perfect for creating blisters. Over time, your feet will toughen up and experience fewer of these tender inconveniences. You should also make sure your shoes aren’t too tight!

Athletes Foot

This contagious foot fungus loves the damp, dark environment of your running shoes. To avoid it, make sure your shoes are well ventilated, get moisture-wicking socks, and let both items breathe when you’re not wearing them. Oh, and wash your socks after every use!

Bruised or Missing Toenails

I developed a bruise under both of my big toenails about 2 weeks before my marathon on April 28th. It’s October 2nd, and I still have them. Fortunately, these bruises are harmless—just unsightly.

A bigger concern is losing your toenails. This didn’t happen to me, but it often happens to runners. If your toenail falls off, you can still run. Just take care of it and pay attention to worsening symptoms.

And Marathon Training Is All Worth It!

I know a lot of what you just read didn’t paint marathon training in the happiest of lights, but at the end of the day, it’s all completely worth it. It’s an admirable physical and mental challenge, and you will feel elated crossing the finish time. I know I did.