310. Marathon Training: When is it Too Late to Start?

About this episode

The episode discusses when it's too late to start marathon training and how to adapt strategies when faced with challenges.

In this episode of the Marathon Running Podcast, we sit down with veteran endurance specialist Coach Todd to tackle the "cram session" of marathon preparation. We ask the hard questions: When is it officially too late to start training? How do you pivot when a Wisconsin winter or a lingering injury sidelines your progress? We tease the specific "red flags" that mean you should pull the plug and the "predictor workouts" that prove whether your sub-4:00 goal is a reality or a risk. Why You Should Listen: Learn how to pivot your strategy when you're undertrained and how to avoid the mismanagement of common running injuries. Our guest this episode: Coach Todd (Smart Approach Training) Facebook: Smart Approach Training Instagram: @RunCoachTodd Connect with Us: Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marathonjournal Follow us on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607

People in this episode

Hosts: Letty Lundquist, Ryan Lundquist

Guest: Coach Todd

Topics covered

• marathon training
• injury management
• training strategies
• endurance sports
• goal setting

Keywords

• marathon preparation
• training timeline
• red flags
• predictor workouts
• undertrained strategy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Smart Approach Training

More episodes of Marathon Running Podcast by Marathon Journal

• "Your Story, Your Why" - Maria Luevano - Episode 1 · June 11, 2026 · 41 min
• 317. Marathon Heat Training: The Heat Adaptation Blueprint · June 8, 2026 · 32 min
• 316. Cupless Racing At Chicago Marathon? · June 1, 2026 · 27 min
• 315. The Science Behind the Maurten Bicarb System with Josh Rowe · May 25, 2026 · 52 min
• 314. Run Stronger, Live Longer: Cracking the Menopause Bone Health Code · May 18, 2026 · 52 min
• 313. The Psychology of Becoming a Runner (Identity, Consistency & Comparison) · May 11, 2026 · 22 min