
Your Marathon Training Check-In: Everything You Need To Know
From The Runna Podcast by Runna
February 20, 2026 · 34 min · Season 1 · Episode 98
About this episode
This episode provides a mid-marathon training check-in, addressing common challenges and adjustments for runners.
Is marathon training meant to feel this hard? 🏃♂️ If you’re halfway through your training block and suddenly your legs feel heavier, marathon pace feels daunting, and your confidence has dipped - you’re not alone. In this episode, Ben and Anya bring you a mid-marathon training check-in for anyone building towards a spring race like London or Boston (or any marathon, really). We break down why this stage of training often feels tougher than expected - both physically and mentally - and what’s actually normal. From cumulative fatigue and slower paces, to motivation dips and fuelling mistakes, this is your reminder to zoom out, trust the process, and make a few smart adjustments if needed. Whether you’re chasing a PB or just aiming to get to the start line feeling strong, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and keep going. Highlights include: 🏃 Heavy Legs & Slower Paces: Why this doesn’t mean you’re losing fitness 🔥 Burnout vs. “Appropriately Tired”: Knowing the difference 🍝 Marathon fuelling Mistakes: The hidden reason your runs feel harder 💤 Recovery & rest days: where your marathon fitness actually happens Most runners don’t quit at mile 20. They…
People in this episode
Hosts: Ben, Anya
Topics covered
- marathon training
- cumulative fatigue
- motivation dips
- fuelling mistakes
- recovery
- mental health
Keywords
- marathon training
- heavy legs
- burnout
- fuelling mistakes
- recovery days
- motivation
Sponsors
Runna
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Runna
Places: London, Boston
More episodes of The Runna Podcast
- Reggie Yates, BBC Filmmaker | "If You Can Lace Up Your Trainers, You're a Runner" · June 12, 2026 · 48 min
- Olly Murs: 400km Challenge After 5 Knee Surgeries | "I Enjoyed How Horrible It Was" · June 5, 2026 · 48 min
- "I Was a Runner the Moment I Started Running" | Why Running Is for Everybody With Tatiana Forbes · May 29, 2026 · 45 min
- "I Was More Dangerous to Race” | Keira D'Amato on Breaking the American Marathon Record · May 22, 2026 · 44 min
- "I Never Expected to Be Back on the Start Line" | Ben Shephard on Running Marathons at 50 · May 15, 2026 · 57 min
- "I Can Feel Him Kicking Before the Run" | Podiums & Parenthood with with Calli & Nick Hauger · May 8, 2026 · 53 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Runna Podcast podcast page.