Marathon Handbook Podcast How to Train for a Marathon the Right Way — Lessons from 20 Years of Science
Nov 6, 2025
Pete Pfitzinger, an accomplished Olympian and co-author of Advanced Marathoning, shares invaluable insights on marathon training. He discusses the philosophy behind effective preparation and the importance of balancing training with life. Discover the impact of modern advancements like super shoes and hydrogels, as well as common mistakes runners make regarding self-knowledge and recovery. Pfitzinger emphasizes the significance of tailored training plans and the benefits of understanding one's own body for optimal performance.
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Practice Higher Carb Fueling
- Increase race fueling to about 50–60 g carbohydrate per hour and practice it in training.
- Consider protein timing and test caffeine response before race day.
Skip Double‑Thresholds For Most Runners
- Avoid double-threshold days for most time‑pressed, recreational marathoners.
- Use one solid threshold session per week to balance quality and recovery.
Use Doubles Only When They Help
- Use doubles selectively and only at higher weekly mileages where they aid adaptation.
- Remove doubles that merely inflate mileage but harm readiness for key sessions.
