Choosing the Right Marathon for a Busy Dad

Hey - Conor here!

As the initial excitement of New Year's resolutions fade, it's common to feel motivation slipping. If running your first marathon has been on your mind, now is the perfect time to commit and take the first steps toward this rewarding goal.

Embracing the challenge of a marathon can reignite your enthusiasm and set a positive example for your loved ones. Let's make this the year you achieve something extraordinary.

Today we’ll dive into:

• 💡 Choosing the Right Marathon

• ⏱ Training for Your First Marathon as a Busy Dad

• 🏃🏻‍♂️‍➡️ Different Types of Training Runs/Training Week Example

• 🔗 My Favorite Finds this Week

Choosing the Right Marathon

This involves considering several key factors to ensure an enjoyable and successful experience:

• Timing: Most training plans span 16–20 weeks, so choose a race date that allows for this period. Also, factor in your personal and professional commitments to maintain a consistent training schedule. Remember, training for a fall marathon means running through summer, which can be challenging in hot climates.

• Terrain: Check the course profile of potential marathons. Some courses are flat and fast, ideal for beginners while others feature hilly or varied terrain, offering a different kind of challenge. Choose a course that aligns with your training environment and personal goals.

• Logistics: Consider how close the race is to your home. Local races minimize travel stress and expenses, allowing you to focus on the race itself. Destination marathons offer unique experiences but require more planning, including accommodations, transportation, etc.

Check out the below list of marathons and sign up to one today:

Choose your date or city from the Marathon Calendar and reply to this email with your decision. It makes your training all the more real starting right now!

Training for Your First Marathon as a Busy Dad

Training for your first marathon as a busy dad can be challenging, but with effective strategies, it's achievable. Here are some tips to help you balance family, work, and training:

1. Early Morning Runs: Many busy parents find success by running early in the morning before the household wakes up. This approach ensures your training doesn't interfere with family time and sets a positive tone for the day.

2. Involve Your Family: Include your family into your training routine. For instance, have your children accompany you on bikes during your runs or join you for warm-ups and cool-downs. This not only allows for family bonding but also sets a healthy example for your kids..

3. Lunch Breaks: If your work schedule permits, consider using lunch breaks for shorter runs or strength training sessions. This maximizes your time efficiency and keeps evenings free for family activities.

4. Be Flexible and Prioritize Rest: Understand that some days might not go as planned. If you miss a workout, don't be discouraged. Adjust your schedule as needed and ensure you're getting adequate rest to support recovery and prevent burnout.

5. Set Realistic Goals: Define clear and achievable goals for your marathon training. This focus will help you stay motivated and track your progress effectively.

Different Types of Training Runs

Training for a marathon involves incorporating various types of runs, each serving a specific purpose to enhance your performance and endurance. Here's an overview of the key training runs:

1. Easy Runs: These are short to moderate-length runs at a comfortable pace, forming the foundation of your training. They help build aerobic capacity and should be done frequently. 80% of runs should be at an easy conversational pace.

2. Tempo Runs: Also known as threshold runs, these involve maintaining a challenging but sustainable pace for a set period, improving your lactate threshold and running efficiency.

3. Interval Runs: These consist of alternating periods of high-intensity running and recovery, enhancing speed and cardiovascular fitness. Intervals can vary in length and intensity..

4. Long Runs: Performed at a slower pace, long runs are essential for building endurance, gradually increasing in distance to prepare your body for the marathon's demands.

Training Week Example

Following on from the above we will make a training week example which includes easy runs, a tempo run and a long run. Remember, 80% of your runs should be at an easy conversational pace to ensure we are building our aerobic base and recovering properly.

My favorite finds this week

• Pre-Run Breakfasts: Check out this article which provides some tasty pre-run breakfasts to keep you fueled.

• EPIC Marathons: A great guide on some of the best Marathons in the World in 2025.

• YouTube Gold: An amazing video from Casey Neistat on his quest to run a sub 3hour Marathon..

That’s all for this week lads!

Before you go: Here are 2 ways I can help

1. Free Marathon Calendar — If you haven’t already be sure to download your free copy and sign up for a marathon today . Reply with the City you’ll be running.

2. Access to Private Community — free access to a private community of similar first time marathoners. Ask questions and get tips and encouragement throughout your training journey. Reply “Community”

As Hal Higdon, a renowned running coach, once said:

"Motivation remains key to the marathon: the motivation to begin; the motivation to continue; the motivation never to quit."

Remember, each step you take brings you closer to your goal. Embrace the journey, and know that the our running community is here to support you.

Let’s build some Endurance!

See you next week,

Conor

P.S. Check out my Strava, I’m on Week 4 of my Marathon training :)