Look at you go! You’ve been out there for 10 weeks now, logging miles, setting early alarms, and sweating it out in all kinds of weather. You’ve officially hit over the halfway mark in marathon training, and that deserves a big Celebration moment.

This is the perfect time to pause, check in with yourself, and make sure you’re set up to finish strong.

Celebrate Every Milestone

Every long run in your plan is a win, especially those “firsts”, if you are a first time marathoner.  The first time you hit 14, 16, 18 miles… that’s quite something to be proud of! Don’t just check it off your training log, give yourself a moment to really celebrate it. Every one of these runs is proof you’re becoming stronger, more resilient, and more ready for race day.

Give Yourself Grace

Some runs will feel amazing. Others… not so much. That is normal. Training is about consistency, not perfection. If life gets in the way, the weather is brutal, or your legs just aren’t feeling it, give yourself grace. Adjust, move forward, and remember. one off day won’t derail your race. If you find that the consistency has been less then ideal, reach out to your coaches as a resource. 

Listen to Your Body: 

Little aches and tight spots are normal. Persistent pain, lingering soreness, or sharp twinges are not. If something feels “off,” address it now with mobility work, extra rest, or a visit to a physical therapist at Athletico. Do not try to push through until race week.

Ensure you are fine-tuning the Big Three!

Now’s the time to check in on the training basics:

• Fuel: Practice your race-day nutrition during long runs so there are no surprises.
• Hydration: Replace electrolytes along with fluids, especially in the heat.
• Recovery: Sleep, stretch, foam roll, and listen to your body.

NOTHING NEW ON RACEDAY!

Mind Matters

The marathon is as much mental as it is physical. Keep practicing the mental tools you’ll use on race day mantras, breaking the distance into smaller chunks, and remembering your “why.” Also check out our other blogs and discussions on mental training and tips.

Take a Mental Inventory: Marathon training isn’t just physical, it’s mental.

• Are you still excited about training?
• Do you need a change of scenery, new running routes, or another athlete to keep you motivated?
• Have you been practicing mental strategies like mantras, visualization, or breaking the race into smaller segments?

Your mind is just as important as your legs on race day.

Remember: The Marathon Is Your Victory Lap

All these weeks of training? That’s where the real work happens. Race day is the celebration, your personal victory lap for every early morning, every long run, and every moment you chose to lace up when it wasn’t easy.

So keep going. Keep celebrating. And know that you’re building more than just miles, you’re building a marathoner. We hope you make it as much fun along the way as you can.