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 quit in week 8. If you’re in the messy middle of marathon training, this is the part you’ll be proud you didn’t quit.

🎧 Follow along for new episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and inspiring voices form the running community.

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📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast

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Your Marathon Training Check-In: Everything You Need To Know

The Runna Podcast

Your Marathon Training Check-In: Everything You Need To Know