Training For My First Marathon

What I’ve Learned So Far: 5 Weeks Into Marathon Training

I’m five weeks into training for my first marathon—the Jacksonville Marathon on December 13th—and it’s already been full of lessons. Between a bumpy start, long runs, strength training, and learning to balance recovery, I’ve realized a lot about what works for me (and what doesn’t).

Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

1. Training Isn’t Perfect—and That’s Okay

Week one, I got sick. Week two, I dealt with stomach issues that made running miserable. Not exactly how I imagined the start of my first marathon cycle. But I’ve learned that training rarely goes exactly as planned, and the key is not letting a rough start define the rest of the cycle. Once I got past those hiccups, I was able to settle into a rhythm.

2. Variety Makes Me a Stronger Runner

One of the biggest lessons has been the value of variety. I’m doing a mix of:

• Track sessions for turnover

• Hill repeats for strength

• Progression runs for pacing and control

I’ve also been incorporating 3–4 days of cross training each week—cycling, swimming, and pool running. That balance has allowed me to build fitness without overloading my legs.

3. Rest Is Productive

My college coach would have us take every 14th day off. For me, that's just not enough. Taking one off day per week has kept me fresher and more consistent. I can tell the difference in both my energy and how my body feels when I allow myself real recovery.

4. Strength Training Is Non-Negotiable

Back in college, I skipped the weight room altogether—and paid the price with injuries. This time, I’ve learned how important strength is. I’ve been in the gym twice a week, starting with plyometrics to improve my shock absorption and tendon efficiency, and I’ve been logging all of it in my Strength Training Journal for Runners (available here on Amazon). Writing it down keeps me accountable and reminds me how far I’ve come.

5. Accountability Helps Me Stay Consistent

Having a coach has always helped me. It keeps me from second-guessing workouts and helps me stick to the plan. On top of that, I’ve learned how much running with friends matters. My weekly Wednesday group run not only keeps me motivated but also reminds me that training should be fun.

6. Listen to the Small Signals

With my history of injuries from higher mileage, I’ve been more cautious this time. If I feel an ache or pain, I don’t ignore it. Instead, I try to get ahead of it. This is a huge shift from my college years when I let my ego get the better of me and ran through things that hurt. I also didn't take my easy days easy back then.

7. My Weight Doesn't Matter

Here's some vulnerability for you: I used to obsess over the number on the scale or the way my thighs looked. I still do sometimes, but here's what I'm realizing - I'm faster and more injury resistant than I ever was at my lightest weight. I am still running strong! I don't look at scales anymore because it doesn't matter. What matters is your training, your nutrition, your strength, your psychology, and your recovery. It's time to move past this notion that being lighter makes you faster. Marathon training has reinforced this for me.

8. I’m Stronger Than I Thought

My longest run so far has been 14.5 miles, and I haven’t hit a wall yet. That in itself has been a confidence boost. It’s taught me that building gradually and training smarter pays off.

Final Thoughts

Marathon training is teaching me new lessons every week, but the biggest so far? Balance beats burnout.

I’ve still got plenty of miles ahead before Jacksonville, but I feel stronger, smarter, and more motivated than when I started. If these first 5 weeks are any sign, this training cycle is already a win.