All Smash Running Training Plans assume that you have a base level of general fitness, you might not be a seasoned runner (and that’s okay), but we recommend that you are generally fit and healthy, either through running, other sports or natural ability.

At a minimum, you need to be able to comfortably run Week 1 of any program. If Week 1 looks achievable, then we’d love to have you on board. If Week 1 looks too hard, you may want to consider a different goal time, a different distance (e.g. marathon, half marathon or a beginner program — coming soon, sign up to our newsletter to be notified).

If you feel comfortable with Week 1, use this guide to estimate your current potential marathon time from your recent 5k time to help select the right Smash Running Training Plan for you.

You know you best, we hope to be part of your running journey. Let’s go!

Our marathon programs are 16-weeks long and designed for a marathon race of 42.195 km (26.2 mi).

Our half marathon programs are 12-weeks long and designed for a half marathon race of 21.0975km km (13.1 mi).

We also have beginner programs coming soon, which will help you get from couch to 5k (sign up to our newsletter to be notified).

The time it takes to train for a marathon depends on your level of fitness when you start and how much running you already do, but it can also depend on other factors such as your natural ability and body type, the climate and terrain where you train, your lifestyle and other factors. Generally we recommend a 16 week training plan to get you ready to run a marathon.

Marathon training is not an easy task. That’s why less than 2 in every 1000 people globally have run a marathon. If you can do it you’re in elite company. Marathon training depends on your fitness level when you start, but generally takes 16 weeks and involves lots of easy running, running workouts, long runs and is best achieved by following a carefully curated training plan from companies like Smash Running. You can train for the marathon by following any of our marathon training plans, tailored to goal finish times with clear pace guides, glossary of terms, week-by-week training, tips and resources.

A Smash Running Training Plan is the best way to train for a marathon.

If you purchase a Smash Running Training Plan early, before the scheduled start date (e.g. 2 weeks prior to the 16-week start date for the marathon program), we will provide recommendations on what to do before the program starts, including how you can get ready for Week 1 to hit the ground running.

Yes you can, but it depends on your starting fitness and experience. Some athletes, depending on their existing fitness level and running ability, can still achieve their goals starting later. Generally we recommend a marathon training block of 12 weeks or more and a half marathon training block of 8 weeks or more. If you plan on starting any of our programs late, that’s okay but please be mindful that you may need to be an experienced runner to be able to complete the rest of the plan without the lead-up training.

If you choose a race specific plan, please check the date of purchase against the race date to ensure you have enough time to train. If you purchase a general plan, these are designed with no particular race in mind. You can purchase these year-round and can choose a start date for whichever race you like, whether that’s a local race, a race with friends or a virtual marathon.

Firstly we’ll send you a thank you email, we really appreciate you choosing Smash Running and look forward to being a part of your running journey.

Secondly, you’ll get an emailed PDF copy of your training plan. You can download it, print it or bookmark it on your devices. It’s jam-packed with weeks of training, resources and tips, so you’ll need to refer back to it regularly.

Thirdly, we’ll start sending weekly email summaries with your upcoming week of training, plus tips and resources along the way, including important race day recommendations, recovery tips and extra reading and resources. These emails will be sent inline with your race start date.

If you don’t have a race in mind, please consider one of our general plans, which are designed with no particular race in mind; or you can choose your own race start date and we’ll send your weekly email summaries and more information according to that schedule.

Absolutely. After purchasing your plan, we’ll send you invites to join our Strava Club, Instagram page and Facebook Groups, so you can connect with likeminded athletes.

From time-to-time, Smash Running athletes will be invited to run clubs, race events and other community events, so stay tuned for announcements throughout your training.

We know how important community is during a marathon training block and the challenge of balancing training, work and life, so please reach out to any of the Smash Running team during your training with questions and advice if you need it.