Most Runners Never Train the Full 26.2 Miles It’s common for marathon training plans to max out at 18-22 miles, leaving the final distance for race day.

Running Slow Improves Speed Incorporating slower runs into your training helps improve endurance, which ultimately makes you faster over long distances.

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Your Body Cools Itself Less Efficiently After Mile 20 As you approach the end of a marathon, your body’s cooling mechanisms slow down, making hydration and pacing critical.

Recovery Time is Longer Than You Think After a marathon, it can take up to a month for your body to fully recover, even if you feel okay after a few days.

Your Heart Grows Stronger Marathon training helps your heart adapt by growing stronger and more efficient at pumping blood.

Training in the Heat Builds Stamina Although it feels tougher, running in hot conditions forces your body to become more efficient, boosting your stamina over time.

Not All Carbs Are Equal for Marathoners Simple carbs like sugary gels are quick energy, but complex carbs from foods like oats and sweet potatoes are better for sustained energy.

Your Brain Fatigues Too Mental fatigue can slow you down as much as physical exhaustion. Training your mind is as important as training your legs.

Walking Isn’t a Sign of Weakness Many runners incorporate walking breaks to help them maintain a steady pace and avoid burning out.

The Taper Period Is Crucial Reducing your mileage before race day is vital to allow your muscles to fully repair and perform their best during the marathon.