Marathon Build – Week 2: Finding a Sustainable Rhythm

Week 2 of my 16-week marathon build is now complete.

The objective this week wasn't to run my fastest workouts or pile on mileage. It was to continue building aerobic volume, recover well from the June 20 team challenge, maintain strength, and establish a rhythm that feels sustainable over the long term.

Looking back, I think that's exactly what happened.

The Long Run

The week started with a 19 km long run on Monday.

The run was inspired by a video I had seen online. I wanted to visit the location for myself and create my own version of the experience. The destination was worth the trip and the run felt controlled from start to finish.

I practiced fueling with XACT gels and carried water in my hydration pack. Energy stayed steady throughout the run and I finished feeling like I could have kept going.

The only issue was a small blister that developed around the halfway point, likely caused by an older pair of shoes.

A Small Problem, A Simple Solution

The blister became one of the main storylines of the week.

Fortunately, it never affected my running mechanics or forced me to modify a workout. After switching to a different pair of shoes, comfort improved immediately and the blister gradually began to heal.

It's a good reminder that sometimes the solution isn't complicated. Not every issue requires a major training adjustment.

Strength Without Fatigue

One of my favorite lessons from this week came from Friday's strength session.

Instead of trying to fit in a long gym workout, I focused on the basics:

• Front Squats
• Strict Press
• Staggered Deadlifts
• Ring Rows
• Core work

The entire session took about 45 minutes.

A few hours later I felt great, and the following day I was able to complete a hilly trail session without any signs of lingering fatigue.

For marathon training, that's exactly the point. Strength training should support the running, not compete with it.

Supporting Friends on the Trail

Saturday's trail session wasn't part of the marathon plan.

A group of friends were organizing a hill workout and testing climbing poles, so I joined them.

The session included steep climbs, controlled descents, and plenty of time on the trails. While trail running isn't currently a focus, it was a fun way to support friends and spend time outdoors.

Sometimes not every workout needs to be perfectly specific to the goal.

Community Miles

The week wrapped up with a 15 km community run on Sunday.

One of the things I've enjoyed most recently is combining my own training with opportunities to run with others. Leading group runs allows me to accumulate easy aerobic volume while helping build a stronger running community.

Those kilometers count too.

Week 2 by the Numbers

• Monday: 19.0 km
• Wednesday: 12.8 km
• Saturday: 12.0 km
• Sunday: 15.0 km

Total: 58.8 km

Looking Ahead

The most encouraging part of the week wasn't the mileage.

It was how I felt.

Recovery was good. Energy was good. Motivation was high. The blister is almost completely healed.

Week 3 will introduce some dedicated speed work as I continue preparing for a 3000 m race on August 1st, but the marathon remains the primary goal.

For now, the focus remains simple:

Keep showing up. Keep building. Keep stacking good weeks.