Who This Plan is Best For
This 20-week advanced marathon training plan is built for experienced, competitive runners targeting a PR or a Boston-qualifying time. It is ideal for athletes who:
• Have completed at least one marathon and currently run 5-6 times per week, comfortably handling 40+ mile weeks.
• Have recent experience with structured speed work - intervals, tempo runs, and marathon-pace efforts.
• Want a demanding, performance-focused plan with two quality sessions most weeks and long runs up to 24 miles.
This plan peaks around 59 miles per week. If you are newer to structured training, consider the Intermediate version of this plan instead.
What to Expect
• Quality Twice a Week: Weekly interval sessions (800m to 1600m repeats) alternate with tempo runs building to 40 minutes, plus marathon-pace blocks inside the longest runs.
• Serious Volume: Six runs per week with a midweek medium-long run up to 12 miles and weekly long runs of 10 to 24 miles, including cutback weeks every fourth week for recovery and adaptation.
• Self-Guided Plan: This is a self-paced program with detailed instructions for each workout, including paces, effort zones, and recovery guidance. Direct communication with a coach is not included.
Required Equipment
To get the most from this plan, you will need:
• A GPS watch with pace and heart rate data.
• Access to a track or measured flat loop for interval sessions.
• Proven racing shoes and training rotation for high-mileage weeks.
• Race-day nutrition you have practiced on long runs - this plan includes regular fueling practice.
You're putting in the work, but something isn't clicking - same pace, a nagging injury, or a plan that doesn't fit your life. I build training around you: your fitness, your schedule, your goals. I'm Bryce Beckstrand - 15 years racing everything from 5Ks to a full Ironman, still racing, and I never ask you to do something I'm not doing too. Three Peaks Endurance: custom 1-on-1 coaching from $250/mo, ready-made structured plans from $49.