So You Want to Walk a Marathon in 2021

Cool. Here’s your simple, step-by-step marathon walking training guide. Let’s get going!

Christine Wolf
4 min readMar 31, 2021
Photo by Frederik Löwer on Unsplash

We both know you want to do this, but you’re just not sure how to begin. Don’t worry. I’ve got you. And the best news is, you’re about to scroll through everything you need to know in the next 4 minutes.

I’m about to start training for my 4th Chicago Marathon. It’s scheduled for October 10th. I’m walking the marathon, not running. Below, I’ve included my complete training plan — including weekly mileage goals, a pacing chart, and more. I’ve also included a brief FAQ for anyone who wants to launch their own personal marathon attempt — even if it’s for the very first time.

Our 26-week training begins Monday, April 12th. Are you ready to lace up?

The Secret to Completing a Marathon

Honestly? It’s all about having a training plan. When you’ve got a plan, you’re equipped with the “bumpers” to keep you from dropping off into the gutter.

Believe me, for an undertaking of this magnitude, you need a solid plan for when you hit those walls of overwhelm. Without a plan, it’s easy to give up. And trust me, I know, because that happened during my first attempt, in 2002.

--

--

Christine Wolf
Christine Wolf

Written by Christine Wolf

Memoir Coach. Author. Journalist. Marathoner. Lover of emotions, words & spicy nachos. Grateful you’re here. Twitter/Insta @tinywolf1. www.christinewolf.com