Training for the Barcelona Marathon: Week 1 Progress

I’ve embarked on a journey to lose weight and get back to serious training after the pandemic. My goal of running the Barcelona Marathon on March 19, 2023 is a major milestone in this journey. In this post, I’ll be sharing my experience and progress as I train for this exciting event. Join me as I document my journey from week one and follow along as I strive to achieve my goal of running the Barcelona Marathon.

My training plan for the first week includes a mix of running and strength training exercises, designed to help me build endurance, increase my speed, and reduce the risk of injury. The plan is structured to gradually increase my mileage each week, allowing my body to adjust to the increased physical demands.

Recently, I completed the Barcelona Half Marathon just last weekend and am still recovering. To kick things off for my training plan for the full marathon, I started the week with a few easy runs, focusing on maintaining a steady pace and form. I also included some hill repeats to work on my leg strength and build endurance. In addition to my running workouts, I also included a few strength training sessions, focusing on exercises that target my legs, glutes, and core.

As the week progressed, I increased my mileage, incorporating some faster-paced intervals and tempo runs. I also added in some longer runs to help me build endurance and get my body prepared for the challenges of the marathon.

I’ve incorporated Zwift into my weekly routine for a more comprehensive training experience. This has been especially helpful on days when outdoor running isn’t an option due to inclement weather. The engaging and interactive features on Zwift, along with its immersive virtual environments, have made my workouts both fun and effective as I work towards my goal of running the Barcelona Marathon.

My old garmin 6 ready to start my training on treadmill
Ready to start my training on treadmill

I’m feeling confident about my training and am excited to see where this journey takes me. I’ll be sure to keep you updated as I continue to work towards my goal of completing the Barcelona Marathon. So stay tuned for more updates on my training journey!

Here is a sample weekly training plan for a marathon, starting with Week 1:

Monday: 6km

  • Warm up: 10 minute walk
  • 30 minutes of steady-state running
  • Cool down: 10 minute walk

Tuesday: 8km

  • Warm up: 10 minute walk
  • 45 minutes of interval training (30 seconds fast, 30 seconds slow)
  • Cool down: 10 minute walk

Wednesday:

  • Rest day

Thursday: 10km

  • Warm up: 10 minute walk
  • 45 minutes of steady-state running
  • Cool down: 10 minute walk

Friday:

  • Rest day

Saturday: 14km

  • Warm up: 10 minute walk
  • 80 minutes of steady-state running
  • Cool down: 10 minute walk

Sunday:

  • Rest day

As a former physical education major, I’ve tailored this training plan to fit my individual needs and goals. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this plan is just a sample and it’s crucial to consult with a coach or physician before starting any new training program. The level of intensity and duration of your workouts may vary based on your fitness level, personal objectives, and other relevant factors.

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