110: How to Train for Your First Marathon With Jeff Cunningham

In this episode, I'm bringing back a crowd favorite, Jeff Cunningham, to discuss essential strategies for training for your first marathon. We cover the importance of easy miles, weekly speed workouts, and structured long runs. Jeff shares his philosophy on the 80/20 rule for easy versus hard runs to maximize adaptations and avoid fatigue. The discussion also covers the significant role of nutrition and hydration in performance and recovery. Jeff and I emphasize the importance of fueling properly before, during, and after workouts, and relay personal experiences to illustrate the benefits of structured training and proper nutrition. This is not for first timers only, this conversation is filled with practical advice and inspiration for both novice and seasoned runners. CHAPTERS: 00:00 The Reality of Marathon Training 01:44 How to Train for Your First Marathon 06:31 The Importance of Easy Days and Recovery 15:10 The Austin Marathon Experience 22:29 Making the Commitment to Run a Marathon 48:41 Building Fitness and Loving Running 50:56 The Reality of Marathon Prep 01:01:07 The Importance of Easy Miles 01:16:48 Incorporating Speed Workouts 01:27:48 The Role of Nutrition in Training 01:31:31 Fueling for Performance 01:37:36 Balancing Diet and Training Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFE https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/pages/bpn-membership?srsltid=AfmBOorlpjVeag2kkt3eZ5UpWcFA5Bb2v5V_93lmO47Vn_Y8DRdLwDLL Bat City Track Club is an emerging national class and regionally elite team with a primary focus on distances 5,000m to the marathon. https://www.batcitytc.com/ MENTIONS: The Nothing that Is: A Natural History of Zero https://www.amazon.com/Nothing-that-Natural-History-Zero/dp/0195142373 FOLLOW: IG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/ YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness JEFF CUNNINGHAM: IG: instagram.com/@jdcunningham97/ BAT CITY: instagram.com/@batcitytrackclub/