🤷🏼‍♀️ Can you run a marathon with ZERO prep?


Hi runners, 👋🏼

Katelyn here with newsletter #531!

Today's newsletter is packed with everything from wild race-day hypotheticals to expert-backed marathon advice and some big headlines shaking up the running world.

We’ve got a brand new podcast episode that dares to ask: Can you really run a marathon with zero training?

Plus, we’re diving into how to know if you’re ready to take on 26.2, how long it actually takes to prepare, and what’s next for legends like Des Linden and Noah Lyles.

Let’s get into it ⬇️

  • 🎙️ New podcast: Zero to 26.2: Can you really run a marathon with no training? From couch to course in 24 hours — we put the no-training marathon myth to the test.
  • 🏁 Are YOU ready to run a marathon? We break down the real signs you’re prepped to start training.
  • How long does it take to train for a marathon? Whether you're a beginner or seasoned runner, here's your ideal timeline.
  • 🌄 Will Des Linden become the next great ultrarunner? The Boston champ is hitting the trails — and starting over.
  • 🏃 Noah Lyles vs. Tyreek Hill sprint showdown canceled: Trash talk turned into ghosted plans — what happened to the race of the summer?
  • ⚖️ Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s father found guilty of assault, acquitted of abuse: A complex family legal case with major implications for one of running’s biggest stars.
  • 🎥 In case you missed it: WATCH: How to run a sub-4-hour marathon: I break down pacing, fueling, and training for your sub-4 goal.

Happy running! 🏃🏻‍♀️⭐

Katelyn Tocci
Managing Editor
Head Coach

What’s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

What’s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

🎙️ Zero to 26.2: Can You Really Run a Marathon With No Training?

Think you could roll off the couch and into a marathon? This week, Katelyn, Michael, and Alex dive headfirst into the viral Logan Goodspeed story — aka The Logan Goodspeed Challenge — and tackle the age-old question: Can you run a marathon with zero prep? 🛋️ ➡️ 🏁

From hypotheticals to real medical risks (hello, rhabdo 👀), we break down what happens when bravado meets the brutal reality of 26.2.

🏃💥 Could you survive? Would you even try? Tune in and find out — and maybe reconsider that "just wing it" strategy.

Or listen and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts:

What’s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

What’s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

How Long Does It Take To Train For A Marathon? + 5 Tips To Get You Race Ready

Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced runner, training for 26.2 miles takes time, strategy, and serious commitment. ⏳💪

In this guide, I’ll help you figure out exactly how long you need to train — plus share five game-changing tips to make your marathon prep strong and smart. 🎯🔥

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What’s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

What’s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

🌄 Will Des Linden Become The Next Great Ultrarunner?

🏔️ After nearly 20 years on the road, Des Linden is trading pavement for peaks.

The Boston champ and two-time Olympian isn’t retiring — she’s reinventing herself as a trail and ultra runner. 🌲🏃‍♀️

Could her next great chapter be just beginning? 👀

What’s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

What’s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

🏃 Noah Lyles Vs. Tyreek Hill Sprint Showdown Canceled

🏁🔥 The highly anticipated 60m showdown between Olympic champ Noah Lyles and NFL star Tyreek Hill has been abruptly canceled just days before it was reportedly set to shut down Times Square.

What went wrong — and what’s next? 👀💬

What’s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

What’s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

⚖️ Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s Father Found Guilty Of Assault, Acquitted Of Abuse

🏃‍♂️🇳🇴 A verdict has been reached in the high-profile case involving Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s father and former coach, Gjert.

Allegations of abuse, family fractures, and a courtroom decision are reshaping one of running’s most famous dynasties. 👀💥

What’s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

What’s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

🏁 Can I Run A Marathon? Here’s How To Tell If You’re Truly Ready

🏃‍♂️ Thinking about running a marathon but not sure if you’re ready?

🤔 As a running coach, I’ll help you break down the signs — from mileage and motivation to mindset and schedule — to see if now’s the time to train for 26.2 💪🎯.

Let’s find out if you’ve got what it takes to go the distance! 🏅

What’s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

What’s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

🏃🏻‍♀️⏱️ How To Run A Sub-4-Hour Marathon: Training Plan + Race Strategy

🏃‍♂️⏱️ Want to run a sub-4-hour marathon? You’re in the right place!

In this video, our expert coach Katelyn Tocci walks you through everything you need to know to break that 4-hour barrier — from training cycles and workouts to pacing strategies, fueling tips, and how to tell if this plan is right for you. 📈

So if you're ready to chase a new PR, this is your complete step-by-step guide to training smart, running strong, and reaching that sub-4-hour finish. 🔥

Looking for an experienced online running coach to help you achieve your next goal?

Meet Katelyn, our in-house UESCA-certified coach with over 10 years of experience guiding runners of all levels, from first-time 5k finishers to seasoned ultra-marathoners.

As an enthusiastic ultra-runner herself, Katelyn provides personalized training plans tailored to your fitness level and goals, complete with ongoing feedback, unlimited messaging, and video check-ins twice a month.

Let’s start turning your running dreams into achievements together—reach out today to begin your journey.

Feedback? Hit reply and start a conversation with our team.

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