The Sub 2:48 Marathon Project

After running a debut 3:07 in the 2026 Vermont City Marathon, I set my sights on running a sub 2:48:00 marathon to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Here are my insights into my workouts, mindset shifts, and the self-improvement I experienced while balancing my running routine with the demands of a graduate student schedule. 

The Goal

  • Target Race: Baystate Marathon 2026
  • Race Date: October 18, 2026
  • Target Time: 2 hours and 48 minutes
  • Training Plan: Self-directed (with the help of Claude!)

Tune Up Races: Vanessa Marcotte 5K & Tree House Half Marathon

Weekly Training Logs

My marathon training story, told in weekly accounts of the highs and lows—the PRs and the struggling-to-get-out-the-doors. 

Phase 1: Building the Base

Phase 2: Speed and Threshold

Phase 3: Marathon Specific

My Go-To Gear

My running gear of choice, during this training block.

Shoes: 

Daily Trainers

Speed Shoes

Race Day (Tree House Half Marathon & Baystate Marathon)

Watch: Garmin Forerunner 970

Thank you for following along my marathon training journey. Leave a comment on the weekly posts to share your own running tips or progress!

Follow my training on Strava

Ryan K. Beck can be reached at rkbeck.writing@gmail.com


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