Marathon training isn’t about one magical workout.
It’s about reaching a point where running simply becomes part of life again.
This week felt exactly like that.
After the ankle niggle last week, I was curious to see how the body would respond. The answer was reassuring. No drama. No setbacks. Just five solid days of running and another step forward in the Ahmedabad Marathon journey.
The biggest milestone wasn’t the mileage.
I ran on Sunday after a Saturday long run—for the first time in ages.
For years, the day after a long run meant tired legs, excuses and recovery. This Sunday, the legs were certainly not fresh, but they were ready to run. That tells me the aerobic base is quietly improving.
Hills Have Become My Favourite Day
A month ago, hill repeats were the workout I respected.
Today, they’re the workout I enjoy the most.
There’s something satisfying about charging uphill without worrying about pace. Every repeat feels like strength training disguised as running. The effort is honest, the recovery is earned, and every week I come away feeling a little stronger.
The best part is that I now look forward to Tuesdays instead of wondering how quickly they’ll be over.
The Long Run
Saturday’s long run was another reminder that marathon training rewards patience more than heroics.
Nothing flashy.
Nothing social-media worthy.
Just another brick in the wall.
Week after week, these long aerobic runs are becoming less intimidating and more enjoyable. That’s exactly where I want to be at this stage of the block.
The Numbers
Week 4 closed with:
- 65 km across five running days
- Two strength sessions
- Consistent recovery
- Healthy training load
- A fully settled ankle
Perhaps more importantly, every week now feels slightly easier than the previous one. Not because the training is getting easier—but because my body is adapting.
Looking Ahead
Next week marks the beginning of the next phase of the training block.
The volume goes up.
The quality goes up.
The commitment goes up.
The plan is simple:
- Tuesday: Hill Repeats + Stretch & Strength
- Wednesday: Daily aerobic run
- Thursday: Threshold workout
- Friday: Yoga
- Saturday: Long run
- Sunday: Recovery run + Stretch & Strength
Five running days. More mileage. More quality. More purpose.
The first month was about rebuilding the engine.
Now it’s time to see what that engine can do.
Week 4 Lesson: Marathon fitness doesn’t announce itself with spectacular runs. It quietly appears the day you finish a long run on Saturday, wake up on Sunday, lace up your shoes without hesitation, and head out smiling.
