u/Green_Inflation8223

Hi,

Just finished my first ever marathon in late April 2026 and feeling pretty good to start the second block. My first one was Big Sur, finished right around 5 hour mark.

I was able to secure bib for Berlin 2026 and super pumped about it. I aim to finish within 4:45. I have exactly 19 weeks to train for this race.

Ideally, I’d like to keep 3x runs and 2-3x weights per week for first 12 weeks; then reduce the strength training to 1-2x in next 5 weeks; and finally only runs during the final 2 weeks of taper phase.

I would like to continue to maintain lean mass and not lose weight, if possible. For context, I am 35/M. My peak MPW is going to be 25-30 in this block. I have been customizing introductory Higdon plan with hypertrophy program overlaid during non run days, with 1 full rest day per week.

If anyone has experience with hybrid training, pitfalls and things to watch out for; suggestions; do/donts, or just your experiences, I would love to hear from you.
Thanks!

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and guidance in my earlier post (https://www.reddit.com/r/firstmarathon/s/0qSUTvVR9C)

I finished in a little over 5 hours; my initial goal was 5 hours.

I religiously took Maurten 100 every 25-30mins and drank electrolytes and water at every aid station. It rained intermittently first few miles, running through the red woods with low clouds was magical, to say the least.

From mile 17, my calves were aching but I kept going, it didn’t feel like cramping, but aches. I did feel a little bit of cramps on upper back, that went away after 20 mins or so. Kept HR at low Z4 at the most.

I did walk the hills whenever HR drifted higher. It was a great experience! The course, the weather, it almost felt like a pilgrimage, riding for a hour in the bus at 4am with darkness and sound of crashing waves way down below.

Man, but I am chafed, I have Lulu pace breakers with liners, never chafed during training runs but maybe because it rained and they got wet? Any other shorts suggestions would be greatly appreciated 🙏. Is it time to embrace half tights?

I am super excited to sign-up for another one later this year !!

Edit: fixed typos