Marathon Training, But Make It Fun: My Favorite Workouts

If you’re completing your first marathon, you might roll your eyes at the prospect of spending so much time running. The betrayals, battles, and romances of Game of Thrones suddenly seem way more appealing in comparison. However, successful marathon training is all about variety. Different workouts serve different purposes—long runs, speed sessions, tempo runs, easy jogs, recovery days. Suddenly, it doesn’t sound so boring, does it?

As a Polar Journal reader, you’ve probably heard all about the classic marathon training workouts, so I won’t put you to sleep with another rundown. Instead, I’m sharing a few of my personal favorites—workouts that have made running way more fun and more social. These are the ones that get me excited to lace up and head out the door (yes, even on those “I’d rather stay in bed” days).

Let’s get to it.

The second breakfast run

Marathon training is going to send your calorie consumption through the roof. Not only do you need to fuel properly, but you also need to recover well. And good recovery starts with giving your body the right nutrients to kickstart the process. So, what better way to recover than by repeating the best meal of the day? Yes, I’m referring to breakfast.

A good workout gives you the perfect excuse to plan a second breakfast after your run. These runs are best saved for the weekend when you have plenty of time to lounge over a cup of coffee and truly enjoy the reward. Here’s how I do it: I wake up and have my usual breakfast—oatmeal with banana and blueberries—, then schedule one of my tougher workouts—something intense enough to guarantee I’ll be absolutely starving by the time I’m done.

After the run, I plan a post-workout brunch with family or friends. Scrambled eggs, granola, pancakes—whatever I’m craving, it’s never tasted better. Just a word of caution: when your body is desperate for nutrients, it’s way too easy to overdo it. So maybe pace yourself… or don’t. You earned it.

A good workout gives you the perfect excuse to plan a second breakfast after your run.

The train workout: all aboard

Track workouts can be brutal—physically and mentally—but they’re also packed with benefits, so skipping them isn’t an option. That said, few things feel more mind-numbing than running lap after lap after lap to complete, say, 6 x 1-mile repeats. Not only is it monotonous, but staying locked into your target pace takes serious mental effort.

The best way to beat track boredom? Turn it into a team effort. These workouts are way more fun when you’re running with others—especially if you share a similar pace. The thrill of running in sync, forming a steady line with everyone locked into rhythm, moving as a unit—like a high-speed train—makes the workout feel smoother and more powerful.

Here’s how it works:

Form a train with your running buddies.

Take turns leading the pack while everyone else drafts behind, conserving energy.

Switch leaders every rep or lap to keep the pace steady and the effort shared.

Not only does this make the workout easier, but it also feels incredibly motivating. You’ll look like a high-speed train, and for at least a few laps, you might just feel invincible.

Sightseeing on the Run: Vacation Miles Done Right

If you’re training for a fall marathon, especially an early one, there’s a good chance the start of your training plan overlaps with your summer holidays. But here’s the good news: running is one of the best ways to explore a new city. From Rome to New York, I’ve managed to cover so much more of these cities just by running. Who needs a tour bus when you’ve got your running shoes?

Easy or recovery runs are perfect for sightseeing on foot—you can jog from one landmark to the next, take in the views, and cover way more ground than you would just walking. You’d be surprised how much of a city you can experience in just a few miles.

Pro tip. If you're new to a city, take a little time beforehand to map out your running route. Research scenic paths, safe streets, or must-see landmarks you'd like to pass along the way. Once you have a solid plan, load the route onto your Polar watch so you can follow it seamlessly without worrying about getting lost. This way, you can focus on enjoying the run instead of constantly checking your phone or second-guessing turns.

Predict your marathon time: Yasso 800s

While you're on the track, try this fun speed workout—a favorite among marathoners that can even help predict your finish time. It’s Yasso 800s—named after the legendary Bart Yasso. It’s got a so-simple-it’s-brilliant formula: your 800-meter split should match your marathon time… but in minutes instead of hours.

Confused? Here’s the deal:

Gunning for a 3-hour marathon? You should aim to run 10 x 800m in 3 minutes flat each, with a 400m jog between reps.

Shooting for a 3:45 marathon? Your goal is 3 minutes and 45 seconds per rep.

Aiming for sub-4:00? You guessed it—each 800 should be under 4 minutes.

It sounds almost too perfect, right? While this workout isn’t a crystal ball for marathon success (sadly, running Yassos in your target time doesn’t guarantee you’ll hit that time in the full 26.2), it is an excellent mix of speed and endurance training. Plus, there’s something super satisfying about nailing those splits like clockwork.

The social chase

Find a running buddy with a similar pace and take turns setting the speed. One runner leads for a few minutes at a slightly faster-than-comfortable pace, then switches. It turns into a mini race while keeping things friendly.

The LSD run

Every runner knows that one of the cornerstones of marathon training is the long run—the classic "just keep running" workout. Also known as LSD (long slow distance), this workout is typically scheduled for Saturdays or Sundays and focuses on spending a couple of hours (or more) on your feet, racking up miles at a slow, easy pace to build endurance.

Of course, running for two-plus hours can feel monotonous. But if you think about it, it’s actually one of the easiest workouts—just settle into a rhythm and go. For many, it’s an opportunity to disconnect, escape reality, and fully enjoy the meditative side of running.

Another option is to turn your long run into a group run. The easy, conversational pace makes it the perfect chance to catch up.

And here’s a bonus to LSD runs. These sessions torch through your glycogen stores and crank up fat oxidation, which means by the time you finish, you’ll be starving. So why not turn it into a second breakfast run? Because let’s be honest—food tastes way better after a long run.

The run commute

This is a fantastic time-saver. If you're on a tight schedule during the workweek, try running to or from work to squeeze in your training without adding extra time to your day. Pack a change of clothes, plan your route, and enjoy the feeling of sneaking in training miles without taking extra time out of your day.

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The nutrition plan workout

Gels and race-day nutrition have completely changed the game for marathoners. Proper fueling helps you avoid the dreaded wall and keeps your carb stores topped up so you can push through those later miles.

But here’s the catch—your stomach needs training too. Practicing your fueling strategy during tempo runs or tough long runs helps you simulate race conditions and get your gut used to processing fuel on the move.

A word of caution: experimenting with new gels or drinks can sometimes backfire. To be safe, plan your route with easy access to restrooms, just in case things don’t sit well. Better to learn that lesson in training than on race day.

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