From 13.1 to 26.2: What I Learned Stepping Up My Training

When I crossed the finish line of my first half marathon, I felt invincible. Thirteen point one miles behind me, medal around my neck, and that runner's high flooding my system—I was ready to conquer the world. "A marathon is just two half marathons," I thought confidently. "How hard could it be?"

Three months into marathon training, I can tell you with absolute certainty: I was fundamentally unprepared for the reality ahead.

Stepping up from half marathon to full marathon training isn't just about doubling your distance. It's a complete overhaul of how you approach running, recovery, nutrition, and mental preparation. The lessons I've learned have surprised me, humbled me, and ultimately made me a much stronger runner.

The Mileage Reality Check

My half marathon training peaked at about 25 miles per week. I thought I was logging serious mileage. Then I started my marathon plan and realized I'd been running in the kiddie pool.

Marathon training doesn't just double your weekly mileage—it transforms your entire relationship with running. I'm now hitting 45-50 miles per week, with long runs that exceed my previous race distance. That first 16-mile training run was a wake-up call. By mile 14, I was in completely uncharted territory, and my body let me know it.

The biggest adjustment wasn't just the total volume, but the consistency required. Half marathon training felt like I could afford to miss a run here and there. Marathon training is unforgiving—skip a few runs, and you'll feel it in your long run performance. I've had to become religious about my training schedule in a way that surprised me.

Recovery Isn't Optional Anymore

During half marathon training, I could bounce back from a hard run in a day or two. Marathon training has taught me that recovery isn't just recommended—it's mandatory for survival.

After my first 18-mile run, I was shocked by how my body felt for the next three days. Not just tired, but systemically drained. My legs felt heavy walking up stairs. I needed more sleep than usual. Even my appetite changed dramatically.

I've had to completely restructure my recovery routine. Ice baths have become a regular part of my week. I foam roll religiously now, not just when something hurts. I've learned to listen to my body's signals and take rest days seriously, even when I feel like I "should" be running.

The mental adjustment here was huge. I used to feel guilty about rest days. Now I understand that rest is when the magic happens—when your body adapts and gets stronger.

Fueling Becomes a Science

For half marathons, I could get away with a banana and some water. Marathon training has turned me into a nutritionist by necessity.

Long runs lasting 2-3 hours require a completely different fueling strategy. I've learned through trial and error (mostly error) that what works for a 10-mile run can destroy you at mile 15. I've experimented with energy gels, sports drinks, and even real food during runs. I've discovered that my stomach is surprisingly picky during extended efforts.

The biggest revelation has been pre-run fueling. I used to eat whatever I wanted the night before a run. Now I plan my carb loading carefully, time my meals strategically, and have learned which foods are my friends and which are my enemies during long efforts.

Post-run nutrition has become equally important. That 30-minute recovery window isn't just theory—it's the difference between feeling human the next day and feeling like I've been hit by a truck.

Mental Fortitude Gets Tested

Half marathon training taught me about physical endurance. Marathon training is teaching me about mental resilience.

Around mile 16 of my training runs, I enter what I call the "mental wilderness." This is where my brain starts negotiating with me, offering compelling reasons why I should stop. The physical discomfort is real, but the mental battle is often more intense.

I've had to develop a completely new toolkit for handling these moments. Mantras that worked for 13 miles don't always carry me through mile 20. I've learned to break long runs into smaller segments, to reframe discomfort as growth, and to have multiple mental strategies ready for different points in the run.

The most surprising mental adjustment has been learning to be comfortable with discomfort for extended periods. Half marathons hurt, but they're over relatively quickly. Marathon training has taught me to sit with discomfort, to find peace within the struggle, and to keep moving forward even when every instinct tells me to stop.

Time Management Becomes Critical

Half marathon training fit relatively easily into my life. Marathon training has reorganized my entire schedule.

Long runs now consume significant portions of my weekends. A 20-mile run requires 3 hours of running plus preparation time, plus recovery time, plus managing the fatigue that follows. I've had to become much more strategic about scheduling social events, work commitments, and household tasks.

The ripple effects have been substantial. I maintain consistent sleep schedules to support recovery. I meal prep more systematically because reliable nutrition is essential. I've had to communicate with family and friends about my training commitments in ways that were unnecessary during half marathon preparation.

The Importance of Consistency

During half marathon training, I could have off days and still hit my goals. Marathon training has taught me that consistency trumps intensity every time.

Missing a few runs during half marathon training felt manageable. Missing runs during marathon training creates a domino effect that impacts weeks of training. I've learned to prioritize showing up, even when I don't feel like it, even when the run doesn't go perfectly.

This has been one of the most valuable life lessons. Some days I run fast, some days I run slow, but the most important thing is that I run. The cumulative effect of consistent training has amazed me—my aerobic base, my mental resilience, and my confidence have all grown through simple consistency.

Injury Prevention Becomes Paramount

Half marathon training was forgiving of my shortcuts. I could skip warm-ups, ignore minor aches, and push through questionable pain. Marathon training has taught me that injury prevention isn't optional—it's essential.

I've had to become much more systematic about strength training, stretching, and listening to my body. That slight knee twinge that I might have ignored during half marathon training now gets immediate attention. I've learned the difference between normal training discomfort and warning signs of injury.

The investment in injury prevention—time spent on mobility work, strength training, and proper warm-ups—has actually made me a more well-rounded athlete. I'm stronger and more resilient than I was during half marathon training.

The Long Run Changes Everything

The weekly long run has become the centerpiece of my training in a way that never happened during half marathon prep. These runs are where I practice everything—pacing, fueling, mental strategies, and race-day logistics.

I've learned that long runs aren't just about covering distance. They're dress rehearsals for race day. I practice my fueling strategy, test my gear, and work through mental challenges. These runs have taught me more about myself as a runner than all my other training combined.

The confidence that comes from successfully completing a 20-mile training run is unlike anything I experienced during half marathon training. Each long run builds not just physical fitness, but mental proof that I can handle whatever the marathon throws at me.

Embracing the Journey

The biggest adjustment from half marathon to marathon training has been learning to embrace the process rather than just focusing on the destination. Half marathon training felt like a short sprint toward a goal. Marathon training is a months-long journey of gradual adaptation and growth.

I've learned to find satisfaction in the weekly mileage, in the consistency of showing up, and in the small improvements that happen over time. The goal isn't just to survive 26.2 miles—it's to become the type of person who can thrive over that distance.

What I Wish I'd Known

If I could go back and tell my post-half-marathon self anything, it would be this: respect the distance. Marathon training isn't just longer half marathon training—it's a completely different endeavor that requires patience, consistency, and humility.

The physical adaptations take time. The mental growth happens gradually. The lifestyle adjustments are real and significant. But the rewards—the confidence, the resilience, the sense of accomplishment—are worth every challenging mile.

As I continue progressing through my marathon training, I'm constantly amazed by what my body and mind are capable of when I give them the proper preparation and respect. The half marathon taught me I could run. Marathon training is teaching me I can endure.

The journey from 13.1 to 26.2 isn't just about adding miles—it's about discovering who you become in the process.

Currently in week 12 of my 16-week marathon training plan, and learning something new about myself every long run. What surprised you most about stepping up your training? Share your experiences in the comments.