Boston Marathon Training Plans
Plans for Every Type of Runner in Every Qualification Bracket
Legendary Coach, Mark Hadley has coached over 100 Boston Marathon Qualifiers and counting.
With 16 different possible Boston qualifying times and three different mileage options (Low, Moderate or High Mileage) Mark has built 48 combinations training plans.
How it Works
Proven training from the BQ master, Mark Hadley

Legendary Coach, Mark Hadley has coached over 100 Boston Marathon Qualifiers and counting.
Now, he’s offering his proven workouts and training methodologies to anyone through affordable ($39.99) 16-week training plans.
With 16 different possible Boston qualifying times and three different mileage options (Low, Moderate or High Mileage) Mark has built 48 combinations training plans.
Find Your Qual Time
The first step is knowing or finding what time you need to run by selecting your age and gender.
Once you have your qualifying time, you can select which mileage option best suits you.
Set Your Goal
After checkout you'll enter your goal race date for when you want to qualify for Boston.
From this we use our proprietary RunDoyen Hadley Pace Calculator to calculate your training paces.
Online Training Log
You’ll be set up in our complimentary online training log (Final Surge).
This is where your individualized training plan will be placed on your calendar, leading all the way up until race day.
GPS Watch & Mobile App
You can sync your GPS watch training log platform and track your progress..
Download the mobile app to view or log your training while on the go.
Find Your Qualifying Time
The first step is knowing or finding what time you need to run by selecting your age and gender.
Once you have your qualifying time, you can select which mileage option best suits you.
Set Your Goal
After checkout you'll enter your goal race date for when you want to qualify for Boston.
From this we use our proprietary RunDoyen Hadley Pace Calculator to calculate your training paces.
Online Training Log
You’ll be set up in our complimentary online training log (Final Surge).
This is where your individualized training plan will be placed on your calendar, leading all the way up until race day.
GPS Watch & Mobile App
You can sync your GPS watch training log platform and track your progress..
Download the mobile app to view or log your training while on the go.
Calculate Your Qualification Time to See Which Plan is Best for You
Boston Qualifier Calculator
Doyen Dasher Training Program
More than just a training plan, our World Class coaches developed the Dashers training program to be a value-packed alternative to hiring a coach.
- Unlimited Calculated Training Plans
- Online Training Log/App
- Exclusive Video Training Library
- Chat Support with a RunDoyen Coach
$39/month after 7-day free trial
Plans are Great. Having a Coach is Better.
Try out our Doyen Match feature to find out which running coach is best suited to help you reach your goals!

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Boston marathon training plan
Are you an experienced marathon runner looking for a new challenge? Maybe you have considered running the Boston Marathon, but you aren’t quite sure where to start. RunDoyen has an outstanding training plan to prepare you for the race of a lifetime!
Why RunDoyen?
In short, RunDoyen is the best choice for running training plans because we work with the best of the best to create the most logical and attainable plans for all of our clients. No matter what distance you are wanting to achieve or how much running experience you may have, we are here working hard to make sure that you are given the tools that you need to succeed.
Boston Marathon Qualifying Training Plan
If you are wanting to qualify for the Boston Marathon, what is stopping you? We are giving you the tools here at RunDoyen, and all you need now is some time and the motivation to keep yourself going! You can do it, so believe in yourself!
Tips for Race Day
There are a lot of questions that you will want to consider before running any race, particularly a marathon. What will you wear? What will you eat for dinner the night before? What pace should you target?
Another important question to ask is what is a good cadence for running. This could vary from person to person, so if you have questions head on over to our website to find answers!
So what should you eat to prepare for your big race? Two nights before, you should go all out with the carbs! Enjoy a night of pizza, pasta, rice, or potatoes. You want to give your body time to digest this food because you don’t want to feel bloated and stuffed on race morning.
The day before the race you should aim to eat a balanced diet. It is crucial to drink enough fluids, particularly water and drinks with electrolytes. A couple of hours before the race you will want to eat something small, or you could opt to take an energy gel. It is up to your personal preference with that one.
What you decide to wear for race day can dramatically impact the outcome of your race. You’ll find this advice in many running resources, but never, ever wear something on marathon day that you haven’t worn for a distance run before. Preferably many times before. That includes socks, definitely shoes, shorts, underwear, watches, sunglasses, hats, you name it. The last thing you need is unexpected discomfort, chafing, or blisters. (2)
RunDoyen Plans
RunDoyen has fantastic training plans for you, no matter what your level of experience is. If you’ve been running for years and are looking to tackle your first marathon, we have a plan that would work really well for you. If you have never run a single day in your life but are looking for a way to get started, you may want to take a look at our 5k plan for beginners. There are options for everyone out there, so what is stopping you?
5k training plans
There are three different levels to our 5k training plan. The first level is the best fit for people with no prior running experience. This plan has four different phases, and in total it lasts twelve weeks. The first and second phase will last three weeks each, the third phase will last four weeks, and the last phase will last two weeks long. This plan will prepare you for your first 5k with both running and walking so that you can build up your endurance at an appropriate rate.
If you have run a few 5ks but are looking to improve, then the second level of our 5k training plan may be exactly what you are looking for. This plan is structured similarly to our beginner level with four phases across twelve weeks. Our unique combination of endurance and speed training is designed to push you to be the best that you can be!
If you are looking for a more intense plan but are still just wanting to run a 5k, our third level plan may be the best fit for you. This twelve week plan will push you to be faster and stronger, and you will reach new levels that you didn’t know that you could reach before.
10k training plans
If you are intrigued by our 5k plans, but looking to tackle a bit of a longer race then our 10k plan may be exactly what you are looking for! Similarly to our 5k plans, there are three levels each consisting of twelve weeks of training. You can come into the first level plan with no training, just like the 5k plan, or you can go for the third level if you have some running experience and are looking to improve!
Half Marathon training plans
Our half marathon training plans also come in three different levels, but are sixteen weeks long. The first level would be recommended if you are used to running shorter distances and are wanting to up your game.
If you have a bit more experience running half marathons and are looking to boost your running skills, the second level may be just what you are looking for! For more experienced half marathon runners, the third level would be the right choice for you! There are really fantastic options out there for each individual runner depending on your experience so go take a look!
Marathon training plans
The first two levels to our marathon training plans look similar to our half marathon training plans. If you have experience running 10ks and are looking to aim for a full marathon, the beginner level would be for you. If you’ve maybe run one marathon or possibly a few 10ks or half marathons, the second level may be a better fit for you.
If you are a seasoned runner who has completed a marathon or two in your time, then the third level would probably be what would work best for you! This high intensity plan requires a lot of time and effort, but it is wonderful for helping your strength and endurance in the hopes of running a marathon personal best. You will absolutely see the results from all of the hard work that you put in!
FAQ
What is the Boston Marathon?
Marathon running is common all around the world. There are many kinds of marathons, but running marathons are the most common. A full running marathon consists of running 26.2 miles along a course, often through a city or other trail. (1)
The Boston Marathon is one of the most prestigious marathons in America. It is traditionally held on the third Monday in April, which is Patriots Day. As the name suggests, it takes place in Boston, Massachusetts.
So why is the Boston Marathon so famous? The answer to that is that it is the oldest ongoing marathon. It has a lot of qualifications that you must meet, so it is a race that many runners strive to qualify for and run. Additionally, you would be running through a beautiful city that has so much history! It is a really great environment that draws crowds!
How do you qualify for the Boston Marathon?
The Boston Marathon is no walk in the park, so there are several different qualifications that you must meet before you are able to enter. The first is that you have to be at least eighteen years old at the time of the race. You also have to have completed at least one marathon within a year of the Boston Marathon.
The other qualifications that you must meet will vary based on age and sex. Using your age and sex, there is a competitive qualifying mark you must meet in order to qualify for the Boston Marathon. This typically requires specific training to get your time down to a specific point. Not just any marathon runner can enter, which is why RunDoyen has designed a specific training plan for those wishing to qualify for the Boston Marathon!
It can take a long time to be able to qualify for the Boston Marathon, so if that is your goal, make that commitment now! Start working hard to achieve your goals and the results will show!
Does RunDoyen have plans for new runners?
RunDoyen has running training plans for runners at every level! Whether you are an experienced marathoner or you have never given running a try, we have plans for everyone!
If you have never tried running before, you would probably want to start out with our first level 5k training plan. It starts you out slow so your body can get used to the physical exertion that comes with running. If you are interested in this plan, head on over to our website! We have so many great options for you to take a look at!
What are the benefits of marathon running?
There are a lot of benefits that come with running in general, but marathons specifically have a lot of benefits! They build up your strength and endurance, and running marathons are great for your cardiovascular health!
Running also can give a lot of mental health benefits as well. Overall, running is a really great activity to add to your daily routine, and RunDoyen has a lot of great plans to get you started!
If you find yourself struggling with anxiety or depression, running can help boost your mood and lower your stress levels. While it is obviously not a cure, it can be a great addition to your routine and another tool that you can use to help your overall mental health.
How do I become a marathon runner?
The best way to become a marathon runner is to start with shorter distances and build up your endurance! Luckily for you, RunDoyen has a long list of plans that can help you get there! If you are coming to this with absolutely no running experience, we suggest starting with our lowest level 5k plan. This gives you a good chance to get your feet wet.
After this, you can choose to take a couple of different routes. You can choose to do the second or third level of the 5k plan, or if you are feeling like you want to tackle a longer distance then you may want to try the first level 10k plan. This is a longer distance but it is still designed to prepare you thoroughly.
You will want to continue to gradually increase your distance. Do a few 5ks and a handful of 10ks. If you are feeling strong, you will then want to try a half marathon. The key is to take it slow so you don’t injure yourself or burn yourself out.
It’s Never too Late!
If you have ever had even the smallest inkling of a desire to get into running, now is your perfect opportunity. Start with our beginner 5k plan and learn how to structure your routine in a way that works for you. Then, as you become more confident in your abilities and build strength and endurance, you can move to our intermediate 5k plan, or to our beginner 10k plan. As you progress, you can continue to try more challenging RunDoyen plans to improve your endurance, speed, and overall running.
Maybe you have wanted to start running but you think you have missed your chance because you’ve hit a certain age or time in your life. Do not ever tell yourself that it is too late! If you need a boost for motivation, join one of our beginner plans! Make the commitment to yourself and hold to it! Our team here at RunDoyen is here to empower you to reach your goals!
Hard Work is Key- Let Us Help
Whatever level you find yourself at, know that with some hard work and dedication, you can achieve any goal that you have! If you have never run a day in your life but your goal is to one day run the Boston marathon, you can do it! If you are wanting to sign up for a 5k to push yourself to try something new, then you can do that too!
Maybe you are choosing to add running into your routine for the mental health benefits! That is amazing and the benefits that you could see are wonderful! Whatever your motivation is, we here at RunDoyen want to give you the tools to help you succeed.
From beginner 5k plans to Boston Marathon qualifying plans, we have it all and we want you to utilize the tools available so that you can see those results! With a little bit of time, patience, and hard work, you can achieve any goal that you strive for!