In this episode, I'm bringing back a crowd favorite, Jeff Cunningham, to discuss essential strategies for training for your first marathon. We cover the importance of easy miles, weekly speed workouts, and structured long runs. Jeff shares his philosophy on the 80/20 rule for easy versus hard runs to maximize adaptations and avoid fatigue. The discussion also covers the significant role of nutrition and hydration in performance and recovery. Jeff and I emphasize the importance of fueling properly before, during, and after workouts, and relay personal experiences to illustrate the benefits of structured training and proper nutrition. This is not for first timers only, this conversation is filled with practical advice and inspiration for both novice and seasoned runners.CHAPTERS:00:00 The Reality of Marathon Training01:44 How to Train for Your First Marathon06:31 The Importance of Easy Days and Recovery15:10 The Austin Marathon Experience22:29 Making the Commitment to Run a Marathon48:41 Building Fitness and Loving Running50:56 The Reality of Marathon Prep01:01:07 The Importance of Easy Miles01:16:48 Incorporating Speed Workouts01:27:48 The Role of Nutrition in Training01:31:31 Fueling for Performance01:37:36 Balancing Diet and TrainingBecome a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFEhttps://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/pages/bpn-membership?srsltid=AfmBOorlpjVeag2kkt3eZ5UpWcFA5Bb2v5V_93lmO47Vn_Y8DRdLwDLLBat City Track Club is an emerging national class and regionally elite team with a primary focus on distances 5,000m to the marathon.https://www.batcitytc.com/MENTIONS:The Nothing that Is: A Natural History of Zerohttps://www.amazon.com/Nothing-that-Natural-History-Zero/dp/0195142373FOLLOW:IG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitnessJEFF CUNNINGHAM:IG: instagram.com/@jdcunningham97/BAT CITY: instagram.com/@batcitytrackclub/