In the video, I uncover the science behind the modern approach to marathon training, including how VO2max, running economy, lactate threshold, and physiological resilience each contribute to marathon performance. Then, I explore the training methods that most effectively target each of these components of marathon fitness.
The Q&A session at the end covers lactate shuttling, glycogen depletion, periodization, and long-term development, among other topics.
Here’s the full video—be sure to like the video and subscribe to my YouTube channel if you want to see more video-based content in the future.
You can watch the embedded video above, or watch it here on YouTube. There is some material that’s easier to convey in a lecture or video, so I’m hoping to do more video content in the future (don’t worry, I’ll still be writing plenty too).
If you want to download the slides as a PDF, you can access them here:
Thanks to everyone who came out for the event, and to my friend Tim Thornburg for the excellent videography.
Learn more about marathon science
As always, if you want to dive into all the science behind modern marathon training—or if you just want a scientifically based training plan without having to worry about the science—check out my book, Marathon Excellence for Everyone. I’ve been getting rave reviews from runners fresh off their spring marathon who had enormous success with it.
If you want to be the first to know when I have more content coming out, whether that’s a new web app, a deep-dive on training, or another video like this one, subscribe to my free email list!
I just recorded a great podcast with Victor Urquhart Smångs, a coach and 28:57 10k runner in Sweden who is in the middle of a big build-up for the Valencia Marathon. We talked about elite-level marathon training, including key workouts, periodization, and heat versus altitude training. Check out the full episode on your podcast app ... Read more
I just went on the Life in Stride Podcast to chat about all aspects of marathon training—workouts, periodization, fueling, tapering, recovery, and more! This was a super fun chat with Chris, Scotty, and Danny, and it was great to get their own perspectives on training (Chris had just done the classic 8 x (1k, 1k) ... Read more
I was just on the perfectly-named Running Book Reviews Podcast to chat with hosts Alan and Liz about my book, Marathon Excellence for Everyone. We talk about why I wrote the book, how I approach periodization for the marathon, and how to mentally approach race day, among many other topics. I really enjoyed this show ... Read more
I just posted the video from my live lecture on the science of modern marathon training! In the video, I uncover the science behind the modern approach to marathon training, including how VO2max, running economy, lactate threshold, and physiological resilience each contribute to marathon performance. Then, I explore the training methods that most effectively target ... Read more
Recently I sat down to chat about training with hybrid athlete, coach, and content creator Alec Blenis. This was a particularly interesting conversation because I am also coaching Alec on his quest to break 2:30 in the marathon while maintaining his strength and physique goals. I’m always looking to learn new things as a coach, ... Read more
I just recorded a great conversation on the Seconds Flat Podcast from Columbus Running Company where we chatted about base training for the marathon, what coaches influenced me, how to set your marathon goal pace, and the merits of single vs. double threshold, among other topics. Find the show on your favorite podcasting platform: 🎧 ... Read more
I just recorded an awesome podcast on marathon training with Dane Verwey on his excellent Run Culture Podcast. I was really looking forward to going on this show because Dane was one of the beta testers who tried out the Marathon Excellence training plans before the book came out! Dane ran 2:24 at the Ballarat ... Read more
I just went on this week’s episode of The Planted Runner Podcast with Claire Bartholic to chat about how you can apply the principles of modern marathon training, even if you’re not an elite runner. We also talk about some of the most useful findings from scientific research in the last few years, and how ... Read more
About the Author
John J. Davis, Ph.D.
I have been coaching runners and writing about training and injuries for over 12 years. I've helped complete novices, NXN-qualifying high schoolers, elite-field competitors at major marathons, and runners everywhere in between. I have a Ph.D. in Human Performance, and I do scientific research focused on the biomechanics of overuse injuries in runners. My new book on marathon training, Marathon Excellence for Everyone, is now available on Amazon!
