Most marathon training plans range from 12 to 20 weeks. Beginning marathoners should aim to build their weekly mileage up to 50 miles over the four months leading up to race day. Three to five runs per week is sufficient. ... You should run at an easy enough pace to be able to carry on a conversation. This book gives you marathon running tips and basic fitness for endurance training and racing. You can easily run a marathon any day of the week marathon running tips for beginners and be given advice to help overcome your mind before.