If you're training for a marathon, this episode could save you months of frustration and help you reach the starting line healthy and ready to perform your best.

Joining me for his fourth appearance on the Healthy Runner Podcast is marathon coach Jason Fitzgerald, founder of Strength Running, USATF-certified coach, and 2:39 marathoner.

Together, we answer some of the biggest questions marathon runners have, including:

✅ Why runners hit the wall around mile 20

✅ The marathon workouts that actually matter (and the ones you can stop stressing about)

✅ How to structure your long runs for maximum benefit

✅ Zone 2 vs. threshold training and how much of your running should actually be easy

✅ Why strength training is a game changer for marathon performance and injury prevention

✅ How runners over 40 can train smarter, recover better, and stay healthy throughout marathon training

Throughout the conversation, Jason shares the coaching strategies he uses to help runners perform their best, while I provide the physical therapy perspective on reducing injury risk, improving recovery, and building a body that's ready for the demands of 26.2 miles.

Whether you're training for your first marathon or chasing a new personal best, you'll leave this episode with practical strategies you can immediately apply to your training.

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A big thanks to CurraNz for your support for this episode!

Want to know my favorite recovery supplement for runners? CurraNz is New Zealand's natural running supplement made of a strong antioxidant (polyphenol anthocyanin) found within blackcurrants.

Learn more about the real science behind blackcurrant extract in my interview with Fleur Cushman in episode 233 on the Healthy Runner Podcast.

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If you're ready for structured strength plans, progressive return-to-run programming, and coaching support so you're not guessing week to week, join the Healthy Runner Academy waitlist

Looking for 1-on-1 guidance, structure, support, and accountability? Check out our signature Spark Healthy Runner Coaching here!

👋🏼 New here?

I'm Dr. Duane Scotti, former physical therapy professor turned full-time running coach, running physical therapist, and 8x marathoner 🏅

I help everyday runners stop nagging injuries, get stronger, and finally feel confident in their training by blending rehab-level expertise with performance training.

If you found this helpful, make sure to follow the Healthy Runner Podcast and share this episode with a runner who needs to hear it.

Links and Resources from the show:

- Learn more about Jason and Strength Running

- Follow Jason on Instagram

- Watch Strength Running videos on YouTube

- Listen to the Strength Running podcast

Listen to my previous episode about building mental resilience for running with Jason

Listen to my previous episode about injury prevention with Jason

Listen to my previous episode with Jason about Strength Training as Power Training for running here!

Connect with Dr. Duane:

- Instagram - @sparkhealthyrunner

- Sign up for the Healthy Runner Newsletter

- Join our Healthy Runner Facebook Community

- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

- duane@sparkhealthyrunner.com

- www.sparkhealthyrunner.com