Peak week is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—parts of marathon training. In this episode, we break down exactly what’s normal and what’s not normal during peak week so you can arrive at the start line feeling strong, confident, and ready to race.

We talk through what healthy fatigue should feel like, why higher volume and intensity are expected, and how to properly take your training day by day without overthinking every run. You’ll also learn the biggest red flags to watch for—like pushing too much volume, feeling excessively fatigued, not sleeping well, and failing to recover properly during this critical week.

Beyond the training itself, we also dive into the importance of balancing life and running during peak week. If everything feels like it’s falling out of alignment, it may be a sign to reassess not just your training, but the support systems around you.

Whether you’re deep in marathon prep or preparing for a future cycle, this episode will help you navigate peak week with clarity, control, and confidence.

Resources & Links:

Work with Coach Sara + the Elevate Your Running Coaching Team – Coaching and Programs

elevateyourrunning.com

Instagram – Join the Community

Elevateyourrunning and sayrahrunshappy

Where to Listen:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube Channel

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PARTNER DISCOUNTS AND LINKS:

Boulderthon 2026: save $20 off the marathon or half marathon with code SARA20

Dynamic Runner:⁠ code SAYRAHRUNSHAPPY for 10% off your subscription

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Cheribundi: code ELEVATE for 15% off

Skratch Labs - Use this code for 20% off your next order!

EP. 217 - What’s Normal, What’s Not Normal in a Marathon Peak Week