How to Train for a Marathon with Peloton
Last month I signed up for a marathon! I was planning to take the year off from the marathon, but after Jess Sims’ ran Boston this past April I was INSPIRED!
I took some time to think about it and after a few weeks I decided to register for the Twin Cities Marathon coming up this October.
This marathon will be my 5th marathon and the first that I’ll be training with Peloton.
In this post I’ll share with you everything you need to know about Peloton’s Road to 26.2, how I use Peloton in my training, and a link list to all the classes in the series (including the exclusive Marathon program only ones!).
Make sure to bookmark this page so you can come back and refer to it as your training progresses!

Want to save this post?
Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox.
Peloton’s Marathon Training Program (Road to Your 26.2 Program)
Peloton released their marathon training program, or Road to Your 26.2 a few years ago but recently refreshed with with new content. It’s a 3 part program that lasts 6 weeks each, making it an 18 week program.
The program is mostly running but does have some stretching and strength training for runner classes built in. The program is also audio only so the runs can be done outdoors.
The program builds each week with the first long run beginning at 8 miles then ultimately working up to a 20 mile run before taper.
The program is set up as a program in Peloton’s app so to get access to the workouts you need to complete or skip the workouts to progress.
The program keeps track of your progress and gives you progress reports as well as the opportunity to earn badges!

How to Find the Program
To find the program, go into the Peloton app and click on ” Programs” then scroll down to Road to Your Marathon Part 1.
Click on it and you can see an overview of the program as well as join!
The program is split into 3 sections: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 – all of which are 6 weeks long and build on top of each other.
You can jump into either program at any given time so if you already have a mileage base built, you could possibly jump into part 2 or 3.

Marathon Training Program Review
I’m a huge fan of Peloton (obviously!) and love that they have created a program like this.
I think this program is a great way to prepare for a marathon, or even just use as a guide on what workouts to do each week.
However, I decided not to do the Road to 26.2 as my official marathon training program for a few reasons.
I think the program is great, but knowing myself I need a little more guidance so I decided to use an online coaching company to create a custom plan for me.
While I’m not doing the official program, I am going to use some of these marathon prep classes during my runs to train.
I love the style of these classes (Peloton- please come out with more content like this!!) and the tips from the instructors are amazing.

The marathon prep classes are basically marathon training sessions where you’ll do increments at marathon pace. What I love most about these classes, though, is hearing the instructor talk about their experience with running marathon, tips, and race day stories.
I find it really motivating and helpful to hear what the coaches think and do when they’re training and racing.
After doing a few of these runs I do understand now why they’re not accessible in the regular Digital app content. The way Peloton created these classes is to build off each other in the program, so you’ll often hear references to “yesterday’s strength workout with Andy” or “next week’s run with Matt”.
Anyway, here are a few reasons why I decided not to do the official Peloton program:
I need distance based training vs. time based
I’ve learned over the years of training that my best cycles are when I train to mileage instead of timed running.
The program is set up that most of the days you complete a class or two, but this doesn’t guarantee how many miles you’ll run.
This training cycle I’m really practicing running slow on my easy runs (2-3 minutes slower than my marathon pace) so if I use time based running my mileage would be super low each week.
Shop My Workout Gear:
The following items can all be found as staples in my workout wardrobe! Simply click on an image that interests you:
The long runs each week, however, are distance based so you’ll definitely be getting in long run mileage.
I need more variety
While I’m obsessed with Peloton classes, I find that sometimes they hype me up a little too much and I ended up going too hard on my easy days. Whoops! Even when I say I’ll stick to my own plan, I somehow end up following the instructor and before I know it I’m sprinting.
I’ve found that on my easy days it works better for me to put on an audiobook or podcast instead and use the Peloton Just Run feature to track instead of listening to the class audio cues.
Need More Guidance
I’m at the point of my running where I need more guidance on what paces to run during my training runs.
The instructors will cue you to what paces to run like “tempo” or “marathon pace”, but obviously can’t give you an actual range – you kind of just have to figure it out on your own.
I Like to Mix Classes
Recently I started trying out using tread workouts outside and actually have started to prefer doing some of those outside instead of outdoor classes.
Unfortunately my miles don’t get tracked on the Peloton app (my Garmin still tracks), but I find I’m able to zone out a little easier in those tread classes vs. staying focused in outdoor classes.
I find the tread classes are a little more chatty and casual, where the outdoor classes tend to be more talking to you and focused on the workout.
However don’t let my reasons discourage you from doing the program! I only decided not to do it because I know myself and what works best for me since I have the experience of running a marathon.
This took me years of trial and error to figure out so if you’re new to marathon training or endurance running, it might be beneficial to start with the Road to Your 26.2 program.
Prefer video? Here’s a video I put together all about the program and my thoughts
Exclusive Road to Your 26.2 Content
One of the benefits of doing the program is that you have access to some exclusive marathon content that isn’t available normally in the app (which is a total bummer in my opinion because I love longer content!).
However, there is a workaround to get to that longer content even if you’re not a part of the program!
Here are the class links to all the exclusive classes as part of this program – simply click on them and either stack or bookmark them on the Peloton website and then you’ll be able to get into them later.
Becs Gentry 30 Minute Marathon Race Prep (5/21/19)
Matt Wilpers 30 Min Marathon Race Prep (5/21/19)
Robin Arzon 30 Min Marathon Race Prep (5/21/19)
Becs Gentry 45 Min Marathon Race Prep Run (5/21/19)
Robin Arzon 45 Min Marathon Race Prep Run (6/5/19)
Matt Wilpers 45 Min Marathon Race Prep Run (6/5/19)
Robin Arzon 60 Min Marathon Race Prep (9/10/19)
Becs Gentry 60 Min Marathon Race Prep (7/18/19)
Matt Wilpers 60 Min Marathon Prep (7/18/19)
Robin Arzon 20 Min Shakeout Run 7/18/19
Robin Arzon 10 Min Marathon Warmup (7/18/19)
There’s also exclusive 10 minute warmup runs before each distance long run (you can find the links in the program below).
Equipment Needed
The Peloton marathon program is mostly outdoor running (no tread required for any of the runs!), but it does also include 2 days a week of strength training. Here’s the equipment I would recommend having for the program:
-2-3 pairs of running shoes (you’ll want to rotate pairs through training.
I recommend going to a local running shop to get fitted – if you’re in the Twin Cities, my favorites to go to are TC Running Company and Gear West)
-Light, medium and heavy set of weights for strength training
-Yoga Mat
-Gels or Fuel for Long Runs (I like UCan Edge, but be sure to test out a few before race day to know what works for your body)
–Foam Roller for recovery (Peloton doesn’t have foam rolling classes built into the program but these are great to add on after a run! There’s a bunch to choose from in the Peloton Stretching section)
–Handheld water bottle or hydration vest
Printable Calendar
The Road to 26.2 Printable calendar is a great way to stay on track with the marathon program.
Simply download the printable and keep track of all the classes in the program.
You can also click on the class links to be brought to the class in the Peloton app.

Program Details and Class Links
Ready to try out the program?
Here are all the classes and training plan for the program!
Road to Your 26.2 Part 1
Part 1 – Week 1
Day 1: Rest
Day 2: Matt Wilpers 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19 9:00am) and Matt Wilpers 30 Minute Tempo Run (5/21/19)
Day 3: Andy Speer 30 Minute Strength for Runners (7/1/22 9:00am)
Day 4: Becs Gentry 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19) and Becs Gentry 30 Minute Marathon Race Prep (5/21/19)
Day 5: Rebecca Kennedy 30 Min Strength for Runners (7/1/22)
Day 6: Olivia Amato 20 Min Hip Hop Run (10/1/21)
Day 7: Robin Arzon 10 Min Long Run Warmup (5/21/19) + 4 Mile Run
Part 1 – Week 2
Day 1: Rest
Day 2: Matt Wilpers 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19 9:00am) and Robin Arzon 30 Min Tempo Run (5/21/19)
Day 3: Andy Speer 30 Minute Strength for Runners (7/1/22 9:00am)
Day 4: Becs Gentry 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19) and Becs Gentry 30 Minute Marathon Race Prep (5/21/19)
Day 5: Rebecca Kennedy 30 Min Strength for Runners (7/1/22)
Day 6: Susie Chan 20 Min 80s Run (5/6/22)
Day 7: Matt Wilpers 10 Min Long Run Warmup (5/21/19) + 6 mile run
Part 1 – Week 3
Day 1: Rest
Day 2: Matt Wilpers 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19 9:00am) and Robin Arzon 30 Min Tempo Run (5/21/19)
Day 3: Andy Speer 30 Minute Strength for Runners (7/1/22 9:00am)
Day 4: Becs Gentry 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19) and Matt Wilpers 30 Min Marathon Race Prep (5/21/19)
Day 5: Rebecca Kennedy 30 Min Strength for Runners (7/1/22)
Day 6: Kirsten Ferguson 20 Min Hip Hop Run (3/4/22)
Day 7: Becs Gentry 10 Min Long Run Warmup ( 5/21/19) + 8 mile run
Part 1 – Week 4
Day 1: Rest
Day 2: Matt Wilpers 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19 9:00am) and Robin Arzon 30 Min Tempo Run (5/21/19)
Day 3: Andy Speer 30 Minute Strength for Runners (7/1/22 9:00am)
Day 4: Becs Gentry 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19) and Becs Gentry 30 Minute Marathon Race Prep (5/21/19)
Day 5: Rebecca Kennedy 30 Min Strength for Runners (7/1/22)
Day 6: Matt Wilpers 20 Min Rock Run (4/29/22)
Day 7: Matt Wilpers 10 Min Long Run Warmup (5/21/19) + 4 mile run
Part 1 – Week 5
Day 1: Rest
Day 2: Matt Wilpers 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19 9:00am) and Matt Wilpers 30 Min Tempo Run (5/21/19)
Day 3: Andy Speer 30 Minute Strength for Runners (5/21/19 9:00am)
Day 4: Becs Gentry 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19) and Robin Arzon 30 Min Marathon Race Prep (5/21/19)
Day 5: Rebecca Kennedy 30 Min Strength for Runners (5/21/19)
Day 6: Jess King 20 Min EDM Run (12/13/21)
Day 7: Becs Gentry 10 Min Long Run Warmup ( 5/21/19) + 8 mile run
Part 1 – Week 6
Day 1: Rest
Day 2: Matt Wilpers 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19 9:00am) and Matt Wilpers 30 Min Tempo Run (5/21/19)
Day 3: Andy Speer 30 Minute Strength for Runners (5/21/19 9:00am)
Day 4: Becs Gentry 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19) and Becs Gentry 45 Min Marathon Race Prep Run (5/21/19)
Day 5: Rebecca Kennedy 30 Min Strength for Runners (5/21/19)
Day 6: Joslyn Thompson Rule 20 Min Hip Hop Run (4/30/22)
Day 7: Robin Arzon 10 Min Long Run Warmup (5/21/19) + 10 mile run
Road to Your 26.2 Part 2
Part 2 – Week 1
Day 1: Rest
Day 2: Matt Wilpers 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19 9:00am) and Matt Wilpers 30 Minute Tempo Run (5/21/19)
Day 3: Andy Speer 30 Minute Strength for Runners (5/21/19 900am)
Day 4: Becs Gentry 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19) and Becs Gentry 45 Min Marathon Race Prep Run (5/21/19)
Day 5: Rebecca Kennedy 30 Min Strength for Runners (5/21/19)
Day 6: Selena Samuela 30 Min Pop Run (5/27/22)
Day 7: Matt Wilpers 10 Min Long Run Warmup (6/5/19)+ 12 Mile Run
Part 2 – Week 2
Day 1: Rest
Day 2: Matt Wilpers 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19 9:00am) and Becs Gentry 45 Min Tempo Run (6/5/19)
Day 3: Andy Speer 30 Minute Strength for Runners (5/21/19 900am)
Day 4: Becs Gentry 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19) and Robin Arzon 45 Min Marathon Race Prep Run (6/5/19)
Day 5: Rebecca Kennedy 30 Min Strength for Runners (5/21/19)
Day 6: Andy Speer 20 Min EDM Fun Run (3/28/19)
Day 7: Matt Wilpers 10 Min Long Run Warmup (6/5/19)+ 8 Mile Run
Part 2 – Week 3
Day 1: Rest
Day 2: Matt Wilpers 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19 9:00am) and Becs Gentry 45 Min Tempo Run (6/5/19)
Day 3: Rebecca Kennedy 30 Min Strength for Runners (6/5/19)
Day 4: Becs Gentry 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19) and Matt Wilpers 45 Min Marathon Race Prep Run (6/5/19)
Day 5: Andy Speer 30 Min Strength for Runners (6/5/19)
Day 6: Rebecca Kennedy 20 Min Soul Fun Run (4/11/19)
Day 7: Robin Arzon 10 Min Long Run Warmup + 12 Mile Run
Part 2 – Week 4
Day 1: Rest
Day 2: Matt Wilpers 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19 9:00am) and Becs Gentry 45 Min Tempo Run (6/5/19)
Day 3: Rebecca Kennedy 30 Min Strength for Runners (6/5/19)
Day 4: Becs Gentry 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19) and Matt Wilpers 45 Min Marathon Race Prep Run (6/5/19)
Day 5: Andy Speer 30 Min Strength for Runners (6/5/19)
Day 6: Andy Speer 20 Min EDM Fun Run (3/28/19)
Day 7: Robin Arzon 10 Min Long Run Warmup + 14 Mile Run
Part 2 – Week 5
Day 1: Rest
Day 2: Matt Wilpers 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19 9:00am) and Matt Wilpers 45 Minute Tempo Run (6/5/19)
Day 3: Rebecca Kennedy 30 Min Strength for Runners (6/5/19)
Day 4: Becs Gentry 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19) and Robin Arzon 60 Min Marathon Race Prep (9/10/19)
Day 5: Andy Speer 30 Min Strength for Runners (6/5/19)
Day 6: Rebecca Kennedy 20 Min Soul Fun Run (4/11/19)
Day 7: Becs Gentry 10 Min Long Run Warmup (6/5/19) + 16 Mile Run
Part 2 – Week 6
Day 1: Rest
Day 2: Matt Wilpers 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19 9:00am) and Matt Wilpers 45 Minute Tempo Run (6/5/19)
Day 3: Rebecca Kennedy 30 Min Strength for Runners (6/5/19)
Day 4: Becs Gentry 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19) and Robin Arzon 60 Min Marathon Race Prep (9/10/19)
Day 5: Andy Speer 30 Min Strength for Runners (6/5/19)
Day 6: Becs Gentry 20 Min Rock Fun Run (3/14/19)
Day 7: Matt Wilpers 10 Min Long Run Warmup + 12 Mile Run
Road to Your 26.2 Part 3
Part 3 – Week 1
Day 1: Rest
Day 2: Matt Wilpers 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19 9:00am) and Matt Wilpers 45 Minute Tempo Run (6/5/19)
Day 3: Rebecca Kennedy 30 Min Strength for Runners (7/18/19)
Day 4: Becs Gentry 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19) and Becs Gentry 60 Min Marathon Race Prep (7/18/19)
Day 5: Andy Speer 30 Min Strength for Runners (7/18/19)
Day 6: Becs Gentry 20 Min Rock Fun Run (3/14/19)
Day 7: Robin Arzon 10 Min Long Run Warmup (7/18/19) + 16 mile run
Part 3 – Week 2
Day 1: Rest
Day 2: Matt Wilpers 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19 9:00am) and Robin Arzon 45 Min Tempo Run (7/18/19)
Day 3: Rebecca Kennedy 30 Min Strength for Runners (7/18/19)
Day 4: Becs Gentry 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19) and Matt Wilpers 60 Min Marathon Prep (7/18/19)
Day 5: Andy Speer 30 Min Strength for Runners (7/18/19)
Day 6: Robin Arzon 20 Min Pop Fun Run (7/4/20)
Day 7: Becs Gentry 10 Min Long Run Warmup (7/18/19) + 18 mile run
Part 3 – Week 3
Day 1: Rest
Day 2: Matt Wilpers 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19 9:00am) and Robin Arzon 45 Min Tempo Run (7/18/19)
Day 3: Rebecca Kennedy 30 Min Strength for Runners (7/18/19)
Day 4: Becs Gentry 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19) and Matt Wilpers 60 Min Marathon Prep (7/18/19)
Day 5: Andy Speer 30 Min Strength for Runners (7/18/19)
Day 6: Robin Arzon 20 Min Pop Fun Run (7/4/20)
Day 7: Becs Gentry 10 Min Long Run Warmup (7/18/19) + 20 mile run
Part 3 – Week 4
Day 1: Rest
Day 2: Matt Wilpers 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19 9:00am) and Robin Arzon 45 Min Tempo Run (7/18/19)
Day 3: Rebecca Kennedy 30 Min Strength for Runners (7/18/19)
Day 4: Becs Gentry 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19) and Becs Gentry 60 Min Marathon Race Prep (7/18/19)
Day 5: Andy Speer 30 Min Strength for Runners (7/18/19)
Day 6: Robin Arzon 20 Min Pop Fun Run (7/4/20)
Day 7: Matt Wilpers 10 Min Long Run Prep (7/18/19) + 16 mile run
Part 3 – Week 5
Day 1: Rest
Day 2: Matt Wilpers 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19 9:00am) and Matt Wilpers 30 Min Tempo Run (7/18/19)
Day 3: Rebecca Kennedy 30 Min Strength for Runners (7/18/19)
Day 4: Becs Gentry 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19) and Robin Arzon 45 Min Marathon Race Prep (7/18/19)
Day 5: Andy Speer 30 Min Strength for Runners (7/18/19)
Day 6: Rebecca Kennedy 20 Min Soul Fun Run (4/11/19)
Day 7: Becs Gentry 10 Min Long Run Warmup (7/18/19) + 10 mile run
Part 3 – Week 6
Day 1: Rest
Day 2: Matt Wilpers 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19 9:00am) and Becs Gentry 10 Min Tempo Run (7/18/19)
Day 3: Rest
Day 4: Becs Gentry 10 Minute Pre-Run Warmup (5/21/19) and Matt Wilpers 30 Min Marathon Race Prep (7/18/19)
Day 5: Rest
Day 6: Robin Arzon 20 Min Shakeout Run 7/18/19
Day 7: Robin Arzon 10 Min Marathon Warmup (7/18/19) + Race Day!

Final Thoughts
Training for a marathon can be a big undertaking, but it’s definitely doable with the right plan and mindset.
Peloton has done a great job at putting together a program that will help get you ready for the big day.
Even if you don’t follow their plan exactly, the classes are great workouts to help increase your mileage and build strength.
And, of course, don’t forget to have fun with it!
Have you done the Peloton Your Road to 26.2 Marathon program? I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!
Thanks for this! My question is how fast am I supposed to run on those day 7s (long run days). Do I run my marathon pace as to get ready for the race? Or is this when I’m running 2-3 minutes slower than my marathon pace? And if such is the case, how will I be able to run marathon pace for the marathon if I have never ran that fast for a long run?! Thanks for any assistance.
For long runs you want to keep it as easy as possible so this is when you’d be doing the 2-3 minutes slower than marathon pace! In the workouts themselves you do the marathon paces when they call them out.
Thank you! ❤️