Personalized Marathon Training Plan Guide

Preparing for a marathon requires a systematic training plan. RunBox AI coach creates a customized 16-20 week marathon training plan based on your fitness level, goal time, and available training time.

Why Choose an AI-Customized Marathon Training Plan?

Personalized Assessment: Based on your running experience and fitness condition
Smart Adjustments: Training intensity optimizes automatically with progress
Scientific Pacing: Based on your target finish time
Injury Prevention: Reasonable intensity progression to avoid injuries

thunderbolt mom finishes toughest asian race course

I call my mom 'Thunderbolt Mom' because she is always the trailblazer in our family, trying out various lifestyles before my dad and me. For instance, the Hong Kong Standard Chartered Marathon, which I have always longed to participate in, was conquered by Thunderbolt Mom first.

The Hong Kong Standard Chartered Marathon is the largest marathon event in Hong Kong. As an IAAF Silver Label Road Race, the course is known for its numerous turns, ups and downs, and is reputed to be 'Asia's toughest course.' The race slots are highly sought after (usually filled within half an hour of registration opening), and many Hong Kong celebrities participate in the event.

I regularly train for road running, signing up for at least 10 kilometers each week through the Codoon online marathon to maintain my speed and avoid slacking off. I've also participated in marathons in nearby cities. However, the Hong Kong Standard Chartered Marathon has always been my number one goal on my planning wall. Running it once earns you two medals, one of which is a zodiac medal—how cool is that! (PS: Only the full marathon offers two medals; other distances only provide the zodiac medal.)

While I was still preparing, Thunderbolt Mom and her running partner, Sister Xiao Gu, had already registered. Sister Xiao Gu is also a heroine on the track, two years older than my mom, but insists I call her Sister Xiao Gu because her online name is 'Sister Xiao Gu.' 'I can still run, which means I'm young at heart. Don't call me old,' she said with a smile.

Thunderbolt Mom registered on the official website. The registration generally requires the following items:
1. Identification documents: Hong Kong and Macau travel permit, ID card.
2. Your mailing address: an address where you can receive packages and letters.
3. Your email address.
4. Proof of your previous marathon results: any offline marathon you have completed.
5. The category you wish to participate in. The Hong Kong Standard Chartered Marathon has categories based on gender, age, and distance. Note: Each category has different start times, and only the full marathon offers a 'finisher medal'; other distances only provide a zodiac commemorative medal.
6. Payment: A credit card (VISA or MASTER) is preferred.
Tip: Click here for the relevant Standard Chartered Marathon website.

For an out-of-town race, it's essential to arrive early. Mom and Sister Xiao Gu arrived in Hong Kong two days in advance to prepare. That evening, Mom called home to say, 'The weather here in Hong Kong isn't great; the forecast says it will rain on race day.'

I quickly checked online and found various reports, including rumors that the race might be canceled. Was Mom's first out-of-town race going to be the 'most brutal marathon in history' with torrential rain and strong winds?

I shared my concerns with Mom, and she said, 'I've already discussed it with Sister Xiao Gu. Since we've decided to run, it's all about the experience. We should enjoy the race! Your Thunderbolt Mom will run even in the rain. I've never run such a big marathon in the rain before, hahaha! I'll take photos to show you!'

Thunderbolt Mom's rain gear for the marathon:
1. Visor cap: To prevent rain from getting into the eyes and affecting vision, and from entering the mouth and nose, affecting breathing.
2. Disposable raincoat: Lightweight and preferably disposable.
3. Running attire: Mom wore long sleeves for warmth. Short or long sleeves are optional.
4. Socks: Non-slip socks.
5. Shoes: Running shoes with drainage features.
6. Vaseline: Applied to exposed limbs for waterproofing and warmth.
7. Dry towel and clothes: Stored properly.
8. Waist pack: For carrying phone, money, salt tablets, and chocolate.

On race day morning, the rain in Hong Kong intensified. Amid the dark streets, participants were already warming up. The first gunshot sounded at 6:40 AM sharp. However, Mom was running the half marathon, with the first group starting after 8 AM, giving ample time for pre-race preparations and selfies. Remember to start the Codoon app at the starting line, and off you go!

Hong Kong's streets are narrow, and the starting crowd is large, making it easy to get separated from your running partner. Mom said she and Sister Xiao Gu ran at a slow and steady pace, so luckily, they didn't get separated. Unlike some marathons with lively scenes, most sections of the Hong Kong Marathon have no spectators, with the most crowded area being near the finish line at Causeway Bay.

After passing Mong Kok and turning onto Tsing Kwai Highway from Olympian City, the long uphill began. According to Mom, 'It's like walking a golden retriever that's running wildly, just following along, up and down, suddenly turning—you never know when this wild golden retriever will stop.'

There are restrooms and supply stations at the 5 km and 10 km marks. The earlier sections have sparse supplies, but they become more frequent later. Supplies include water in paper cups, small packs of sports drinks, bananas, cherry tomatoes, chocolate, and some private supplies, all available for free. Hong Kong people are very enthusiastic.

Thunderbolt Mom also encountered a visually impaired runner and his guide. The guide ran with his athlete in the heavy rain, constantly shouting to the runners around them, 'Excuse me! Sorry!' 'Nick, I'm on your left rear!'

Mom said, 'Maybe because I was running slowly, I saw it so clearly. Everyone running in the rain had the same determination; it was very touching.'

After successfully finishing the race, Mom repeatedly told me that I must run the Hong Kong Marathon. It's well-organized, well-supplied, beautiful scenery, and user-friendly. Most importantly, Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok are nearby, so you can go shopping after the race. Isn't shopping the best way for women to relieve muscle soreness?

'You need to keep working hard,' Mom said to me with a smile.

Now I'm also preparing to run the 2017 Hong Kong Standard Chartered Marathon. Let's meet on the track. Next time, I'll create a guide on the 'Essential Checklist for Running Marathons Abroad' to share with Codoon runners. See you next time!

The slots for the Hong Kong Standard Chartered Marathon are usually filled within half an hour of release, making it extremely hard to get a spot! Now, Miss Dong is exclusively offering '2017 Guaranteed Entry for the Hong Kong Standard Chartered Marathon,' saving you all the hassle of registration and payment!

In just a few days, registration, hotel, and everything else will be arranged for you. Let this top-five marathon in the hearts of runners be the highlight of your 2017 running season!

Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon (click the image to register)

Hong Kong's largest marathon, unique zodiac medals
Event date: February 12, 2017
Registration deadline: November 30 (only 10 slots, hurry)

There are many more amazing marathons beyond the Hong Kong Marathon!

You can also experience the true charm of the Six Major Marathons in Berlin and start a new journey.

2017 Berlin Marathon (click the image to register)