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

first marathon unlocked 42km buffet harbin marathon wall experience

Before participating in the Harbin Marathon, I had already run five half-marathons of various sizes. As a newcomer to the running community, I enjoyed the thrill that running brought me and learned about the cultural sentiments of each city during the marathons. Early this year, unlocking the 42.195 km marathon became part of my running plan. After much internal struggle and persuasion from my family, I finally got a spot!

The Harbin Marathon organizing committee offers very considerate services, such as mailing the race packets directly to participants' homes, which saves a lot of unnecessary trouble. This mailing service is rare in domestic marathon events, though it does have some drawbacks, like the potential for transferring race entries.

I planned my trip, bought train tickets, and booked a hotel. Everything was ready for the marathon and to explore the city. Love is like the blue sky and white clouds, clear and boundless, and suddenly I found myself in Harbin. However, upon arriving in Harbin, I was really flustered. How could I run in such heavy rain the next day? No worries, the organizing committee provided disposable raincoats. Thinking about the beautiful Harbin Marathon medal, a little rain was nothing!

△ First, a photo of the full marathon medal

△ A lovingly prepared bento by my girlfriend

As the saying goes, 'He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true hero.' Similarly, visiting Harbin without strolling down Central Street would be a missed opportunity. With over a hundred years of history, Central Street is known as 'Asia's First Street.' It's not just an old street or a pedestrian street but also an architectural art exhibition street. Despite the drizzle the day before the race, it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the many tourists and participants.

△ Central Street at night

On race day, the weather was overcast but it didn't rain, which was perfect for a personal best (PB). For a first-time marathon runner like me, finishing the race would be a PB. I also hoped for a good time, maybe 4:30 or even 4:00, but those were just dreams. I was mainly looking forward to the Harbin Marathon's 42 km buffet. Harbin said: 'If you don't eat well, it's my loss...'

△ A selfie at the starting point

The race started near the intersection of Central Street and Youyi Road. In the morning, with excitement, friends' blessings, and beautiful expectations of Harbin, I put on my running gear and headed to the starting point. We entered the starting area in an orderly manner. The nearby security volunteers were very patient in answering runners' questions, and other volunteers tirelessly picked up trash along the course. It seemed the entire city of Harbin was involved in this grand event. The day before the race, a fire at a hot spring hotel in Harbin caused several casualties. The host held a moment of silence, which I believe was a first in domestic marathons. It was truly heartbreaking.

△ Runners queuing up for the restroom in an orderly manner

After the national anthem and the starting gun, runners gradually left the starting gate. As it was my first full marathon, I had no target pace. Along the way, I kept high-fiving the enthusiastic citizens of Harbin to boost my confidence. When I reached the Yangmingtan Bridge, there was a slight incline that required attention, as mentioned in the race manual and on the WeChat platform. I felt a bit tired, but hearing that there were Russian swimsuit models spraying water to cool down the runners ahead gave me the motivation to keep going.

△ Russian swimsuit models spraying water to cool down runners

△ A photo with the popular photographer, Sister Dai

After the halfway point, fatigue set in, but various supplies and drinks kept coming. I secretly thought I must get my money's worth. Speaking of the Harbin Marathon's supplies, I really 'hate' (love) them. From Madieer ice cream bars, red sausages, and Dalieba bread to Kvass soda, Harbin beer, vegetarian meat, instant noodles, dumplings, pastries, cucumbers, chocolates, and various fruits, all these delicious foods made me walk, run, eat, and drink. Of course, I wouldn't miss any of the treats.

△ The above images are from the official WeChat account of the organizing committee

△ Kvass soda pairs well with bread

After 35 kilometers, I was so exhausted that I didn't want to continue running. But since I signed up for the race, I had to finish it, even if I had to crawl. I couldn't let everyone down. As I was 'running' and contemplating life, a few slender girls overtook me. Hmph, even if I ate another Harbin red sausage, I might not catch up with them.

The most frustrating part was when a volunteer told us tired runners, 'The finish line is just around the corner, keep going!' Only after turning the corner did we realize there was still a long way to go. I promise I don't hate that volunteer. Honestly, the last 500 meters felt like 5000 meters! Hearing the music, I knew the finish line was near. I completed the full marathon!

The organizing committee's thoughtful and unique post-race services were memorable, including medical rescue areas, finish line photography zones, finisher item distribution areas, ice water foot soak areas, stretching service areas, and photo-taking areas. For marathon runners, shuttle bus services are familiar, but only those who have run the full Harbin Marathon would know about the shuttle boat service. This is because the course passes through various landmarks in Harbin, and the finish line is in the Sun Island Scenic Area north of the Songhua River, across the river from the starting point.

△ Finishing runners queuing up to collect their stored items

△ Shuttle boat service

This Harbin Marathon journey was very meaningful to me. Not only did I unlock the 42.195 km full marathon, but I also proved that I could run a full marathon. I believe that no matter how difficult life gets, I will overcome it. The Harbin Marathon journey has ended, but the running hasn't! Thank you, Harbin Marathon, for the joyful experience, and thank you, running, for bringing me endless joy!