The RunRX Podcast

The RunRX Podcast

Marathon Bucket List — Pick, Plan, and Run Your Dream Race

Marathon Bucket List — Pick, Plan, and Run Your Dream Race

11m

Thinking about a bucket-list marathon (big city, destination, or iconic course)? Coaches Caroline and Valerie cover how to choose the right race for your goals, practical travel & taper tips, how to adapt training for altitude/heat/time-zones, and the logistics that make a destination marathon a joyful success — not a stress test.

Key takeaways

  • ✅ How to choose the right bucket-list marathon: course profile, time of year, travel logistics, and your personal goal (finish, PR, experience).
  • ✅ Training timing: when to start, how to peak for a race far from home, and how to fit destination rules into your taper.
  • ✅ Acclimation & environment: practical steps for heat, humidity, altitude, and time-zone changes so you don’t blow up on race day.
  • ✅ Travel & race-week checklist: lodging, pre-race food, race kit, transport to start, packing for recovery.
  • ✅ Pacing strategy for unknown courses: how to scout, conservative early splits, and using drills to retain form when things get hard.
  • ✅ Recovery plan after a goal race: active recovery, short walks, mobility, and when to resume structured training.