Wife wants to run a marathon...

edit: She does have a track record of too much too soon and resulting niggly injuries so keen to see long-term progression over short-term gains.

I'd go for option 1. To run a marathon well, she'll need more mileage and should build up gradually. Can do one or two faster runs plus strides but I'd avoid doing long temp/MP runs. Consistency is the key so she needs to do what she enjoys. Maybe also enter some other HMs and 10ks without specifically targeting them.

If that goes well, I'd be targeting a HM next spring, maybe using something like a Pfitz HM plan, then after recovered from that, start on a marathon specific program leading up to September.

Lots of ways to skin a cat though.

It's refreshing to see someone plan to race on a realistic, long-term schedule. I'd suggest a cross between 1 and 2. She could train for a half marathon in 6 months or so. That would give her time to build up her weekly mileage and maintain/improve her current speed. Along the way, she could target a 10K around Thanksgiving with an "A" goal of racing faster than her current 5K race pace. That might be ambitious or it might be easy, but she already has a modicum of talent or else she wouldn't be nearly at at 20 minute 5k on only 20mpw. Then, she could recover and up her mileage again to train for a fall marathon.

The biggest unknown is her ability to handle increased mileage without injuries. Marathon training isn't for everyone. I've done three and was training for a fourth when I thought, "This is really a stupid distance. I'm not good at it and I don't like the training." That was 25 years ago. I dropped down to 5/10K and then the 800m and never regretted it.

Just monitor her attitude and be there to remind her that running can (and should) be a lifelong joy. There are lots of ways to enjoy running without running marathons.

Oh, I forgot. When training for the half marathon, she should keep in mind that her long term goal is the marathon. So when some half marathon training plans call for a long run of 10 miles, she should opt for a plan with a long run of 14 miles.

These are great responses - thanks so much

She should hire a male coach. One who's good enough to do training with her. That way as she progresses in her trip to achieve this goal, they can bond and open up personally with each other. This will only strengthen their coach/disciple relationship. Don't worry about early morning or late night text. When questions arise they need answers. Luckily you'll be there to keep the house going and be in charge of the family, if there already is one, while they are doing long training runs. And don't worry if friends say they saw them at Starbucks having a coffee, sitting in the corner. You can't always get the gist of a training plan over a Zoom call.

Otherwise go with plan 1.

Definitely 1) the Lydiard like way.

Marathon time correlates highly with endurance training time/per week. Especially if she is injury prone there is no need to run fast too often.

I like option one. Slowly add more miles. Maybe one workout a week when she's feeling good and up for some speed. But nothing to overly worry about. I'd also jump into some fun, fall races. Any distances she wants. 5k, 10k, half, trail races, whatever. It's a great way to get some hard running in and just feel like you're training for things.

Come spring, I would probably go for a half marathon and train a bit more specifically for it. I like Fisky's advice about making those long runs for the half just a bit longer than some of the lighter plans might call for. If she's regularly getting over 13 mile runs during the spring, that will do a ton for her strength and confidence.

But you did say that, like all of us, she has some history of doing a little too much too soon. She's got 15 months. Cut back a little at the first sign of a problem. And if she's had a few weeks hitting higher mileage than ever before, that is a good time to take a down week. Or even two.

Of course, this is all just hypothetical. I mean, what option does your wife want to do? If she's up for nailing some PRs at 5k and then moving up to 10k, etc.. Then she should do that option. I think it is hugely important for the runner to believe in the path they're on and the training they're doing.

More good advice - thanks. In terms of what she wants - she's motivated by the marathon specifically as it's organised by a charity that's close to us. If other PRs come along, that's great but not a primary goal. Definitely suits the 'jump into races every so often' approach.

Loving the clear consensus and good advice emerging here.

And to the kids who commented: LomL - she did (me); Bulla - I did :-)

How about merging all three into one process?

The biggest thing with a first time marathon, is just getting the mileage up in a way your body can get used to it. If she's at 20 mpw and 13 miles as a long run, adding 1.5 miles per week gets her to 55 mpw in enough time to taper for a marathon 6 months from now. Every third week, put one of those extra miles into the long run and she'll get from 13 to a 20-miler. If things get delayed, fine. Slow down the build and do that race a year from now.

Along the way, she could sign up for a 5K, then 10K, then a Half about 4-6 weeks out from the race. Since she'd be building her mileage along the way, she wouldn't want to do too much speed work, but a bit along the way doesn't have to hurt and breaks the monotony of marathon training mileage. Keep the speed mileage to no more than 10% of the weekly total, with 90% being easy pace. Some shorter, faster stuff before the 5K. Stretch out to longer, less fast speed work as she works towards getting more specific for 10K, half marathon, then the marathon. None of it has to be written in stone; she can (and should) make adjustments along the way.

If she's around a 20 min 5K already, she'll probably surprise you (and herself) and run a good marathon.

That's me. I never had the inclination or desire to run a marathon let alone to race one.

One big piece of the approach to consider (probably the most important IMO): What does your wife want to do? You said she wants to run a marathon. Has she said she's interested in training for this marathon over the course of the next year? It's an easy conclusion to jump to, but she might just as well be intending to continue her 20 miles per week on into 2023, and bump up the mileage 3 or 4 months before. I would ask.

20 miles a week regular with a 20 minute 5k sounds like she's holding her own as a runner, and she probably knows a thing or two. Has she said she'd like you to help her with her training plan, coach her, etc? I would ask that, too.