How Many Weeks to Peak

From Matt Fitzgerald

Among the few running experts who have explicitly addressed the matter of optimal training duration is Jack Daniels.... Daniels identifies 24 weeks as the ideal training duration for all race distances and for runners of all levels, with some exceptions.... one can deduce from his overall explanation of his training system that it simply takes 24 weeks to work through all four phases of his periodization method, but no longer.... Not only is 24 weeks enough time to cultivate peak fitness for any race, but it’s also approximately the maximum amount of time one can train progressively without burning out.

Jack Daniels’ approach is not the only approach to determining how long runners train for specific events.... Hudson believes in maintaining a high level of aerobic fitness and speed year-round in his runners, so that they require little time at all sharpen up for peak performance. His marathoners typically devote only 12 weeks to focused preparation for their big races.... Hudson’s runners would likely become overtrained if they trained longer than 12 weeks for a marathon....