Knowing how to prepare for a marathon is one of the most frequently asked questions of those who undertake this challenge for the first time. Although there are many suggestions on this subject, Apple Watch knows how long you need to train to run a marathon, based on scientific data. And depending on the outcome, this may happen faster than we think.

For five years, Apple, in partnership with the American Heart Association and Harvard Medical School’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital, has been conducting a study investigating the links between physical activity and heart health, using the Apple Watch with the device to extract user data.

Apple Watch optimistic about runners’ times

Since the beginning of the project Study researchers say there were 201,471 participants. In total, it is estimated that more than 1,500 people ran 2,623 marathons, with more than 50% of participants completing at least one running session of 5km or longer.

With these results in hand, The researchers also tracked how the participants prepared for a marathon. Thus, the 10% of participants with the fastest finishing times ran approximately 16 miles per week, approximately 15 miles more per week than the 10%.

Most participants did not run or walk marathons, but the researchers do have data on how far they ran or walked. For this reason We estimated how long it would take most people to run or walk 26.2 miles, 26 miles, Up to a marathon at your average exercise pace.

This time, using data specifically from April 2023, they found: Half of participants will run or walk 26 miles in 90 days or less, but average pace is lower

A total of 76,114 participants logged at least one walking or running workout in April 2023. “During the month, 17,376 (22.8%) participants logged a total of 26.2 miles or more.”

Estimated time to complete the Apple Heart and Movement Study marathon

Although the number of days suggested by the research seems quite optimistic, the research states that this may be an underestimate. Apple Watch can automatically detect a workout and start scheduling, but not all participants will have this feature enabled.

Based on April data, half of our participants will walk and/or run 26.2 miles in 90 days or less. The average pace is slightly slower, 334 days per marathonDue to the long queue of participants who rarely ran or walked. Please note that our method may tend to underestimate the actual distance traveled because we only consider walks or runs that are part of a workout recorded and shared with AH&MS.”

While it’s more common to train for at least four months before a marathon distance, The study analyzed the previous three months to limit possible overlaps in training preparations for other events.

We’ve seen a lot of variation in training strategies, but some patterns have emerged. “It’s standard practice to gradually increase and ‘taper’ your miles over the last month to ensure your body is well-rested for the big day.”

Although there is a big difference between the 90 days and 334 days the study concluded, it is ultimately the individual preparation time that makes the goal seem distant or distant.