HOW TO SET A SMART MARATHON GOAL PACEMarathon Pace WorkoutWhy it works: Every runner should include marathon pace miles somewhere in their training, Rockey agrees, particularly in the later parts of long runs. She explains a marathon pace long run builds the confidence you need to hold your speed when you fatigue. The downshift back to goal marathon pace at the end gives you the confidence you can handle running marathon pace when you’re really tired. Trying out a few different mental tricks throughout training, like during your marathon pace training runs, will help you land on a mantra or method to push through exhaustion in the final miles. Most marathon training plans require at least 12 weeks of training, but often 16 weeks or more—that’s four to five months of regular running, which allowed you to get stronger and faster.