Why Copying Someone Else’s Marathon Plan Might Be The Reason You’re Burnt Out...

 If you’ve ever downloaded a “12-week marathon plan” and thought this must be the magic formula, you’re not alone.

I did the same thing with my first marathon.I used an AI-based running app called Runna — which, to be fair, gave me a really strong structure. It told me when to run, how far, what pace to aim for, when to rest.

But here’s the thing: AI plans can’t read your stress, your sleep, your hormones, or the fact that you had four hours of sleep and your boss just dropped a deadline on you. They don’t know when you’re exhausted or under-recovered. They just tell you: “Run 18km today.”

And if you’re anything like me, a box-ticking, Type-A personality - you do it. You push through, even when your body’s screaming “please rest.”

The truth about AI plans

AI and generic marathon programs are great starting points. But they’re just that, starting points. They don’t adapt to your life. They don’t know if your luteal phase is kicking in, your recovery is off, or your knees ache from under-fuelling. That’s why your training plan needs to be a living, breathing thing. Something that evolves as your life, energy, and recovery do.

My current training structure

Right now, in my 60K ultra prep, my weeks look something like this:

• 3 runs: one easy, one tempo/interval, one long run

• 3 strength sessions: two hypertrophy/running mechanics, one functional

• 1–2 rest days, non-negotiable

But here’s the catch, that’s after years of building up. If you’re newer to training, you don’t need that volume. You might start with two strength sessions and two runs a week. Consistency beats intensity, always.

Why this matters

When you follow your plan, not someone else’s, you’ll notice:

💤 Fewer injuries and more energy

🔥 Better recovery between sessions

🧠 More motivation because you’re not running yourself into the ground

It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what works for you.

Takeaway

Stop copying other people’s blueprints.Start building your own.

Because whether you’re training for a marathon, a Hyrox, or just life — your body deserves a strategy that fits you, not an app’s algorithm.

Want my free hybrid training framework?

DM me RUN on Instagram @poppy.nfc and I’ll send you the exact structure I use to balance running, lifting, and recovery without burning out!