Standing on the shores of Lake Champlain, every participant in the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay shares a common goal: reaching the finish line (or relay exchange zone) with strength and pride. Some may also have a time goal (or two). At RunVermont, we believe the journey to that moment is just as important as the race itself, which is why we prioritize high-quality education for our community. While many runners can and do navigate this distance alone, a professional running coach is one of the best tools to bridge between a simple list of miles and a successful, injury-free race day.
Marathoners at the 2025 M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon Calmly Waiting to Start
Personalized Adaptability vs. Static Plans
When rigidly stuck to, generic training apps and online templates cannot account for the unpredictability of human life. A personal coach understands that a training plan, especially a marathon training plan, must be fluid, allowing for adjustments when you encounter a busy week, a minor ache, or unexpected fatigue.
Injury Prevention Through Expert Oversight
One of the greatest risks in marathon preparation is the "too much, too soon" approach that often leads to the sidelines rather than the start line. We've blogged about that here (getting into running) and here (returning to running). A coach provides a safe roadmap to readiness by emphasizing gradual progression and explaining the specific purpose behind every hill repeat or tempo run.
Treasurer Piecak Presenting Awards to 2026 Top Vermonters Chris Gish and Sarah Shiman (left to right)
Strategic Knowledge Beyond the Miles
Running 26.2 miles requires a mastery of more than just physical movement; it involves complex strategies for fueling, pacing, and mental fortitude. If you are signed up for the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon, a really great option that lands between going it solo and hiring a personal coach is the Rdy2Run Marathon Training Program. Rdy2Run Marathon Coach Sam Davis has graciously given his time and expertise to RunVermont for years and recently blogged about the program and his approach. Participants gain access to live sessions and weekly tips that delve into the science of marathon success and access to a Facebook group so that they can connect with other people who are going through the exact same situation, training for the exact same race.
Accountability and Community Support
The psychological demands of an 18-week training cycle can be just as taxing as the physical long runs. Having a coach to answer questions and a community of peers working toward the same Burlington finish line creates a powerful support system. This sort of accountability may even keep you better motivated during variable training in winter and spring.
Bananas: Good for Training, Good for Supporting
Join the Rdy2Run Marathon Training Program
The path to a successful race day is paved with smart decisions, expert guidance, and a community that celebrates your athletic spirit. It's not too late to have one of those smart decisions be joining the 2026 Rdy2Run Marathon Training Program. The program starts the week of January 18, 2026, but participants can join until February 15. Interested? You'll have the opportunity to sign up for the training program when you register for the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon. Already registered? You can go back and add the training program now by clicking "manage your registration" on the registration confirmation email or contacting us at registration@runvermont.org.