As an avid runner, running coach, and student clinician treating other runners, I am often confronted with the question, “Do you think I could run a marathon by this date?” Every time, the answer to this question must be given having taken into account the unique individual in front of me. However, there are certainly common themes that we must consider when planning the route to accomplishing such a grand physical venture. In this two-part blog series, I am going to run through some of these considerations in an attempt to demystify the answer to this frequently posed question.