Hi everyone,
I’m training for my first official marathon (Feb. 08) and I’d appreciate some outside opinions because I’m feeling unsure about the structure of my plan.

My background

I’ve been running consistently for almost 2 years.
I’ve raced several 10Ks and half marathons, and my longest continuous long run is 25 km. I also completed 42 km during a backyard-style event (not an official race). So I’m not new to running, but this is my first proper marathon build.

How this training cycle started

My coach had me do a full month of hill block training — lots of uphill repeats and strength-oriented work.

Current weekly structure

A typical week looks like:

• Mon: 25 × 200m
• Tue: 10 × 800m
• Wed: 45-min run + 15-min pace changes + 100m fast / 100m easy
• Thu: 6 × 1500m
• Fri: 1h45 run
• Sat: Grass run
• Sun: 2-hour run

He also recommends 3 double-session days per week (easy run AM + workout PM).

Why I’m uncertain

• The plan feels very speed-heavy and has little true recovery running.
• Many other marathon plans (from runners I know) alternate workouts and recovery days.
• Some prescribed paces feel unrealistic for my current ability. For example, I was told to run the last 1000m of a ladder at 4:00/km — well below my threshold — and I ended up doing it at 4:30/km because I felt too fatigued.
• I’m unsure whether my current tiredness is normal training fatigue or a sign the load might be too high, especially with the double sessions.

What I’m looking for

For those with marathon experience:

• Is this type of week (lots of intervals + little recovery + double sessions) normal for a first-time marathoner?
• How do you manage when the assigned paces are faster than what your body feels ready for?
• Does this approach make sense for building toward a first marathon?

I’m committed and want to enjoy the marathon while building fitness, not burn out before race day. Just looking to learn from the community.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!