Simple Marathon Training: The Right Training for Busy Adults with Hectic Lives is the best marathon training book for the busy adult.
The SMT system is comprised of a 20-week training cycle.To begin the cycle you need to be running four days a week and have done two long runs of 8-9 miles.
The following progressions will get you ready to follow the SMT system that is laid out in the book.
28 weeks from your marathon (need to be doing a 3 mile long run) –8 Week-Build Up.
27 weeks from your marathon (need to be doing a 4 mile long run) – 7 Week-Build Up.
26 weeks from your marathon (need to be doing a 5 mile long run) – 6 Week-Build Up.
25 weeks from your marathon (need to be doing a 6 mile long run) – 5 Week-Build Up.