September 23, 2026, 6:24 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
120 Ironman distances in 120 consecutive days, cycling around Europe once–for Jonas Deichmann, nothing seems too extreme. Compared to that, the challenge he starts on September 24 seems almost too easy for him. But: 30 marathons in 30 days is still a huge undertaking, even for Jonas Deichmann. That’s why Deichmann doesn’t underestimate the new strain that awaits him. He spoke with FITBOOK about what to expect in the coming month, what he respects the most, and when it will likely be the hardest.
Only 3 Weeks of Rest After Cycling Around Europe
FITBOOK: 30 marathons in 30 days sounds extreme. But after 120 Ironman distances in 120 days: Is this even a real challenge for you?
Jonas Deichmann: “Marathons are always a strain on the body, even though I’m very familiar with such things from my previous projects. The big challenge this time will be that I just returned three weeks ago from a 24,000-kilometer cycling tour around Europe and could only do minimal run-specific training.”
What is personally difficult for you in these 30 marathons, where you say: That’s exactly what I respect?
“The first week, since I couldn’t prepare specifically. My muscles will have to adjust, and I expect that days 2 to 7 will be particularly painful before it gets better and I adapt.”
How Jonas Deichmann Prepared in the Days Leading Up to the Marathons
You start on Thursday. What did you do in the days before? Did you continue training, or was it mainly about resting and gathering strength?
“I did my last long run on Sunday and the last three days were easy runs of 5 to 10 kilometers. I never completely rest, but rather focus on active recovery.”
What are you doing differently in this challenge compared to your previous extreme projects?
“My run around Baden-Württemberg is a community event. Many people will join in, and there will be events at the finish line. It’s all the more important that I stick to my routines.”
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Running at a Comfortable Pace
How fast do you plan to run each marathon? Is there a pace you’re aiming for?
“I will run at about a 5:30 pace, which is a comfortable speed where I can also have a good conversation. The focus is on the community event, not on a personal best time.”
What do you think: Which day will be the hardest? The second, when your legs feel the first marathon, day 15, or the last days?
“The stages average a bit more than a marathon, but there are also significantly longer days with up to 60 kilometers. The third day is 52 kilometers with some elevation gain and falls right in the phase where my body hasn’t adapted yet. That will certainly be one of the toughest days. In the second half, despite long stages, it will become easier for me as I get into my mode and am familiar with such challenges.”
“In Case of Doubt, I’ll Call a Friend Who’s a Physio or Sports Doctor”
What physical problems do you expect with 30 marathons in a row, and when would you need to react?
“I expect to get through without major physical problems. Besides tired legs, I expect muscle soreness in the first week. But that will pass. I’ve never had blisters or overuse symptoms like shin splints, but they are, of course, a risk in multi-week running projects. In case of doubt, I’ll call a friend who’s a physio or sports doctor and discuss the best way to handle it.”