The Monkey will be my 3rd marathon. For the first two I made "customized" programs based on what I read and input from others. I can't really go by one of the "canned" programs because of my schedule (I have my son every other weekend from Thurs-Mon, so very little running during that time every other week) I'm not sure I built a good program, but here are some of the things I think should be incorporated into a program. Note: In two tries I've yet to break 4 hours, so I'm not convinced I have this stuff figured out. Start out with slower paced runs, gradually adding distance to your long run. At some point, maybe 6 weeks away from race, start doing tempo runs and speedwork such as 800m repeats, mile repeats, etc. Incorporate some workouts at Lactate Threshold (very important to me, helps keep me from hurling during the race) Also about 6 weeks out start doing hill repeats either weekly or every 2 weeks. Work your long runs up to 20-22 miles. Work up to at least 40 mpw. Questions: How long should the "basebuilding" phase be? What pace should I run long runs? (compared to race pace) Should tempo runs be on a course similar to the race course? Are hill repeats needed if I run 4 or 5 long runs in PWP (i.e. on the actual race course)?

Inoculations. Rabies and Ebola.

Run a lot. Spend enough time in PWP so that you know where the hills are, how long they are, and how stupid your decision was to sign up for the marathon. Pray.

Speaking of which, Jeff, when can I expect your registration?

Start at 40 mpw, don't finish there. Work up to 70 or so.

Ugh. I've got lots of miles to do.

Ugh. I've got lots of miles to do.

The OP's question made it sound like he was looking to run it well. So that's how I answered. If you just wanna finish, you're fine. Personally, I think you've got to work up to 60+ mpw to run a decent marathon (when I get serious about BQing, I think it'll take a few 90-100 mile weeks). And for the Monkey, they better be mostly hills. That doesn't mean you can't have a fine time running the Monkey with a good 40 mpw base. (Of course, you might be hurting more ...)

Nobody has a fine time running the Monkey. Nobody. It is hell on hills.

It's a blast. Shut up. Pain heals. Chicks dig scars. Glory lasts forever.

I am going to fucking die at Monkey. I have no hills to train on. The only thing that might save me are these tree trunk size legs of mine. But, seriously Monkey is going to suck. Then I will hate Trent.

I have no hills to train on.

Yes you do...if you have time to drive a bit north for a good hill run. I used to bike on these roads when I lived in Arlington Heights. Here's a decent out & back. There are some decent hills around Cary as well, and it's a little shorter drive for you.