Up - A Comrades Marathon Podcast

 Grab our Comrades Training Plans here Resources mentioned in this podcast:Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-MasterclassIn this episode, Lindsey shares a carefully considered Comrades announcement, one that sets the tone for the training journey ahead.From there, we dive into one of the most overlooked pillars of endurance performance: recovery. What it really means, why it’s essential, and why no amount of hard training can make up for poor recovery.We cover:- Why you only benefit from the training you recover from- How fatigue, injury, and illness creep in when recovery is ignored- The role of sleep and nutrition in getting fitter, stronger, and more resilient- How to structure your week to absorb training rather than break downIf you’re training for Comrades, this episode will change how you think about your training and help you arrive on race day healthier and better prepared.

 Grab our Comrades Training Plans here Resources mentioned in this podcast:Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-MasterclassThink intervals will make you faster at Comrades? Think again.In this episode, Coach Lindsey breaks down why interval training isn’t about speed for Comrades, how much intensity you actually need, and how to avoid the biggest training mistakes that lead to injury, burnout, and walking far more than you should on race day.

 Grab our Comrades Training Plans here Resources mentioned in this podcast:Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-MasterclassEveryone’s panicking… but should they be? 🫣In this episode of UP, Shona and Comrades coach Lindsey Parry calm the January chaos, break down what actually matters right now, and explain why doing less early could be the secret to your best Comrades yet.

 Grab our Comrades Training Plans here Resources mentioned in this podcast:Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-MasterclassTrain for Comrades 2026 with us: https://coachparry.com/comrades-marathon-roadmap/Subscribe to the audio podcast here: https://coachparry.transistor.fm/subscribeStrength training isn’t a “nice to have”; it’s the game-changer for Comrades.In this episode, Lindsey & Shona break down:- The real reason runners get injured - Why more running isn’t always better for Comrades performance- The minimum effective dose strength plan that actually works- What exercises matter most (glutes, hamstrings, quads + stability)- CrossFit / Hyrox: when it helps… and when it can wreck your training- Exactly how often you should do strength work now vs peak Comrades trainingIf you want to run stronger, pain-free, and more resilient all the way to the finish, this is the episode you can’t skip.

 Grab our Comrades Training Plans here Resources mentioned in this podcast:Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-MasterclassWelcome to the first UP episode for 2026, where Brad and Lindsey kick off the Comrades journey, unpack the two big January “training camps” (steady runners vs holiday-hit panickers), and explain when Comrades training officially starts. Plus: a huge change to the podcast lineup is revealed, and it sets up a whole new dynamic for the season.

An important update on Brad

 Grab our Comrades Training Plans here Resources mentioned in this podcast:Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-MasterclassIn this episode, Brad chats to Koula Budler, a former 5FM and Top Billing presenter, now living in Texas, running a home bakery, juggling four kids, and training for her 8th Comrades as she chases that long-dreamed-of green number before 50.She shares what it’s really like to train for Comrades with zero family support nearby, crazy early-morning treadmill sessions, the massive gap in female participation, and why South African runners have no idea how lucky they are with races, clubs and community.

 Grab our Comrades Training Plans here Resources mentioned in this podcast:Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-MasterclassHe started running in his mid-50s… and ran Comrades at 70. Barefoot.In this episode, Brad chats to Dr. Sidy– a retired French diplomat turned barefoot ultra runner who has:- Run 500+ marathons and ultras- Raced on every continent- Finished his 4th Comrades just after turning 70He shares how a joke at the Chicago Marathon changed his life, why he believes every human should run Comrades at least once, and how he’s still running 600km+ a month in his 70s without falling apart.

 Grab our Comrades Training Plans here Resources mentioned in this podcast:Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-MasterclassBack-to-back Comrades finisher, SA marathon champ, and trail-running icon Landie Greyling joins Brad to unpack the leap from mountains to 90 km of tar. She shares the exact switches that build road speed, how she juggles training with motherhood, and why the up-and-down runs feel like two different sports. We talk pacing vs. terrain flow, strength work after 40, crowd energy, shoe choices, and whether a Comrades gold is on the cards for 2026.

 Grab our Comrades Training Plans here Resources mentioned in this podcast:Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-MasterclassWhat does it take to chase a dream for a decade and finally nail it on attempt number ten? In this goosebump-filled Comrades story, Albert Fayard sets out for his 30th finish and that coveted triple green number… but he doesn’t go alone. His physiotherapist, Olivia 'Liv' Schiller, swaps the treatment room for the start pen, pacing, nudging, and downright dragging him through doubt, cramps, and the darkest patches to glory. It’s grit, heartbreak, teamwork and the kind of finish that reminds you why Comrades is the greatest human story on tar.

 Grab our Comrades Training Plans here Resources mentioned in this podcast:Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-MasterclassToday’s episode is a big one: Comrades 2026 entries open for CMA/Green Number members — and we’re sharing exactly how to use the next few weeks wisely (especially after the Cape Town Marathon cancellation) so you keep your fitness, get qualified early, and set up a stress-free build to Comrades.We’re also running a limited-time special on our Comrades Marathon Training Roadmap to celebrate entries opening. And… we’re laying out the non-negotiables of how we coach Comrades runners (so you can decide if we’re your people).What you’ll learnHow to pivot smartly after Cape Town Marathon’s cancellationWhy qualifying now is a huge physical & psychological winThe ideal approach for novices vs. experienced runnersThe 4 things you won’t do if you train with us

 Grab our Comrades Training Plans here Resources mentioned in this podcast:Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-MasterclassComrades-bound and cake-fueled! 🏃‍♀️🎂 Ultra star Carla Molinaro - LEJOG record-smasher, Two Oceans podium finisher, and 2025 Comrades Top 10 - opens up on racing with joy, riding the pain waves, and why passing cyclists on Chappies might be tougher than gold. Lessons on grit, play, and the mindset to go very, very far.

 Grab our Comrades Training Plans here Resources mentioned in this podcast:Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-MasterclassThis episode of Up is raw, emotional, and downright inspiring. Brad sits down with Richard Laskey, better known to many as “the guy in the cow suit” at the Comrades Marathon. But behind the costume is a story of unimaginable loss, resilience, recovery, and purpose. From running one of the toughest ultra-marathons on earth in a sweltering cow suit to raising millions for kids with cancer, to fighting his own battles with addiction, Richard’s journey is about grit, giving back, and never giving up.

 Grab our Comrades Training Plans here Resources mentioned in this podcast:Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-MasterclassIn this special edition, Brad sits down with 2025 Comrades Champion, Tete Dijana. From his humble beginnings to becoming a back-to-back Comrades winner, Tete opens up about his training, recovery, mental strength, and the life-changing impact of the world’s greatest ultramarathon. This is a raw, inspiring conversation with one of the greatest modern-day Comrades athletes.

 Grab our Comrades Training Plans here Resources mentioned in this podcast:Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-MasterclassBerlin was hot-hot-hot and Lindsay felt every kilometer. In this episode of UP we cover: how to pace and cool in the heat, the smartest way to survive peak marathon block, what to do if an injury nukes your qualifier, a calm plan for Comrades 2026 novices, Two Oceans ballot realities (and alternatives), plus news on Cape Town pacing bands and Comrades’ new race director.

 Grab our Comrades Training Plans here Resources mentioned in this podcast:Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-MasterclassIn this episode, we sit down with Nontuthuko Mashimane to unpack the incredible role of charities at the Comrades Marathon. We explore the inspiring causes behind the race, how donations make a difference, and—most importantly—how runners can get involved and give back while chasing their Comrades dream.

 Grab our Comrades Training Plans here Resources mentioned in this podcast:Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-MasterclassAs we look ahead to Comrades Marathon 2026, Brad sits down with Stuart Mann from runningmann.co.za to unpack race-day data on pacing buses: how “sticky” they really are, who actually finishes with them, when they help (and when they don’t), and what this means for your race strategy. We also touch on negative vs positive splits, medal targets (e.g., Bill Rowan sub-9, Robert Mtshali sub-10), and a surprising look at where runners fall off—or latch on—late in the race.Plus: an emotional update on last week’s guest, Pie-Pacifque, and his remarkable story.🎯 You’ll learn- Whether you should run in a pacing bus or run your own race- Where buses gain/lose runners and why the 12-hour bus behaves differently- Why the sub-9 bus stands out—and where the 10-hour Wave 1 struggled- How half-hour “buffer” pacing (e.g., 11:30 for a sub-12) can raise finish odds- The reality on negative splits (down vs up) and how ego sneaks in- Practical tips to avoid congestion and tailor pacing to your strengths (ups vs downs)

 Grab our Comrades Training Plans here Resources mentioned in this podcast:Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-MasterclassFrom surviving the Rwandan genocide to conquering his first Comrades Marathon, Pie-Pacifique Kabalira-Uwase's story is one of resilience, purpose, and the true spirit of endurance. This is more than just a race; it’s a journey of survival, healing, and honouring fallen comrades.

 Grab our Comrades Training Plans here Resources mentioned in this podcast:Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-MasterclassSpring is here in the Southern Hemisphere and in this episode of Up, Brad and Coach Lindsey unpack where Comrades hopefuls should be right now, how to approach Cape Town & Soweto Marathon as qualifiers, and what first-timers (and two-year planners aiming at the 100th Comrades in 2027) should focus on next.You’ll get clear, practical guidance for September–November: weekly volume targets, sharpening speed with shorter intervals, smart race selection, and why strength training is non-negotiable (hint: most DNFs start the race already injured). We also chat about entry date rumors, qualifying windows, and what to do if you’re not marathon-ready yet—without the panic.

 Grab our Comrades Training Plans here Resources mentioned in this podcast:Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-MasterclassShaina-Rae, East Coast Radio host and coffee shop owner, shares her deeply personal and inspiring journey to completing her first Comrades Marathon in 10:47. From family legacy to a surprise post-surgery comeback, this episode is packed with heart, grit, and goosebump moments.