One of the biggest misconceptions among marathon and ultra-marathon runners is that training only needs to begin in January for Two Oceans or Comrades. In reality, long-term, sustainable, and consistent year-round training delivers real improvements, especially for a demanding race like the Comrades Marathon, Two Oceans, or Loskop.
Consistency Is the Real Performance Driver
Your marathon and ultra-marathon times improve when you maintain a strong base of fitness throughout the year. Training adaptations accumulate slowly. The same mileage becomes easier once your body adapts to higher workloads, and your speed at shorter distances will improve. Consistency, not a single long run or one big week, is what moves athletes forward. Weekly, monthly, and yearly mileage patterns matter far more than isolated sessions.
Build Speed and Endurance to Race Long Faster
Many runners underestimate how much improving their 5 km, 10 km, and half-marathon times contributes to faster marathon and ultra results. Becoming faster over shorter distances improves overall running economy, enabling stronger and more sustainable pacing in long-distance races. That translates into higher sustainable paces in marathons and ultras.
This is why I set regular “B-race” targets at these distances:
- They keep motivation high
- Reinforce consistency,
- Provide clear evidence of improvement
- Set up your A-race, for instance, the Comrades Marathon, with a stronger engine.
For this reason, regular B races at these distances matter. They keep motivation high, reinforce consistency, provide clear evidence of progress, and help you build a stronger engine for your A race.
A, B & C Races Explained
Not every race is a peak race. Assigning A, B, and C priorities helps you train smarter, peak at the right time, and avoid burnout.
Using race prioritisation properly ensures you hit your A races in the best shape possible, while still gaining the experience and fitness benefits from your B and C events throughout the season.
Train in Cycles and Take Smart Breaks
Training throughout the year does not mean pushing hard all the time. Structured cycles and controlled rest help refresh the body and mind.
A solid rhythm includes:
- A 6-week cycle followed by a mini break
- A 12-week cycle followed by a slightly longer reset
These short breaks maintain momentum without losing fitness. Taking a full month off puts runners too far back and makes restarting much harder.
Think Long Term to Improve Every Year
When you stack consistent training cycles, smart rest periods, regular B races with gradual speed improvements, your marathon and ultra-marathon performances progress naturally. Year after year, you become stronger, fitter, and faster – not through dramatic changes but through disciplined and sustainable training.
Ready to join our running group and sign up for a training programme? Get in touch with Coach Michelle Mee
This is the real secret to breakthrough results.