The Spring Comrades Marathon Shift

Spring 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.

What you’ll learn

- Peak marathon training now: how to balance volume + speed as spring begins
- If you’re racing Cape Town Marathon (or up-north qualifiers): what to tweak in the final 7–8 weeks
- New to Comrades? The exact path to your first half marathon (Oct–Nov) and first full (late Feb)
- Two-year plan for 2027: how to pace your seasons toward the 100th running
- Multiple marathons? When it hurts performance—and when it’s okay for “experience goals”
- Soweto Marathon (Nov 30): heat, altitude, toughness, and why finishing it is a great Comrades signal
- Strength training = protection: stack your odds by staying uninjured
- Entries & dates: what’s likely vs what’s still TBC (don’t stress yet!)

Chapters

00:00 Welcome & spring vibes in SA
01:00 Where Comrades training should be right now
03:00 Peak weeks for Cape Town & other qualifiers
04:55 Not marathon-ready? Your novice roadmap (Half in Oct/Nov)
06:30 The case for qualifying earlier vs cramming in Feb/March
08:45 Two-year plans for 2027 (the 100th)
10:40 Entries, numbers & speculation—what we actually know
12:30 Housekeeping: announcements & timelines to watch
13:20 Soweto Marathon update (Nov 30) & why it’s so tough
15:35 Choosing flat/faster options and timing for heat
16:55 Should you run multiple marathons this quarter?
18:15 Recovery & fueling between close races
18:55 Strength training: the Comrades difference-maker
19:50 Teaser: next week’s unbelievable Comrades story
20:40 Wrap-up & subscribe