Today’s question comes from Siobhan Macleod.My hubby and I are both new to the Comrades Marathon and will be running our first Comrades this year – how do the timed ‘buses’ work, i.e. I have read that there is an 11 hour bus (I assume it’s a trained runner leading a group) and 12 hour bus etc where runners can stick with a guy/group to try and complete Comrades within that time frame. Is this true and how does one join or run with a bus?Thanks, Siobhan Read More · Training Programs · www.CoachParry.com

Today’s question on Ask Coach Parry comes from Henrico Slotto:Hi coach, a little advice please.  I started running in late March last year and didn’t have any coaching or advice I just ran until a friend of mine who is a runner started giving me tips. In the end I ran too fast and ended with very sore knees and it is still a problem.  My left knee is the most painful and I took a month break before I started running again last month but my left knee is still acting up as if it wants to lock but brisk walks do me no harm at all. How can I remedy this situation? Read More · Training Programs · www.CoachParry.com

Today’s question most definitely comes from a South African. We are a week post Ironman South Africa and one of our listeners want to know is it possible to do an Ironman and the Comrades Marathon in the same year? Read More · Training Programs · www.CoachParry.com

Today’s question comes from Warren Kidgell:My training is going pretty well so far, but there is a long way to go. One thing I’m grappling with is the idea around how to improve cruising pace for the Comrades Marathon. A key session you have in your schedule is the 8km TT. To me I consider this to be a threshold run, so run at about 15km race pace, barring a complete blow out once a month where you give it your best. What are your thoughts around replacing this with a longer tempo to marathon pace type session? Something like 16km at MP? I find this a great session and although the pace is somewhat slower (I’ll run threshold at 3:35/km and MP at circa 3:50/km), I find that it is a great session for marathon training. Which session is better geared towards Comrades prep in your opinion? My thinking is to do the longer session more often but still throw in the 8km once a month or so. Read More · Training Programs · www.CoachParry.com

Today’s question is from Nisha PadayacheeHi Coach, I am a bit worried. I qualified for Comrades in early January and eased back into running. Over past 2 weeks, I have a knee niggle that is making an appearance at every run. The current issue is pain on the left side of left knee and I fear it might be ITBS. I have enlisted help of a sports physiotherapist and will see her come Monday. I’ve always been an injury-free runner and hope this is not as serious as I fear. Is a confirmed ITBS injury a death sentence to my Comrades dream? Read More · Training Programs · www.CoachParry.com

Today’s question comes from Michelle DonneHi Lindsey, in your opinion how many marathons and/or ultras should one fit in between Jan and Comrades? We are bronze medal and Vic Clapham finishers. Our first one will be run on Sunday 23rd Feb. How many weeks before the Comrades Marathon should our last “long” run be? And how far would you say that long should be? Read More · Free Training Programs · www.CoachParry.com

Today’s Question comes from Lorraine Taylor-Mawisa:Hi Coach, my energy levels are starting to dip, is there anything you can recommend I supplement with in addition to my meals? Read more · Training Programs · www.CoachParry.com

Today’s question comes from Keiran Aytoun:Will the Comraded Marathon marshals and race officials disqualify back runners if they use mp3 players? Music is my psychological visualisation. Read More · Training Programs · www.CoachParry.com

Today’s question comes from Riaan Loretz:How much mileage should one put on a new pair of running shoes before you use them for a ultra-marathon like comrades and how do you avoid blisters? Read More · Free Training Programs · www.CoachParry.com

Today’s question comes from David Morrison:Hi Lindsey, I am the rookie on the block, and I get the message, strength training in a gym, rather than that extra run you talk about.Can you direct me to a training plan, or the exercises you recommend for Strength, specifically for the down run. Read More · Free Training Programs · www.CoachParry.com