RUN with Coach Parry
10km, 21km or 42km. It doesn't matter what distance or time you run, what matters is that you RUN. In this weekly running podcast Coach Lindsey Parry helps you become a better a runner.
What gradient should hill repeats be done at and can I do them on a treadmill?
Today’s question for Coach Parry comes all the way from the United Kingdom and was sent by Andrew Blake: Hi Lindsey, I live in London and am training for the Comrades Marathon. There are not many long hills that I can do hill repeats on - max I have easy…
How do I stop muscle cramps?
Today’s question comes from Michael Hove: I ran the Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra over the Easter period. I was comfortable up to the standard marathon mark (42.2km), however from there on suffered massive muscle cramps. Although I had two massages (46 & 50km mark). It didn't really help, rubbing…
Am I allowed seconds at Comrades&how; to know where they should be on the route?
Today’s question on the Ask Coach Parry Podcast comes from Yolandi Sapet: Hi Lindsey and Brad, I am running my first Comrades Marathon this year and I was wondering about seconding? What are the rules regarding seconds and support at comrades and how do we know where they have to…
How long before an International Marathon should I arrive?
Today’s question comes from Hettie Booysen: Hi Lindsey, My entry for the New York Marathon was successful. In terms of traveling, how many days should I arrive before the race?
I have injured my back picking something up – Can I still run?
Today’s question comes from Nonkululo Mcuntula: Hi Coach, I need advice, I have injured my back. I bent down to pick something up and felt a very sharp stretch at my waist. I immediately tried to stretch, but pain didn’t go away. The following day I ran a marathon, I…
Why are my calves sore and do my feet go numb when I run?
Hi Coach! I’m training for my second Comrades and running is going ok. I am however battling with my calves, especially my left calf, my whole foot goes numb. Should I be seeing a physio?
How do the pacing buses work at big races like the Comrades Marathon
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…
My left knee feels like it wants to lock when I run, please help.
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…
Is it possible to do an Ironman Triathlon and Comrades in the same year?
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?
How do I improve my running cruising pace? Ask Coach Parry 20
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…
I have a knee niggle, how do I know whether it is ITB or not? What is ITB?
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…
How many marathons and ultra-marathons should you run before Comrades?
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…
I am struggling with low energy levels, is there supplements to improve them?
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?
Will I be disqualified from Comrades if I run with an MP3 player?
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.
How much mileage should you have on a pair of running shoes?
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?
What strength training can I do if I am running a net downhill marathon?
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…
What sort of intensities and speeds should I run my different runs at?
Today’s question comes from Pitso Vundla:Hi Coach. Does it make any difference if i run slow or just run my normal speed in training?
I have sore Achilles tendon region from running.What is its cause and treatment?
Today’s question is from Brad:I am currently training for the Comrades Marathon. I ran 15km on Saturday, totally pain free and then ran 10km on Sunday. The last two kilometres of my run on Sunday my Achilles tendon region felt a bit tender. After I had cooled down following my…
Are there other products than gels that have a high concentration of carb?
Today’s question comes from Francois:I previously asked you about fuelling after running low at Johnsons Crane marathon. So lets say I plan to take in 60g of carbs an hour during runs. This would mean that each hour I would need about 1 Gu (25g) and 500ml Energade (39g). So…
How many half marathons and marathons should you run before attempting an ultra?
Today’s question comes from Jeanne-Marie Globler:In an ideal world, how many 21km and 42km races will be enough to prepare you for a comrades marathon? For example, would you suggest 3-4 21km before moving to a 42 and then 3-4 42 before doing at least an ultra and then the…