How to Crush a Fast Marathon and an Ultramarathon in the Same Year

Nov 22, 2025

Angela Sterf, an Everyday Ultra coach with Boston Marathon and 100K ultra experience, teams up with Andrew Redden, a fast marathoner and seasoned ultrarunner. They explore the synergy between marathon and ultra training, revealing how speed work enhances endurance. Listeners learn when it’s beneficial to mix the two, strategies for optimal race spacing, and the importance of fueling differently for each. The conversation also highlights the critical mindset shifts needed to conquer both distances without sacrificing performance.

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INSIGHT

Marathon Blocks Build Ultra Speed

Marathon speed training (VO2 max → threshold → steady) maps directly onto early-phase ultra training and raises your fitness ceiling.
Use a marathon block as the speed-focused portion of an ultra plan, then add durability later.

ADVICE

Schedule The Marathon Before The Ultra

Place a fast marathon earlier in your year, then allow several weeks to recover before targeting your ultra A-race.
Treat the marathon as a supercompensation workout and then rebuild durability toward the ultra.

ADVICE

Prioritize Recovery During Marathon Blocks

Adopt a 'less is more' mindset: make easy days truly easy, rest when sick, and avoid adding unnecessary hard sessions.
Reduce injury risk during marathon blocks to protect subsequent ultra training.

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