In this mini audio episode of the Fast & Free Podcast, Brant outlines a clear, principle-driven framework for training toward your best marathon—whether you’re preparing for your first or refining your approach after previous attempts. Rather than prescribing a rigid, one-size-fits-all plan, the focus is on understanding the why behind marathon training decisions so athletes can adapt intelligently as fitness, experience, and life demands evolve.
The episode walks through how to determine readiness for marathon training, how long a build should realistically last, and how to decide how many days per week to run based on durability rather than ambition. Brant breaks down how to structure long runs without relying on repeated 20-mile efforts, how to pace training using effort, heart rate, and pace together, and why restraint—not hero workouts—is what allows fitness to accumulate safely over time.
This conversation also addresses fueling strategy, avoiding the late-race “wall,” and how to sanity-check marathon pace before race day to prevent costly pacing errors. Designed to cut through noise and overcomplication, this episode provides a practical roadmap for marathon training that prioritizes clarity, consistency, and long-term engagement with the sport—without hype, shortcuts, or unnecessary risk.
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Get coached by Brant Stachel:
https://teamrunrun.com/coach/brant-stachel-kingston-ontario-running-coach/
Mental Performance Coaching with Brant Stachel:
https://calendly.com/cepadminteam/15-minute-intake-call-clone?month=2026-01
Learn More about Team RunRun:
Fuel your training:
https://fuelgoods.com/?ref=Brant
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The Fast & Free Podcast with Brant Stachel explores the intersection of endurance training and mental performance. Each episode, Brant—an endurance coach, Registered Psychotherapist, and mental performance specialist—shares practical insights designed to help athletes train smarter, think clearly under pressure, and build sustainable performance over time.
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Instagram: @fastandfreecoaching
YouTube: @FastandFreeCoaching
Website: http://runfastandfree.com
