Stop Chasing Every Medal — Start Planning Your Race Calendar Like a Pro
One of the biggest mistakes distance runners make? Racing too often, too hard, with no long-term plan.
We are spoilt for choice nowadays. The weekend rolls around, there's another race in town, and FOMO kicks in. Suddenly, that easy long run turns into a race effort at a C-type event, and your training suffers.
Whether you're a novice or a seasoned Comrades campaigner, if you're serious about improving, avoiding burnout, and showing up ready for your target race, you need a structured annual training and racing plan—built around your A, B and C races.
The Power of Planning
Just like a builder wouldn't throw bricks around without a blueprint, you shouldn't build your season without a plan.
A well-structured race calendar (Annual Training Plan) is a strategic roadmap which allows for clear focus and motivation, strategic fitness peaks, balanced load and recovery, and improved performance in key races.
Know Your Race Types: A, B & C
A-Races – These are your big goals: your Comrades Marathon, Cape Town Marathon, or a Boston Qualifier. You train specifically for this event, peak for it, taper beforehand, and recover afterwards. Ideally, you only have 1–2 A races per year. Yes, that's all. This is what world champion runners do.
B-Races – Important but not your main focus. You might race them hard but won't taper significantly, if at all. They're often used to test fitness or race strategy and are mostly shorter than the goal race.
C-Races – These are training runs in disguise. No taper, no racing hard, no ego. You run these at easy or marathon pace, practising nutrition, pacing, and mindset.
Periodisation: Training with Purpose
- Base Phase (12–20 weeks): Build endurance, strength, and aerobic fitness. No hard racing.
- Build Phase (8–12 weeks): Introduce race-specific sessions and B/C races.
- Peak Phase (2–4 weeks): Focused preparation and taper for your A race.
- Race + Recovery: Execute the plan and recover properly. Don't rush back.
The Problem with Over-Racing
- You never recover properly after running too hard
- You can't build consistent aerobic fitness
- You risk injury and burnout
- You're always chasing performance instead of building it
Over-racing makes every race an average or 'weak' performance — you're never truly fit, fresh, or focused.
"But I Love Racing…"
That's fine! Just understand that racing and racing well are two different things. C races have value when used correctly—run them easy, practise fuelling, learn pacing, enjoy the social side. But don't ruin your big goal for the sake of proving something on a random Sunday.
Plan It. Don't Chop and Change.
One of the biggest signs of an uncoached runner? Constantly switching race goals, entering events last-minute, and racing every weekend. Don't do it.
Discipline beats distraction. Sit down and carefully select 6–12 months in advance. Pick your A, B and C races. Then, stick to the plan.
Work With Experts. Plan With Precision.
At A-Team Coaching, we specialise in building race-specific annual training plans that align with your goals, lifestyle, and target events. Whether you're going for a Sub-3 marathon, your first ultra, or just want to feel in control of your season—we've got the tools and experience to guide you.