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Melt Hybrid Marathon Prep (16 Weeks)

Melt Programming

Marathon
Coach
Matt Kunkel

Run Your Marathon Strong - Without Losing Muscle or Strength

The Melt Hybrid Marathon Prep (16 Weeks) is a complete marathon training system built for athletes who refuse to choose between endurance and strength. This is the exact hybrid approach I’ve used myself - combining smart run progression with intentional strength work so you can show up on race day fitter, stronger, and more resilient.

Three run days (base, speed/tempo, long run) paired with three targeted strength sessions each week help you build endurance, maintain muscle, prevent injury, and actually enjoy the process - without burnout or junk miles.

Who it's for:

  • Lifters training for their first or next marathon who don’t want to lose muscle
  • Runners who know strength training improves performance and injury resistance
  • Hybrid athletes who want structure instead of guessing
  • Busy professionals who want an efficient, proven plan
  • Anyone with a marathon on the calendar who wants to show up prepared

Why?

✔️ Strength + Marathon Balance - Train for endurance without sacrificing strength, power, or muscle.

✔️ 16 Weeks Fully Structured - Progressive base runs, speed work, long runs, strength sessions, recovery days, and taper built in.

✔️ Runner-Specific Strength Training - Full body strength, athletic power work, and structural resilience sessions designed to support running performance.

✔️ Injury Prevention Focus - Durability work for hips, calves, core, and posture to keep you training consistently.

✔️ Time-Based Running (Not Mileage Guesswork) - Simple pacing guidance and realistic time domains for real life schedules.

✔️ One-Time Purchase. No Subscription - Buy it once, own the full 16-week roadmap.

👉 Join 400+ everyday athletes getting stronger, faster, and more conditioned with Hybrid.

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Get Stronger Without Losing Speed
Hybrid training lets you lift heavy and still perform on your run days. The strength work builds muscle, power, and durability while the structured run sessions improve your engine. No more choosing between strength or speed - you get both.
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Improve Your Running Performance
Speed/tempo days, base runs, and long runs are programmed with pacing guidance and clear time targets so you get faster, smoother, and more efficient week after week. Perfect whether you're training for a race or just want better conditioning.
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Build Muscle While You Improve Cardio
Three full body strength days using progressive overload ensure you gain muscle and strength even while increasing your running volume. You’ll stay athletic, powerful, and balanced instead of feeling “small” or depleted from too much cardio.
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No Burnout, No Overtraining
The strength and run days are intentionally paired so they work with each other, not against you. You’ll recover better, perform better, and make progress without the fatigue and joint pain that come from stacking random lifts and random runs.
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Structure You Can Actually Stick To
The weekly rhythm makes training simple and sustainable: strength days, run days, clear pacing, clear reps, and session lengths you can finish in 30–60 minutes. Busy athletes can follow it consistently and see real progress without rearranging their life.
Features
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Direct Coach Support
Message Coach Matt anytime inside the app - get quick answers, clarification, and support so you never feel stuck or confused.
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Programming 7 days per week
A full week of structured lifting, running, and recovery so you always know what to do to get stronger, faster, and more conditioned.
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Coaching Notes & Training Strategy
Every session includes intent, pacing cues, weight guidance, and smart progression so you know exactly how to train for the best results.
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Exercise Video Guidance
Every movement has a video demo so you never have to guess how to perform an exercise.
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Structured Daily Sessions
Every session is laid out clearly with step-by-step structure, timing, and instructions so you can show up, follow the plan, and get to work.
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Committed Community and Teammates
A supportive community of everyday athletes who train hard, share wins, and keep each other consistent.
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Delivered through TrainHeroic
All your training in one app - easy logging, video demos, coaching notes, and daily sessions delivered straight to your phone.
Equipment
Recommended
Barbell or pair of dumbbells is all you'll need.
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Sample Week
Week 1 of 16-week program
Sunday
Melt Hybrid Marathon Prep - Day 1Week 1

A

BB Front Squat Melt Programming

4 x 8

B

DB Walking Lunge Melt Programming

3 x 20

C

DB Incline Chest Press Melt Programming

3 x 10

D

DB Single Arm Bent Over Row Melt Programming

3 x 10

E

Single Arm Farmer Walk

3 x 0:45

Monday
Melt Hybrid Marathon Prep - Day 1Week 2

A

Run Melt Programming

1 x 30:00

Tuesday
Melt Hybrid Marathon Prep - Day 1Week 3

A

BB Hang Clean Melt Programming

5 x 3

B

Box Jump Melt Programming

4 x 5

C

Russian KB Swing Melt Programming

3 x 15

D

DB Push Press Melt Programming

3 x 8

E

Bear Crawl

3 x 0:30

Wednesday
Melt Hybrid Marathon Prep - Day 1Week 4

A

Run Melt Programming

1 x 39:00

Thursday
Melt Hybrid Marathon Prep - Day 1Week 5

A

DB Single Leg Box Squat

3 x 8

B

Good Morning

3 x 10

C

DB Reverse Fly

3 x 12

D

Single Leg Standing Calf Raise

3 x 15

E

Plank Hold Melt Programming

3 x 0:45

Friday
Melt Hybrid Marathon Prep - Day 1Week 6
Saturday
Melt Hybrid Marathon Prep - Day 1Week 7

A

Run Melt Programming

1 x 60:00

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IRON STRONG | MILES LONG

If you want to lift heavy, run fast, and PR your marathon, you need a plan built for it. Hybrid gives you structure, progression, and results you can feel every week.

Get Melt Hybrid Marathon Prep (16 Weeks)
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The Proof
verified-athlete-avatar Heather Alter

Avid Runner

Verified Athlete

"“After knee OA left me feeling defeated, I started the Hybrid program and it’s completely changed my running. My race pace improved, and it’s helping me train for a 5K/10K/Half Marathon weekend. The structure makes long runs enjoyable, and I recommend it to anyone training for running events.”"

verified-athlete-avatar Bo Labrum

Fit Dad

Verified Athlete

"“Melt is a game changer. I used to waste time searching for workouts and repeating the same things. Now I get quality sessions every day that build strength, muscle, and endurance. The results are real, and Matt is always responsive and open to feedback.”"

Melt Hybrid Marathon Prep (16 Weeks)