Matty Z Trained

Marathon, Track & Field, Endurance
Coach
Matthew Zapata

Marathon Monster is a STRENGTH-BASED MARATHON SYSTEM designed for runners who are looking to achieve something great, not just survive race day. Built for runners targeting sub-3 to ~4:30 marathon times. Best suited for those with some running or athletic background.

Most marathon plans just add miles.

→ This one builds a body that can handle them through structured, results driven strength training.

→ This one gives you information on proper fueling strategies where most other programs have ZERO information (both pre-race carb loading and mid-run gel intake).

→ This one will unleash the monster within and redefine what you thought you were capable of.

**The first 8 weeks build your foundation:**

✅ gradually increase mileage

✅ develop true strength in the gym

✅ prepare your body for higher training loads

**The following 18 weeks take it further:**

✅ structured run progression with 3 peak long runs

✅ 1–2 strength sessions per week to maintain durability

✅ programmed intensity to build speed, efficiency, and resilience

This isn’t a typical 16-week plan. The extended timeline allows for smarter progression, better recovery, and higher performance on race day.

Features
1 sessions per week
Must use App app to view and log training
Program Training
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Stay Healthy. Stay Consistent.
Injuries are the biggest thing that derail marathon training. Marathon Monster is built to reduce that risk by developing tendon strength and a resilient musculoskeletal system so you can handle what most can't.
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Perform When It Matters
The real race starts at mile 20. This is where most runners break. This program prepares you to hold your pace and keep pushing when everyone else fades.
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Unleash The Monster Within
You’ve committed to a race. Now commit to the process. Follow the plan, trust the work, and redefine what you’re capable of. Every session is carefully designed to maximize your results and eliminate guesswork, so you can just show up and show out.
Features
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Programming 6 days per week
Marathon Monster has either 5 or 6 days of training depending on the week. You will see some 2-a-days in the final 18 weeks.
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Demo's
Every movement has been filmed and the more complex movements show detailed instructions as well.
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Delivered through TrainHeroic
Work with an app that works as hard as you do.
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Sample Week
Week 1 of 26-week program
Sunday
4 Mile Easy Run

A1

Pogos (multiple variations)

For Completion

A2

Hip CARs

For Completion

A3

Hamstring Warmup

For Completion

B

Run

1 x 4

Monday
Squat & Upper Push (block 1)

A1

Pogos (multiple variations)

1:00, 1:00, 0:10

A2

Trap Bar Deadlift

8, 6 @ 40, 60 %

B1

Trap Bar Deadlift

3 x 5

B2

Repeat Jumps

3 x 4

C1

FFE Reverse Lunge

3 x 12

C2

DB Push Press

3 x 5

C3

Seated or Standing Calf Raise

2 x 12

D1

Foam Roll Hammy Hold

2 x 0:30

D2

Sissy Squat

2 x 4

D3

Pilates Crunch

2 x 1:00

Tuesday
Plyos & Maintenance

Prep

A

Hip Work #1

This section is all about exploring deep ROM within your hips. All in all this should take 4-8 minutes, how long dictated by how you're feeling for the day. Hip CARs 90/90 Shinbox and Variations that feel good Single Leg Airplane

Plyos

B

Plyometrics for Calf/Achilles

Ideally done barefoot on turf area of gym making sure to have solid ground contact with your foot every step/move (if rough/hard surface wear shoes) Your break between each exercise or set if needed is walking back to the starting line, focus on form and quality over getting them done fast. 20yds, 2 sets of each - Lateral Shuffle both ways, Walking Lunge w/ Rotation or Reach, Russian Kicks, A/B/C Skip, 10yds or about 15-20 reps, 2 sets of each - Pogos, Single Leg Pogos, Split Stance Pogos. (no pogos in video, there's a video on Tues workout) Skips for Height x10e foot, Skips for Distance x10e foot. Ankle/Calf/Knee Dribbles. These are challenging so watch the video. No exact dosage but I like to do each variation in place for 10-30s then you move forward 10-20 meters. Repeat each variation up to 3 times.

C1

Back Bend (wall)

2 x 6

C2

Banded Thoracic Rotation

2 x 20

C3

Side Plank Hip Dips

2 x 20

D1

Skater To Side Lunge

3 x 10

D2

Jefferson Curl

3 x 0:30

D3

Calf/Achilles Overcoming ISO

2 x 0:20

D4

Banded Hip Flexor

2 x 0:40

Recovery

E

Calf/Achilles Maintenance

Should be done barefoot and with the understanding that slow is good. Maintain proper ground contact with your foot and do your best not to let your ankle roll in/out. Can be done in any order. -Battle Rope Walk 30s x3. Let your foot and ankle work in all the weird angles the rope presents. Play and have fun here, no right or wrong. -Crossover Stretch 2x15 reps/side. Engage glute at top to maximize stretch in calf. CAN SUB SLANT BOARD CALF STRETCH (2x30-60s/leg) -Bone Saw 1x60s/side

Recovery

F

Foot/Plantar Mainenance

This is also done barefoot. You might find that these are hard to do properly and if so that means your feet are weaker/less coordinated. Regular practice will improve strength and control helping your feet become more stable and resilient. These can be done at the end of every workout or before your runs (they can be done after runs but to sake of simplicity I'd prefer before the run as opposed to after). -Short Foot 2x5-10 reps/foot (rep=5s hold) -Toe Yoga 2x10/foot

Wednesday
4 Mile Easy Run

A1

Pogos (multiple variations)

For Completion

A2

Hip CARs

For Completion

A3

Hamstring Warmup

For Completion

B

Run

1 x 4

Thursday
Hinge & Upper Pull (block 1)

A1

MB Slam

2 x 10

A2

Bear to Crab

2 x 10

A3

BB RDL

12, 8 @ 40, 60 %

B1

BB RDL

3 x 6

B2

Lat Pulldown

3 x 8

C1

Cable Hammy Curl

2 x 8

C2

GHD Hip Extension (Glute Bias)

2 x 10

C3

MB Lateral Jumps

3 x 6

D1

Copenhagen

2 x 1:00

D2

Hip Flexor (standing, cable)

2 x 20

Recovery

E

Lower Body Mobility

Aim here is to be in each position for 2 minutes. If it's a single side that means 2 min/side. Elevated Pigeon Calf Stretch on Slant Board

Friday
4 Mile Easy Run

A1

Pogos (multiple variations)

For Completion

A2

Hip CARs

For Completion

A3

Hamstring Warmup

For Completion

B

Run

1 x 4

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You're not average

Neither is this plan. Run like a monster.

Get Marathon Monster (26 weeks)
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Marathon Monster (26 weeks)