Coach Em Up Podcast Natty Status, Endurance Training, & Unorthodox Lifts | ALEC BLENIS Q&A | Ep. 114
May 5, 2026
Alec Blenis, hybrid strength and endurance coach chasing a sub-2:30 marathon while adding lean muscle and proving it's natural. He talks natty proofing and drug testing, balancing heavy lifting with marathon prep, unconventional lifts and loading principles, running form versus symptom management, and pushing back on optimization culture with practical training rules.
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Documenting A Natty Hybrid Marathon Attempt
- Alec Blenis is pursuing a sub-2:30 marathon while gaining lean muscle and publicly funding extensive drug testing to prove natural status.
- He plans monthly blood and anti-doping tests (five-figure cost) to document training and counter skepticism about hybrid athleticism.
Separate Sessions But Prioritize Stress Modulation
- Separate runs and lifts by time of day if it fits your rhythms but prioritize training-stress modulation across the week.
- Alec runs mornings, lifts afternoons, schedules hard and easy days, and avoids heavy hamstring work before sprint sessions.
Consolidate Strength When Running Volume Rises
- Consolidate gym work when running volume increases: do three full-body sessions per week instead of high-frequency splits.
- Alec runs long easy days (10 miles) and fits three heavy full-body lifts around key run workouts to manage recovery.