Join the Essentially Active Marathon Crew 2026

Structured training. Real community. True coaching.
Get ready for the TCS Sydney Marathon (30 August) and beyond — with a plan that puts you in control of your training.
Training starts week commencing 4 May 2026.
Limited spots so we can keep the experience personal, supportive and high-quality.

Meet Your Coach

Hi, I’m Lesley Mason — Exercise Scientist and Level 3 Running Coach. I’ve completed 25 marathons myself, so I understand the physical and mental demands of marathon training from the inside.
I’ve helped many runners move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling strong, confident, and in control of their own training. This Signature Crew brings that same supportive, practical guidance into a group setting.

Why Train With the Crew?

This isn’t a “follow the plan blindly” program. It’s true coaching.
You’ll receive a clear weekly rhythm and structured plans delivered monthly via PDF (plus loaded into Garmin Clipboard for the current block). You choose your effort levels each week based on how your body feels. We work together — you share feedback and questions, and I guide the tweaks so the plan truly fits your life and goals.
My aim is to empower you to understand your training, make smart decisions, and cross the finish line feeling strong and confident.

Choose Your Path

The Sydney Marathon Crew is designed for runners whose main goal is the TCS Sydney Marathon on 30 August 2026.
The Sydney++ Season Crew is ideal if you’re planning to run Sydney and another marathon from September to November (Three Bridges, Melbourne, and optionally New York or Queenstown), or if you prefer to skip Sydney for a longer, more gradual base build into your later races.
Both options include the same weekly rhythm, group long runs, community support, and monthly training plans — you simply choose how far you want to go this season.

What’s Included in Both Tiers

• Weekly rhythm: 3–5 run days + 2 strength sessions per week
• Training plans delivered monthly via PDF + loaded into Garmin Clipboard (workouts push to your watch)
• Weekly coaching video or written tip via email — practical, motivating and educational
• 8 led group long runs for community and support during the key build phase. Run dates are 31st May, 14th June, 28th June, 12th July, 19th July, 26th July, 16th August, 23rd August 2026
• Encouraged tune-up races (entires not included) - Woodford to Glenbrook (21 June) and City2Surf (9 August)
• Monthly 10k tempo/tune-up efforts built into the plan (run solo or I’ll guide you to suitable races/group options)
• Private WhatsApp community group for daily connection, questions, wins and support
• Collaborative style: You lead your training under my guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will the group runs be held?
Whilst exact locations are TBC, runs will be held in Western Sydney. Think The Hills, Windsor, Penrith and Western Sydney parklands.What happens after I sign up?
After payment you’ll receive a welcome email with an onboarding form to help me personalise your setup. Then, you will receive the welcome pack and first training block (May) within one week of sign-up.Do I need a Garmin watch? No — the full plan comes as a clear PDF. Garmin Clipboard is optional but recommended because it pushes workouts straight to your watch with personalised targets.What if I’m a beginner or returning runner? The program is flexible. You choose your levels each week and we adjust together. All abilities are welcome — the crew supports everyone.I skip Sydney in the ++ tier? Yes — simply choose the longer base build (Plan B) at sign-up or let me know and we’ll adjust.What if I can’t attend the group long runs? They’re encouraged for the community vibe but not mandatory. You’ll still get the full monthly plans and WhatsApp support.Refund Policy You will receive the welcome pack and first training block (May) within one week of sign-up. We offer a 70% refund up to 7 days after the welcome pack and first month plan have been sent if the program isn’t the right fit for you (less any transaction fees). After that point, no refunds will be available.Can I still sign up after 4 May? Yes. You can join right up until the final cut-off date of 16 May 2026.

Lesley Mason - Signature Marathon Crew 2026
Exercise Scientist | Level 3 Running Coach | 25 Marathons Completed
True coaching. Real community. Your marathon journey.
[email protected]