PROGRAM OVERVIEW
This 15-Week, 6 day/week training program is sport-specifically designed to prepare fit athletes to run a 100-Mile Stage Ultra Marathon over 4 days (approx 25 miles/day). This training plan is specifically designed to be completed the 15 weeks directly before your race.
This training program has 4 general objectives:
(1) Increase speed over ground
(2) Increase total body and functional core strength
(3) Increase running-specific strength endurance and running-specific connective tissue/joint strength and durability
(3) Increase running aerobic base and efficiency for longer distance runs
(4) Prepare you mental fitness, leg strength endurance and cardio fitness for a 100-mile stage event
This is Version 1 of this plan, built January, 2024.
Speed Over Ground Work
This training program deploys multiple – mile assessments and uses the athlete’s assessment time to dictate paces for follow-on, 2-mile threshold intervals to develop speed over ground. It’s intended that the assessments and follow-on intervals be completed on a flat course – a running track or similar.
Easy and Moderate Paced Runs
While the Speed Over Ground work in the sticks with the 6-mile assessment and 2-mile intervals, the plan’s easy and moderate pace, longer run volume, increases throughout the plan.
You’ll run easy, long distance three times/week and moderate-paced, long distance one time per week. Your moderate-pace run will occur on Saturday,
Total weekly running volume in the plan begins at 30 Miles total in Week 1 and increased to 82 Miles total in week 12.
Weeks, 13, 14 and 15 are “taper” weeks into your race after or at the end of week 15.
Below it the total volume per week in the plan:
Week Volume in Miles
1 30
2 36
3 42
4 48
5 30 (unload)
6 54
7 60
8 68
9 74
10 30 (unload)
11 76
12 82
13 54 (taper)
14 36 (taper)
15 28 (taper plus race week)
Strength Work
This training plan includes focused, running-specific leg, mid-section and upper body strength training deploying bodyweight and freeweights. You’ll train strength and chassis integrity (functional core), together, 1-day/week except for unload weeks.
Training for Elevation Gain/Loss
The strength training in the initial weeks of the plan includes eccenctric leg strength training for downhill running. However, the program does not include focused uphill endurance programming beyond your 4x weekly trail runs. Chose trail runs with moderate to significant elevation gain/losses for this volume mileage.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE for NON-ASSESSMENT WEEKS
- Mon: Total Rest
- Tue: 6-Mile Run Assessment or 2-mile Threshold Running Intervals
- Wed: Strength and Chassis Integrity
- Thu: Easy-Pace Long Run
- Frii: Easy-Pace Long Run
- Sat: Moderate Pace Long Run
- Sun: Easy Pace Long Run
COMMON QUESTIONS
What is the Required Equipment?
- – Stop Watch (smarphone will work)
- – Fully Equipped Weight Room with Barbells/Dumbbells, etc.
- – 40-pound sandbag for women, 60-pound sandbag for men
- – Foam Roller
How Long do the Sessions Last?
Gym-based sessions last 45-60 minutes. Running based sessions can extend to several hours. Longest days will be Saturday and Sunday.
How many miles do I need to be running per week to begin this plan.
30 miles
What if I’m already running 50 miles per week?
You can shorten the plan accordingly and begin on week 6, which is a 54-mile week.
What if I miss a day?
If you miss a strength or chassis integrity day, skip it and move on. If you miss a prescribed running day, make up the session you missed the next day and follow the programming as prescribed – skipping a strength or chassis integrity day to get back on schedule. The running in the programming is progressive – it builds upon itself. Don’t skip ahead.
Where do I find unfamiliar exercises?
See our Exercise Library HERE. The Run Calculator is listed as an exercise.
What does “4/8x Push Ups” mean? How about “45/65#?”
Women do 4x Push Ups, men do 8x Push Ups
Women use 45 pounds, men use 65 pounds
Can I see sample training?
Click the “Sample Training” tab to see the entire first week of programming. You are encouraged to do it before purchasing.
How do I access the plan? Pdf? Online?
Plan access is online, via username and password via a web browser or our phone app.
Do you have an App?
Yes.
Can I print out sessions to take to the gym?
Yes – you can print a week of programming at a time.
How do I record my assessment Results?
Notebook and pencil.
What about nutrition?
See our Nutritional Guidelines HERE.
More Questions?
Email coach@mtntactical.com
– Rob Shaul
DISCLAIMER
Before beginning any exercise program, consult with your physician to ensure that you are in proper health. Physical training contains inherent risks including, but not limited to, muscle strains, tears, physical and bodily injury up to and including death. This training program is not meant to provide medical advice; you should obtain medical advice from your private health care practitioner. If you are unable to assume these risks then you should not engage in this training program. No liability is assumed by Mountain Tactical Institute, Inc, its owners or employees, and you train at your own risk. Mountain Tactical Institute makes no warranty, express or implied, of any kind in connection with this training program.
What is the Required Equipment?
- - Stop Watch (smarphone will work)
- - Fully Equipped Weight Room with Barbells/Dumbbells, etc.
- - 40-pound sandbag for women, 60-pound sandbag for men
- - Foam Roller
BELOW IS THE ENTIRE FIRST WEEK OF PROGRAMMING FROM THE PLAN:
***************
MONDAY
SESSION 1
Obj: Run Assessment
Warm up:
4 Rounds
- 10x Squats
- 10x Push Ups
- 5x Walking Lunges
- Run 100m
- Instep Stretch
Training:
(1) Run 6 Miles for Time
Flat Course - Track preferred.
RECORD FINISH TIME
(2) 2 Rounds
*************
TUESDAY
SESSION 2
Obj: Strength, Chassis Integrity
Warm up:
3 Rounds
- Barbell Complex @ 45/65#
- 6x Hand Release Push Ups
- Instep Stretch
- 5x Shoulder Dislocates
Training:
(1) 5 Rounds - Grind
- 5x Dumbbell Bench Press - Increase load each round until 5x is hard, but doable
- Mini Leg Blaster
- 3/5x Pull Ups
"Grind" = work steadily, not frantically through the exercises in this circuit for the prescribed number of rounds or time.
(2) 15-Minute Grind
- 5x Sandbag Getup @ 40/60# (alternate shoulders each round)
- 3x Sandbag Cross Clean @ 40/60#
- 5x Dumbbell Crawl @ 25#
(2) Foam Roll Legs, Low Back
Comments:
This session should take no more than 60 minutes to complete.
****************
WEDNESDAY
SESSION 3
Total Rest
***************
THURSDAY
SESSION 4
Obj: Easy-Pace Trail Run
Training:
(1) Trail Run 6 Miles, Easy Pace
"Easy" = you can speak in full sentences while moving.
(2) 2 Rounds
Comments:
Run a hilly course with a good amount of elevation gain/loss.
************
FRIDAY
SESSION 5
Obj: Easy-Pace Trail Run
Training:
(1) Trail Run 6 Miles, Easy Pace
"Easy" = you can speak in full sentences while moving.
(2) 2 Rounds
Comments:
Run a hilly course with a good amount of elevation gain/loss.
**************
SATURDAY
SESSION 6
Obj: Moderate-Pace Trail Run
Training:
(1) Trail Run 6 Miles, Moderate Pace
"Moderate" = Comfortable but not easy
(2) 2 Rounds
Comments:
Run a hilly course with a significant amount of elevation gain/loss.
*************
SUNDAY
SESSION 7
Obj: Easy-Pace Trail Run
Training:
(1) Trail Run 6 Miles, Easy Pace
"Easy" = you can speak in full sentences while moving.
(2) 2 Rounds
Comments:
Run a hilly course with a significant amount of elevation gain/loss.
COMMON QUESTIONS:
Do you have any reviews or testimonials from athletes who have used your Athlete's Subscription
Yes. Click HERE.
Is it true you guarantee your stuff works?
Yes. If you purchase an Athletes’ Subscription, follow the training sessions as prescribed, and are not satisfied with the quality of the programming, notify us within 30 days of purchase, and we’ll refund your money, no questions asked.
How is MTI programming different than CrossFit?
This is a common question. Read our answer HERE.
You have a lot of competitors. Why should I choose MTI?
MTI is driven to improve mountain and tactical athletes' mission performance and keep them safe. This emphasis and focus on mission performance sets us apart. Read about more that sets us apart HERE.
If I purchase a plan or subscription, how do I access the programming?
All of our plans are online, accessible via username and password.
You can log in through our →Website or Mobile App →IOS and Android.
Do you have downloadable .pdf's of the training plans?
No. But you can print the programming, by week, from your browser. You access individual training plans online via a username and password.
Do you have a mobile app?
Yes, we do. Available for IOS and Android.
What is the difference between purchasing an individual training plan, packet of plans or an Athlete's Subscription?
- Plan - Like purchasing the DVD of the first Star Wars movie. You own it forever, including any updates we make to the plan.
- Packet - Like purchasing the DVD's of all the Star Wars movies. You own them forever, including any updates we make to the plans.
- Athlete's Subscription - Like subscribing to Netflix. You get access to all 200+ plan in our library, but lose access if you unsubscribe.
If I purchase an Athletes Subscription Can I cancel on my own, anytime?
Yes.
Do I have to contact MTI to cancel or can I do it myself?
You can do it yourself. Instructions HERE.
If I purchase a subscription and have questions about where to start or what plans(s) to use for my goals, will you help?
Yes. We answer dozens of training questions from athletes weekly. Email coach@mtntactical.com.
If you add new plans or update existing plans after I subscribe will I have access to them?
Yes. We are continuously adding training plans and packets (2-5/month) and updating plans. With your subscription you'll have access to all new plans, new courses and plan updates.
What Equipment is Required?
Click the "Required Equipment" tab to find out what equipment is required for the specific plan you are interested in.
Where do I find unfamiliar exercises?
See our Exercise Library HERE. The Run and Ruck Calculators are listed as exercises.
What about nutrition?
See our Nutritional Guidelines HERE.
Can I see sample training?
Click the “Sample Training” tab to see the entire first week of programming. You are encouraged to do it before purchasing.
What if I have more questions?
Email rob@mtntactical.com