This 5-Week, 6-day/week training program is sport-specifically designed to prepare athletes to complete a 6 hour adventure race. This plan is designed to be completed the 5 weeks directly before your Race. Week 5 in the plan is an unload/taper week so the plan can be completed directly before your event, which the plan has scheduled as the Saturday of Week 5.
This training plan is built around the US Adventure Race Association standards for a 6 hour adventure race and these distances:
Run/Ruck – 6 Miles
Paddle – 5 Miles
MTB – 20 Miles
Total: 31 Miles
The primary intent and focus of this training plan is to build your training volume so can complete and recover from a 6-hour Adventure race with a total distance of approximately 30-35 miles.
While this plan includes core training, Its focus is on ruck/run, paddle and mountain bike (MTB) speed and endurance.
To begin this program, you must be able to ruck (run with pack) 3 miles, paddle 2 miles and MTB 8 miles.
This is Version 1 of the plan, designed in April 2022.
FITNESS ATTRIBUTES
Chassis Integrity
This training plan chassis integrity (functional core) strength programming to increase overall durability.
Beyond chassis integrity programming, this training plan does not include any gym-based strength training. This is by design – the paddling training in the plan will build event-specific upper body press and pull strength endurance, and the rucking/MTB programming will build event-specific leg strength endurance. Given the intensity and volume in the plan, additional strength training could negatively impact your more important, event-specific training.
Paddling Substitutions
Most adventure races include a paddling event – either canoe or kayak. By far, the most effective way to train paddling for canoe/kayak is to canoe or kayak and the plan has canoe/kayak programming.
However, season (winter) or equipment and access to water may prevent athletes from canoeing or kayaking to prepare for the event. For this reason, the plan includes two types of gym-based substitute paddling programming. Paddling-focused training is programmed for Tuesdays in the plan.
The first and preferred substitute for actual paddling is rowing erg – based. If you have access to a rower, complete the “Rowing Erg” programming in the plan.
Second is gym-based. If you can’t paddle and don’t have a rowing erg, complete the “Gym Session” alternative in the plan.
So to be clear … if you can’t paddle a canoe or kayak, and have access to a rower, do the rowing alternative. If you don’t have access to a rower, complete the gym alternative – but, don’t do both.
Ruck Run
Most adventure races involve trail running, orienteering or trekking with a light pack. Complete rucking portions of the programming with the same load in your pack you expect to carry for your event. For most, this will mean a 15-25# pack.
Saturday “Mini” Adventure Races
On Saturdays in the plan you’ll complete a three-event, “Mini” adventure race on increasing distance. You’ll paddle (or alternative), MTN and Ruck Ruck (run with pack), in quick order. Treat these mini-adventure races as test events … complete them at your threshold pace (fastest possible), and use them to dial in your gear, transitions and event nutrition.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
- Mon: Mountain Bike (MTB) Hill Sprints + time-based moderate pace ride
- Tue: 2-A-Day – AM: Paddling or substitute training, PM: Ruck Run
- Wed: Gym-Based Chassis Integrity
- Thu: Ruck Run
- Fri: Total Rest
- Sat: Mini Adventure Race
- Sun: Easy Ruck Run plus Easy Mountain Bike
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
This is a limited equipment training plan. Below is the required equipment …
- Stop Watch with repeating countdown timer (smartphone will work)
- Pair of Dumbbells (15# for women, 25# for men)
- Sandbag – 40# for women, 60# for men
- Foam Roller
- Mountain Bike
Optional: Kayak/Canoe and place to paddle
COMMON QUESTIONS
How fit do you need to be able to begin this plan?
To begin this program, you must be able to paddle two miles, ruck run 3, and mountain bike 8.
How Long do the Sessions Last?
1-6 hours. Longest days will be the Saturday “Mini” Adventure Race and Sunday easy ruck run and MTB.
What if I miss a day?
Begin where you left off when you return to training. This program is progressed – each session builds upon the prior session – so don’t skip a session or skip around. Follow the training sessions in order, regardless.
Where do I find unfamiliar exercises?
See our Exercise Library HERE. The Run/Ruck Calculator is listed as an exercise.
What about nutrition?
See our Nutritional Guidelines HERE.
Can I see sample training?
Yes. Click the “Sample Training” tab to see the entire first week of programming.
How do I access the plan?
Access is online, via username and password. You can log in either through our website or through our app (Mtn Tactical Fitness) available for IOS and Android.
Can I print out sessions to take to the gym?
Yes – you can print a week of programming at a time.
More Questions? Email: coach@mtntactical.com
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.
- Stop Watch with repeating countdown timer (smartphone will work)
- Pair of Dumbbells (15# for women, 25# for men)
- Sandbag - 40# for women, 60# for men
- Foam Roller
- Mountain Bike
Below is the First Week from this Training Plan:
MONDAY
SESSION 1
Obj: Mountain Bike (MTB) Hill Sprints, Moderate Ride
Warm Up:
Bike 10 minutes, easy pace
Training:
(1) 2 Rounds
10 Minute Hill Sprint
Slow Ride to the Bottom
(2) MTB 40 Minutes, hilly terrain, Moderate Pace
"Moderate" = comfortable but note easy
Comments: For today's Part (1) Hill Sprints, ideally you have a local, long single track hill for this effort. If not, completing it on a paved road will work. This is an all out sprint - threshold effort.
After the final sprint, take a short rest then begin the moderate pace effort.
******************************
TUESDAY
SESSION 2
Obj: Paddle Training, Ruck Run, 2-a-day
______________________
******AM TRAINING********
WATER SESSION
Training
Paddle 30 minutes, Moderate Pace
"Moderate" = Comfortable but not easy
*************
ROWING ERG ALTERNATIVE
Warm Up:
2 Rounds
Row 250m
10x Push Ups
Instep Stretch
Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
(1) 25 Minute AMRAP (As Many Rounds as Possible)
Row 500m
15x Kettlebell Floor Press using 15/25# Dumbbells
***************
GYM ALTERNATIVE
Warm Up:
2 Rounds
5x Scotty Bobs @ 15/25#
4x 40-Foot Shuttles
Instep Stretch
Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
(1) 25 Minute AMRAP (As Many Rounds as Possible)
10x Renegade Rows @ 15/25#
10x Eos
10x Kettlebell Floor Press using 15/25# Dumbbells
Run 200m or 25x Step Ups @ 16-20" Box or Step
______________________
******PM TRAINING********
Training:
(1) Ruck Run 2 Miles, Moderate Pace, 15-25# Backpack (match the load you'll carry during the race)
"Moderate" = Comfortable but not easy.
Comments: For today's AM training - only complete one of these sessions.
If you have access to water and a canoe/kayak, complete the Water Session.
If you don't have access to water and/or canoe/kayak, but do have access to a Rowing Erg, complete the Rowing Erg Session.
If you don't have access to water/boat or rower, complete the Gym Session.
******************************
WEDNESDAY
SESSION 3
Obj: Chassis Integrity
Warm Up:
4 Rounds
10x Squats
5x Hand Release Push Ups
4x 40-Foot Shuttles
Instep Stretch
Training:
(1) 20 Minute Grind ....
5x Sandbag Getup @ 40/60# (alternate shoulders each round)
15/15 Standing Founder
5x Sandbag Cross Clean @ 40/60#
10x Face Down Back Extension
"Grind" = work steadily, not frantically, through the exercises in this circuit again and again for the prescribed time.
(2) 2 Rounds
Hip Flexor Stretch
Lat + Pec Stretch
Foam Roll upper back, lower back, legs
******************************
THURSDAY
SESSION 4
Obj: Ruck Run
Warm Up:
4 Rounds
10x Squats
5x Hand Release Push Ups
Run 100m
Instep Stretch
Training:
(1) Ruck Run 3 Miles, Moderate Pace, 15-25# Backpack (match the load you'll carry during the race)
"Moderate" = Comfortable but not easy.
(3) 2 Rounds
Toe Touch Complex
Foam Roll Legs, Low Back
******************************
FRIDAY
SESSION 5
TOTAL REST
******************************
SATURDAY
SESSION 6
Obj: Mini Adventure Race
Training:
(1) Paddle 2 Miles or 30 Minutes, then immediately ...
(2) Mountain Bike 8 Miles, Hilly Terrain, hen immediately ...
(3) Ruck Run 3 Miles with 15-25# Backpack (match the load you'll carry during the race)
Comments:
Treat today as a race event and go at a threshold pace (fastest possible) through this mini-Adventure Race.
Plan ahead and minimize transitions between legs as much as possible.
No water/boat for paddling.... Do this instead:
(1) 30 Minute AMRAP (As Many Rounds as Possible)
5x Scotty Bobs @ 15/25#
Run 200m or 25x Step Ups @ 16-20" Box or Step
5x Sandbag Twist and Toss @ 40/60#
Run 200m or 25x Step Ups @ 16-20" Box or Step
******************************
SUNDAY
SESSION 7
Obj: MTB, Run Easy Endurance
Training:
(1) Mountain Bike (MTB) 30 minutes, hilly terrain Easy pace.
Easy = you can speak in full sentences while moving
(2) Run 30 minutes, Easy Pace
Comments: If possible, proceed directly from the bike to the run. However, if necessary it's okay to treat today's session as a two-a-day - Bike in the AM, Run in the PM.
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