This is an intense, 8 week, 6-day/week training plan designed to prepare athletes for fast, technical, alpine ascents or other high alpine running missions marked by significant vertical gain and loss, high overall mileage (15+ miles) loaded movement (pack weight of 10-25 pounds) and off-trail travel to include 3rd and 4th class terrain.
Alpine Running is different than mountain running in that the movement is loaded, travel more technical (off trail), and the athlete is unsupported.
This program combines gym-based posterior chain, upper body and mid-section strength, loaded vertical climbing and unloaded decent, threshold track repeats, loaded flat runs, and long trail runs.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
- Monday: Gym Based Strength and Chassis Integrity
- Tuesday: Loaded vertical ascent and unloaded decent
- Wednesday: Gym Based Strength and Chassis Integrity
- Thursday: 1-Mile Threshold Track Repeats
- Friday: Loaded Run
- Saturday: Long Trail Run
Week one includes two days of strength training, 3000 feet of vertical movement, a 4-mile running assessment at a track, 5 mile loaded run and 7 mile trail run.
The program increases in difficulty from there.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
- Fully Equipped for Strength Training
- Steep Hill, Stadium Steps, or Step Up Bench for vertical movement
- Pack
- 9x 1-Gallon Water Jugs (You’ll use water for loading)
** Recommended: Wrist GPS to monitor mileage
COMMON QUESTIONS
How do I know if I’m fit enough to begin this plan?
If your fitness is suspect, complete a max rep effort of 30 minutes of step ups, at a 16-18-inch bench or step. If you score 400x or less reps in your effort, we recommend completing the 4-week Mountaineering & Hiking Prep Plan prior to beginning this plan.
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.
Required Equipment
- Fully Equipped Gym for Strength Training
- Steep Hill, Stadium Steps, or Step Up Bench for vertical movement
- Pack
- 9x 1-Gallon Water Jugs (You’ll use water for loading)
- Sandbags - 40 & 60 Pounds
- ** Recommended: Wrist GPS to monitor mileage
**************WEEK 1****************
Monday
SESSION 1
Obj: Strength, Chassis Integrity
Warm Up:
- 3 Rounds
- 8x Hinge @ 65/95#
- 4x Scotty Bob @ 15/25#
- Instep Stretch
Training:
(1) 6 Rounds
- 3x Hinge Lift - increase load each round until 3x is hard, but doable
- 3/3/3 Toe Touch Complex
Record Final Load
(2) 6 Rounds
- 5x Kettlebell Floor Press
- Rope Climb or 3x Tarzan Pull Ups
- 5x Shoulder Dislocate
(3) 15 Minute Grind @ 40/60# Sandbag
- 3x Getup
- 6x Toss & Chase
- 3x Standing Keg Lift
- (4) Foam Roll Quads/Low Back
****************
Tuesday
SESSION 2
Obj: Uphill Climbing Endurance, Downhill Running Fitness
Training:
(1) Hike 3000 vertical feet, Moderate Pace, Run down
- Load: 1 Gallon of Water
- Moderate = Comfortable but not easy.
- Note: If possible, dump water at the top and run down unloaded.
******************
Wednesday
SESSION 3
Obj: Strength, Chassis Integrity
Training:
(1) Work up to 1RM Back Squat
(2) 6 Rounds
- 3x Eccentric Back Squat, 5 Second Drop - @ 60% 1RM
- Pigeon Stretch
(2) 6 Rounds
- 5x Incline Bench Press - increase load each round until 5x is hard, but doable
- 2/5x Weighted Pull Ups - increase load each round until 5x is hard, but doable
- Lat + Pec Stretch
(3) 10 Minute Grind …
- 15/15 Standing Founder
- 10x Face Down Back Extensions
- 15/15 Kneeling Founder
- 10x Good Morning @ 45#
****************
Thursday
SESSION 4
Obj: Endurance Assessment
Warm Up:
4 Rounds
- 8x Squats
- 8x Push Ups
- 8x Sit Ups
- Run 100m
- Instep Stretch
Training:
(1) Run 4 Miles for Time
Record Finish Time
******************
Friday
SESSION 5
Obj: Loaded Endurance
Training:
(1) Run 5 miles carrying pack with 1 gallon of water
Easy Pace
Easy = you can speak in complete sentences
********************
"I just wanted to let you know that I purchased the alpine running program and it’s fantastic. I’ve especially appreciated the chassis integrity exercises. Thank you. Keep up the great work!"
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