This is an 8-week, limited equipment, total body event specific training program to train for the demands of the long distance (30+ miles, 60+ obstacles) obstacle races. This plan includes a taper week, week 8, and is designed to be completed directly before your Spartan Ultra.
While the length of the course has a high endurance demand, the obstacles require the competitor to have the strength and work capacity to crawl, jump, climb, and carry objects over varying terrain. This training program combines assessment-based bodyweight strength training, dumbbell strength training, and intense, loaded and unloaded work capacity efforts, and a strong running endurance component.
For running, the plan trains both speed over ground via a 6-mile assessment, and follow on 2-mile intervals, as well as long, slow runs out to 20 miles to develop the aerobic base. The total running volume in a training week starts at 28 miles and works up to 40 miles before a final de-load in Week 8.
Parts of this training program are assessment based. It deploys bodyweight calisthenics and running assessments the first and fourth weeks. Follow-on progressions are based upon the athlete’s assessment results.
You’ll train five days a week for seven weeks, totaling 40 training sessions. You’ll train Monday through Friday and take weekends off.
This plan was last updated in September 2018.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Monday: Bodyweight Strength, Running Speed over Ground (6-Mile Assessment or 2-Mile repeats)
Tuesday: Bodyweight Work Capacity, Dumbbell Strength, Chassis Integrity (ART)
Wednesday: Moderate Distance Running at Moderate Pace
Thursday: Bodyweight Work Capacity, Loaded Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity (Low Back)
Friday: Long Distance Running Endurance at Easy Pace
COMMON QUESTIONS
What equipment is required?
- Pair of dumbbells, 15# for women, 25# for men
- 15-18” box or bench for step ups
- Stopwatch
- Foam Roller
How long do the training sessions last?
Monday-Thursdays training sessions are designed to last 60 minutes but may take up to 75 minutes for athletes new to MTI programming. It will take a week or two to understand the training session “flow.” However, beginning Week 3, aim to finish the Mon-Thurs sessions in 60 minutes.
Friday’s long run may extend to up to 3 hours, depending on your running pace.
What does “4/8x” mean? How about “15/25#”?
The first number is for women, second is for men, both for reps, and loading.
Examples:
4/8x Chin Ups = Women do 4x, Men do 8x
15/25# = Women use15#, Men use 25#.
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.
What equipment is required?
- Pair of dumbbells, 15# for women, 25# for men
- 15-18” box or bench for step ups
- Stopwatch
- Foam Roller
Below is the entire first week of programming from the plan:
*************
SESSION 1
OBJ: Bodyweight and Run Assessment
Warm-Up
3 Rounds
- Run 100m - a little harder each Round
- 8x Push-ups
- 2x Ankles to Bar
- 8x Squats
- Instep Stretch
Training:
Rest 2-3 minutes between events…
(1) Max Rep Hand Release Push Ups (HR Push Ups) in 60 Seconds.
(2) Max Rep Ankles to Bar in 60 Seconds
(3) Max Rep Squats in 60 Seconds
RECORD RESULTS & REST 5 MINUTES
(5) Run 6 Miles for Time.
RECORD FINISH TIME
(6) 2 Rounds
****************
SESSION 2
Obj: Bodyweight Assessment, Leg Strength, Chassis Integrity
Warm-up:
3 Rounds
- 5x Burpees
- 5x Walking Lunges
- 10x Sit Ups
- Instep Stretch
Training:
(1) Burpee Ladder Test
Burpees Total
Level Min per Min Burpees
1 0-1 10 10
2 1-2 12 22
3 2-3 14 36
4 3-4 16 52
5 4-5 18 70
6 5-6 20 90
7 6-7 22 112
8 7-8 24 136
RECORD FINAL SCORE
For example, if you made it to level 4 + 15 Reps your final Score would be 52 + 15 = 67x total burps
(2) Max Rep Pull Ups
RECORD FINAL SCORE
(3) 5 Rounds
- 4x Quadzilla Complex @ 15/25#
- 4x Scotty Bob @ 15/25#
- 30% Max Rep Pullups
- Rest 30 Seconds
(4) 20 Minute Grind
- 5x Turkish Get Up @ 15/25# (alternate arms each round)
- 30-Foot Dumbbell Crawl 15/25#
- 8x Slasher @ 15/25#
(5) Foam Roll Legs, Low Back
***************
SESSION 3
OBJ: Endurance
Training:
(1) Run 8 Miles @ Moderate per mile pace using the MTI Running Calculator from SESSION 1’s 6-Mile assessment
(2) 2 Rounds
***********
SESSION 4
Obj: Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity
Warm-up:
3 Rounds
- 5x Burpees
- 5x Walking Lunges
- 10x Sit Ups
- Instep Stretch
Training:
(1) 8 Rounds, Every 90 Seconds
20% Max Rep Burpees from SESSION 2 assessment.
The faster you finish, the more rest you get before the next round begins
(2) 20 minutes - Complete as many rounds as possible:
- 5x Renegade Man Makers @ 15#/25#
- Run 200m
(3) 15 Minute Grind
- 15/15 Standing Founder
- 10x Good Mornings holding 15/25# Dumbbells
- 15/15 Kneeling Founder
- 10x Swings @ 15/25# Dumbbell
(4) 2 Rounds
- Pigeon Stretch
- Foam Roll Legs/Low Back
***********
SESSION 5
OBJ: Endurance
Training
(1) Run 14 Miles @ Easy per mile pace using the MTI Running Calculator from SESSION 1’s 6-Mile assessment
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