Whether you’re a chatty run-clubber who is there for the vibes or a serious athlete training for a PB, all runners can agree: there’s nothing better than showing up on race day feeling ready, confident, and genuinely excited to run. And the best way to get there is with a well-crafted training plan.
Here’s a collection of the best running training plans TrainingPeaks has to offer, designed by some of the most experienced coaches in the game. Combine that with Premium, and you’ve got a recipe for success.
Also, for a limited time, you can save 25% on one year of TrainingPeaks Premium when you purchase a training plan.
P.S. Runners who use premium finish 20% more often and run 9% faster on average (based on TrainingPeaks data)!
1. Best Training Plan for Runners New to the Trail Scene
Ready to take your running off-road, but not sure where to start? This 20-week plan is designed to guide runners with some road background through their first real trail season.
- Gradual 20-week build from aerobic base to trail-ready strength and endurance.
- Simple RPE-based training to learn effort on varied terrain.
- Key hill, strength, and long-run progressions for your first 30-mile/50K.
- Smart recovery and tapering to keep you consistent and race-ready.
2. Best Half-Marathon Plan With a Strength Training Focus
This hybrid 12-week plan is designed for half-marathon runners who want to build real strength without overcomplicating their training. There’s no junk volume with this training plan: every session is built to move the needle.
This one’s for the lifters who want to go far and the runners who want to feel (and look) strong.
- 16-week plan focused on building endurance and strength that improves running economy.
- Designed for runners who are comfortable lifting 3x/week and have access to basic gym equipment.
- Made for dedicated athletes: requires 5 to 6 days per week of consistent training.
- Uses TrainingPeaks Strength Builder with videos to show you how to do each exercise.
3. Best Strength Training Plan for Busy Runners
If you ever find yourself wondering, “how the heck am I supposed to fit strength training in on top of everything else I have going on?” then this plan is for you.
Phil Mosely’s Quick Gains plan is ideal for no-nonsense runners who just want to get in and get out of the weight room.
- Built for busy endurance athletes who want fast, effective strength gains without disrupting training.
- Features two ~20-minute sessions per week using minimal equipment (so you can train anywhere).
- Best for athletes with some strength training experience who want simple, efficient workouts
- Uses video-guided exercises through TrainingPeaks Strength Builder, which allows you to keep all of your training in one place.
4. Best Plan for Getting a 5k PR
It’s fun to go far and long, but sometimes it’s fun to go short and fast, too.
Whether you’re using this in prep for your A-race, or if this IS your A-race, running a 5k PR is something you should put on your 2026 bucket list.
- Requires a solid running base, ideally 3–4 runs per week before starting the plan.
- Workouts blend speed, endurance, and pacing practice
- Best suited for intermediate runners who are comfortable with structured training
- Comes in 5 different speeds:
5. Best Marathon Training Plan that Includes Cross Training
This 12-week training plan is ideal for runners who want to integrate cross-training into their training to stay injury-free.
If your goal in 2026 is to stay healthy while nabbing a PR, this is the plan for you.
- Best for beginner to intermediate runners who already run a few times per week and want cross-training built in.
- Includes four runs, one to two bike sessions, and two strength workouts
- Includes a weekly rest day and a two-week taper to help you peak on race day.
- Also comes in a swimming version if cycling isn’t your thing.
BONUS: Best Training Plan for Runners Curious About HYROX
Looking for a new challenge, but all the typical races don’t sound like fun right now? Or maybe you’re in a running rut and just need a change of pace? Consider HYROX!
This 12-week plan is perfect for runners who want to dip their toes into the HYROX world and see what being a “hybrid athlete” is all about.
- Combines running, functional fitness, and strength to prepare you for your first HYROX event.
- Weekly running volume builds from ~20 km to ~30–35 km alongside HYROX-style workouts.
- Ideal for beginners with a basic fitness foundation who want to develop hybrid strength and endurance.
- Focuses on running economy, muscular endurance, and race-specific conditioning so you finish strong.
Whatever your 2026 goals might be, it’s best to have a plan. Whether it’s a PR, just staying in shape, or trying something new, there’s an experienced TrainingPeaks coach who can help you get there.
You can search for other plans designed by our world-class coaches here.
