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20 Week 100 Mile Gravel | Highly Efficient | HR Based | Coach Support

Browse More Plans

20 Week 100 Mile Gravel | Highly Efficient | HR Based | Coach Support

Includes Structured Workouts

Structured Workouts automatically sync with compatible devices and guide you through workouts in real time.


Learn More about Structured Workouts.

Author

Chris Searle - Efficient Endurance

All plans by this Coach

Length

20 Weeks

Includes Structured Workouts

Structured Workouts automatically sync with compatible devices and guide you through workouts in real time.


Learn More about Structured Workouts.

Plan Description


Master the 100-Mile Gravel Grind


Completing a long-distance gravel event requires more than general cycling fitness. The rolling terrain and loose surfaces demand specific muscular durability and a refined aerobic threshold. This 20-week plan is a professional framework for riders moving beyond "just finishing" to mastering the unique requirements of off-road endurance.


This program prioritizes physiological adaptations over empty miles. By using heart rate or RPE targets, your training becomes more efficient. We ensure your volume builds sustainably, developing the strength needed for steep climbs and the stamina required for 6+ hours of off-road effort.

The Benefits for You



  • Off-Road Durability: Build the resilient power needed to handle the constant micro-surges of gravel riding.

  • Threshold Refinement: Advance your aerobic capacity to maintain a higher average speed without early fatigue.

  • Strategic Preparation: A structured, periodized approach that respects your recovery and professional schedule.

  • Fueling Logic: Develop a tested nutrition strategy for the specific demands of long-duration gravel efforts.

The 20-Week Progression



  • Phase 1 (Weeks 1 to 10): Aerobic Foundation. We focus on establishing a deep aerobic base and improving your efficiency at lower intensities.

  • Phase 2 (Weeks 11 to 20): Specificity and Peak. We introduce gravel-specific intervals and simulation rides, peaking with an 80-mile effort to ensure event-day readiness.

The Efficiency Gap


Progress often stalls when training lacks a clear objective. This plan defines the purpose of every ride—whether it is recovery, threshold work, or base building. By focusing on the quality of these sessions, you maximize the benefit of every hour in the saddle and avoid the fatigue that comes from unstructured riding.

Is This Your Next Step?



  • Experienced Cyclists: You have completed long road events and want to adapt your fitness for the challenges of gravel.

  • Performance Focused: You want a system that removes the decision-making process, allowing you to focus on the execution of the work.

  • The Busy Professional: You need a schedule that scales logically from 6 to 11 hours per week, fitting into a real-world routine.

The Deliverables



  • 20 weeks of structured, periodized training designed for off-road performance.

  • A mix of steady-state endurance, threshold work, and specific gravel intervals.

  • Coach support via email for any guidance needed during your 20-week build.

  • Device Sync: Sessions load directly to your computer for real-time guidance.

This plan includes direct coach support via email. If you have questions about a session or need to adjust the schedule around your professional life, you can reach out for clear, practical advice.

Check out our 100 Mile Training Plans Here

Structure Delivers the Result


A successful gravel century is the outcome of consistent, structured stress applied at the right time. Stop trading your time for fatigue and follow a plan designed for the result you want.

How it Works

Load Your Plan

Quickly view upcoming workouts in the TrainingPeaks app.

Workout and Analyze

Upload completed workouts from your favorite tracking app or device.

Track Your Progress

Get feedback, stay on top of your training and perform at your best.

Learn More

Training Plan Sample Week

Stats

Average Weekly Breakdown

Workouts Weekly Average Longest Workout
Bike x4
06:22:00 05:20:00
Workouts Per Week Weekly Average Longest Workout
Bike
06:22:00 05:20:00

Training Load By Week


This plan works best with the following fitness devices:

  • Heart Rate Monitor

All supported devices

Chris Searle

Efficient Endurance

Efficient Endurance provides structured coaching for committed professionals preparing for long-distance events. I remove the decision load of training through clear planning and consistent accountability. My science-informed approach ensures sustainable progression for Ironman, marathons, and triathlons. I also have 10 years of experience as a professional swim coach at the top levels, offering technical depth that ensures efficiency in the water and confidence on race day.


  • This plan includes a Free Basic TrainingPeaks Account.
  • Access your training plan anywhere on the TrainingPeaks mobile and desktop apps.
  • Track your performance with robust data tracking and detailed graphs.
  • Plan for your event in the TrainingPeaks calendar.
  • Track your weight, sleep, hours, fatigue and stress while you train.
  • Completed workouts sync with popular apps like Garmin and Wahoo. Learn More
  • If plan includes Structured Workouts, then planned workouts sync to compatible devices and guide you through workouts in real time. Learn More

Refund Policy

This plan is protected by our Refund Policy and may, with the author's approval, be exchanged for a plan of equal value from the same author.

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