Designed for Expert category athletes with a solid aerobic base (20+ miles per week running), this 12 week plan incorporates structured VO2max intervals, uphill tempo work, and high vert long runs to peak for race day.

Races in the Cirque Series typically cover 6 to 9 miles with 2,200–4,000 feet of gain and loss on steep ski resort style terrain. The races are short and relentlessly vertical. Cirque Series courses demand sustained uphill power, technical downhill speed, and race-specific fitness at grades of 10–20%. This plan directly trains all three. Expect 5 to 6 sessions per week with two key quality sessions and one long run.

The 12-week Advanced plan adds 4 weeks of extended aerobic base development and tempo introduction before the main peak block. This is ideal for athletes who want a full periodized season leading into a Cirque race.

Weeks 1–4 build aerobic capacity through zone 2 running, tempo introduction, and progressive hill work. Weeks 5–12 mirror the 8-week advanced plan with higher starting fitness assumed.