Leadville Trail 100 Training Plan: 26 Weeks, Intermediate, Running Power
Prepare specifically for the Leadville Trail 100 with a structured 26-week running power training plan for established trail runners who want a strong performance. It develops threshold, climbing strength, downhill durability and race-specific endurance for the demands of the Leadville course.
The Race
160 km (100 mi) out and back from Leadville, Colorado (3,094 m), with about 4,100 m (13,400 ft) of climbing and two crossings of Hope Pass (3,810 m). 30 h cutoff with strict intermediate cutoffs. Mostly runnable forest roads, jeep roads and singletrack: Turquoise Lake, Sugarloaf and the Powerline, Twin Lakes, a river crossing and the steep double crossing of Hope Pass. Everything is above 2,800 m.
Who It Is For
You have finished a 100K or 100-mile race, run 5 times a week (7-8 h), and do regular 2.5 h long runs.
Your 26 Weeks
- Phases: Preparation week 1, Base weeks 2-10, Build weeks 11-17, Specific weeks 18-23, Taper weeks 24-25, race week 26.
- Weekly: 5 runs and 2 strength sessions, about 6 h rising to 14.3 h of running.
- Long runs: 2h00 to 6h30, with back-to-back runs up to 3h30.
- Climbing: about 850 m rising to 2800 m a week (the course averages 25.4 m per km).
- Race-specific: long steady climbs, runnable tempo, altitude guidance, night runs, big back-to-backs, a dress rehearsal.
- Strength: two RunForce 45-min sessions built in the TrainingPeaks Strength Builder (A: Force & Posterior Chain; B: Single-Leg & Mountain Durability), with a demonstration video for every exercise.
Running Power Training
Every run is prescribed as % of your Critical Power, with a CP test in week 1 and retests later. Power guides climbs, threshold and interval work precisely; workouts explain when power is less useful (steep descents, very technical ground). Works with Stryd, COROS and Garmin power.
Also Available
This plan is also available in Beginner Heart Rate, Intermediate Heart Rate, Advanced Heart Rate versions. Other Leadville plans: Marathon, 50 Mile. Search "RunForce Leadville" in the TrainingPeaks store.
Your Coach: Adrien Thévenet
Endurance coach since 2011, working with elite athletes, professional endurance athletes, major race winners, and a Spartan National Champion across road, trail, and mountain running.
RunForce is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Life Time or the Leadville Race Series. The race name is used only to identify the event this plan prepares you for.
Certifications:
-25 Years of Endurance Sports Experience
-TrainingPeaks Level 2
-UESCA Ultrarunning
-RRCA Certified
-STRYD Power Coach
-ACE Certified
With 25 years in endurance sports, I offer tailored coaching for diverse runners - from beginners to sub 3-hour marathoners. Emphasizing well-being, we collaborate on a program that fits your life keeping you motivated.