Hardrock 100 Training Plan: 26 Weeks, Intermediate, Heart Rate
Prepare specifically for the Hardrock 100 with a structured 26-week heart rate 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 Hardrock course.
The Race
164 km (102 mi) loop from Silverton, Colorado, with about 10,200 m (33,400 ft) of climbing, an average elevation near 3,400 m and a high point of 4,282 m on Handies Peak. 48 h cutoff. Thirteen major climbs over high passes on trail, jeep road and cross-country tundra: snowfields, scree, stream crossings, exposed ridges and some scrambling. Afternoon storms and freezing nights.
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. Beginner means first Hardrock, not first ultra: entry requires a qualifying mountain 100 and a lottery place.
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 5.8 h rising to 14.3 h of running.
- Long runs: 2h00 to 6h30, with back-to-back runs up to 3h30.
- Climbing: about 1600 m rising to 5250 m a week (the course averages 62.2 m per km).
- Race-specific: long steep hiking climbs, altitude guidance, technical descending, night runs, big back-to-back weekends, 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.
Heart Rate Training
Every run is prescribed in RunForce heart-rate zones (% of max HR), with a field check in week 1 and decoupling checks later. Workouts explain how to use HR on climbs, heart-rate lag on short reps, cardiac drift and the effect of heat.
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 Hardrock 100. 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.