This plan is aimed at getting you ready for the legendary Leadville 100 mile Trail Run. Leadville is one of the most challenging and renowned 100 milers in the world. This race will not be easy and neither will this training plan. Following this plan to a T will prepare you for the incredible adventure of the LT100 Run. You'll show up to the start line in an optimal position to beat the 50/50 odds of finishing that so often plague the entrants of the Leadville 100.
The plan assumes you have a good base fitness and can comfortably run 30 miles a week before starting. This plan begins with focus on a speedy aerobic base. While Leadville is a mountain ultra, it is also very much a 'runners race' and this plan treats it as such. Leadville features plenty of runnable terrain and aggressive cutoffs and this plan will focus on preparing you for that.
Recently refreshed: every pace-based workout now has an RPE effort target next to it (so it works on trails and at altitude), every run has planned time and TSS, key long runs have vertical targets, and the big weekends now include back-to-back hike/runs with climbing to build your Hope Pass legs, plus a 4 AM headlamp start on your biggest training day.
Overall the plan is based on milage but for most runs and workouts time is included as well. Everyone's pace differs and many factors dictate how long covering the distance will take (climate, terrain, etc.). When in doubt; focus on time.
Purchasing this plan includes a 30 minute consultation call with the coach. The plan can be somewhat customized based on your schedule leading up to Leadville. The coach can strategically plug in 'training races' if that's something you're interested in. We can discuss plan customization via email or on the phone after purchase. During your consultation call you'll also have the opportunity to discuss race details and anything else you'd like regarding your training.
This plan is co-authored by Kevin Goldberg and Melanie White. Both are intimately familiar with Leadville and the 100 mile race. Kevin has crewed and paced Leadville for the last 6 years and counting. He's run every inch of the course and is a long distance expert. Melanie has also crewed and paced the Leadville 100; In 2019, Melanie ran and finished the Leadville 100, placing 13th overall. We have combined our coaching and ultra running experience to make the optimal plan for this epic race. The plan even has weekly notes and tips specific to the race! If you have any questions please contact us!
Ultra running coach for trail and mountain ultramarathons, 50K to 200 miles. Thirteen 200+ mile finishes including the Triple Crown of 200s, four straight Cocodona 250s with two top-fives, plus Western States, Leadville and Badwater 135. I build time-based training that fits around your life rather than replacing it. I also co-host the Distance To Empty podcast. Reach out for a free consultation to see if we're a good fit: BGEcoaching.com