Designed for Sport category Cirque Series participants, this plan prioritizes uphill efficiency, downhill confidence, and consistent weekly volume over intensity.
The 12 week Beginner/Intermediate plan adds 4 weeks of foundational base building before entering the main 8 week training block. This extended timeline is ideal for athletes with limited current running fitness or those who want a more gradual introduction to vertical training.
Weeks 1 through 4 focus on building the habit of consistent movement, establishing basic strength, and accumulating gentle vertical gain. Weeks 5 through 12 mirror the 8 week plan with slightly higher starting fitness assumed.
No prior structured training is required.
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.
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: distancetoemptypod.com