LEADVILLE TRAIL 100 RUN – BIG BUCKLE (SUB-25 HR) | 20 WEEKS
This plan has one goal: get you across the finish line on 6th Street in under 25 hours, with the Big Buckle.
It's built around the real GPS data from sub-25 Leadville finishers. Their aid station splits, their climbing rates on Hope Pass, and how much they slowed over the second 50 miles are built into the workouts and notes. You'll know exactly what sub-25 pacing looks like before race morning.
WHO THIS PLAN IS FOR
Runners targeting a sub-25 Leadville finish, or first-timers with a solid ultra background who want a structured, Leadville-specific build
You're currently running 6–8 hours a week consistently, and a 1:45–2:00 long run feels comfortable
You've finished at least one 50-mile or 100K race. A previous 100 helps but isn't required
You can commit 7–16 hours a week, including back-to-back weekend long runs of up to 6.5 + 3.5 hours
WHAT'S INCLUDED
20 weeks in 5 phases: Foundation, Build 1, Build 2, Peak and Taper, with 3 weeks of building followed by 1 recovery week
Peak weeks of about 15–16 hours with 10,000–12,000+ ft of climbing
Structured heart rate workouts (% of threshold heart rate) that sync to your watch, with an effort-level cue in every description
2 strength sessions a week in 4 phases: foundation, max strength, downhill-specific work, then maintenance through the taper
Leadville-specific sessions:
Hope Pass simulators
Loaded power hikes
Downhill durability work
Night runs
A race rehearsal with a 4 AM start
An optional tune-up race 5 weeks out
Weekly Leadville notes on:
Pacing
Fueling and gut training
Altitude strategy
Crew and pacer logistics
Drop bags
Gear
A full race-day split card
COMMUNICATION
This plan is self-guided. Each workout explains what to do and why, and the weekly notes cover race strategy. Start with the Week 1 notes ("Welcome to the Big Buckle Plan" and "Big Buckle Blueprint"). Then do the Week 1 heart rate field test to set your personal zones.
EQUIPMENT
GPS watch with heart rate that syncs to TrainingPeaks (a chest strap is recommended)
Hilly or mountain trails, or a treadmill that goes to a 12–15% incline, so the plan works for flatlanders too
Gym access, or dumbbells or kettlebells, a box or bench and a resistance band (a trap bar is recommended)
Trail race kit:
Vest that holds 1.5–2 L
Headlamp plus a waist light
Waterproof shell and warm layers
Trekking poles (optional)
The race-day fuel you'll train with, building to 80–90 g of carbs an hour by the peak block
GOOD TO KNOW
Workout times are what matter; the mileage shown is an estimate at typical trail pace. The plan is built on the classic Leadville course. Check the official athlete guide for the current course, cutoffs, and crew and pacer rules.
I'm here to support you in achieving your most ambitious aspirations. Whether you're gearing up for your first ultramarathon or training for your 10th 200 miler, my goal is to get you to the starting line fit, healthy, and prepared to put your best foot forward. Questions? Text me: 917-991-4696
Please feel free to contact me for a free consultation and to see if we're a good fit and how we can work together! You can visit BGEcoaching.com for more details.