What is Trail Running | Uphill Athlete

Why we run

Trail running is wild terrain, open horizons, and the quiet focus that comes when life narrows to the rhythm of your stride. It rewards the runner who has built the volume, the vert, and the fueling to keep moving when the trail gets long.

We train runners who are motivated not just by outcomes, but by the process itself. Our coaches have raced ultras, chased VKs, stood on podiums, and are ready to help you do the same.

Success in
Trail Running

Success in trail running is built across months of consistent training, not in the weeks before the start line. The volume that builds endurance, the vert that prepares your legs for descents, and the recovery that lets you do it all again next week are the work of a season.

Aerobic Base
Vertical
Nutrition
Recovery

Education

Read our latest articles on Trail Running and fundamental training principles.

2025 Trail and Mountain Running Highlights with Gabe Joyes

The Process of Becoming with Joe Corcione

A Landmark Year: Key Takeaways from the 2025 Hardrock 100

Training for Speed and Longevity with World Record Holder Zach Bitter

What Can Trail Runners and Climbers Learn from One Another? with Vitaliy Musiyenko

UTMB Findings and Future Goals

Gabe Joyes and Multi-Day Stage Racing

Sky Running with Lukas Mann

How to Transition from Skiing to Running in the Spring

Riding the Dragon’s Back with Alyssa Clark and Will Weidman

Thinking about training?

Trail running rewards consistency over heroics. The work that holds up on the long days is built across months of unremarkable weeks: an aerobic base that takes hours to fatigue, legs trained for descents, and the fueling and pacing to keep moving when the trail gets long. Whether you are training for a first 50k or a third hundred, a coach, a training group, or a structured plan gives that work the shape it needs.

Train Your Way

Whatever level of support you need in Trail Running, we’ve got you.

Do you want 1:1 Support?

Coaching

Uphill Athlete coaching is built to deliver structure and guidance so you can train with confidence. Our coaches are all experienced mountain athletes prepared to help your training be more effective.

Gabe Joyes

Will Weidman

Thomas Summer

Alexa Hasman

Genis Zapater

Zoe Nance

Chantelle Robitaille

Looking for a way to take out the guesswork?

Training Groups

Training Groups are built for athletes who want guidance, accountability, and clarity through coach Q&As, expert lectures, and a private WhatsApp for athletes.

Rather do it on your own?

Training Plans

Built for mountain athletes who want to train independently.

Trail Running
Intermediate, Advanced

Sky Running

Trail Running
Intermediate, Advanced

100 Kilometer Mountain Ultra

Trail Running
Advanced

100 Mile Mountain Ultra

Trail Running
Intermediate, Advanced

Big Vert Ultra Marathon

Trail Running
Beginner, Intermediate

Intro to Ultra Marathons

Trail Running
Intermediate

Multi-Day Stage Run

Trail Running
Beginner

Road or Flat Trail Marathon

Focus on the basics?

Programs

Strength and recovery made easy. On-demand video guidance for mountain athletes.

All Levels

Yoga for Recovery

All Levels

Chamonix Mountain Fit

The Uphill Athlete approach to training.

Training is more than just working out.

Our evidence-based approach looks beyond exercise alone. It accounts for sleep, stress, nutrition, and the demands of real life while progressively building sport-specific fitness on top of base aerobic endurance.

This methodology has helped thousands of people move better, last longer, and go farther. From Everest summits to first finish lines, the principles are the same.
If you’re ready to build true mountain fitness, this is where it begins.

Need help deciding?

Buy a one-time consult with one of our coaches, physical therapists, or registered dietitians to find out what option is best for you. There’s no obligation, just real advice.