This plan is ideal for newer runners or those looking to make the leap into long-distance running.
TRAINING PLANS
Trail Running: Road or Flat Trail Marathon
RPE-Based
Jumpstart your running career with our beginner-friendly marathon training plan.
EVERYONE STARTS SOMEWHERE.
This 24-week plan is for a road or flatter trail marathon length (30-40km) race. It assumes a fairly low level of running fitness, under 10 miles/week, at the beginning of the plan. This plan incorporates gradual increases in running duration that are adjustable based on your level of training and experience.
If you have not been training in the last 6 months or more, we recommend that you extend and repeat certain transition period weeks. This plan supports training that will condition your legs to the pounding of daily running needed to sustain the high workloads in the middle weeks of the plan. We highly suggest this plan for those looking to enter long-distance running.
This plan is based on your RPE, or “Rate of Perceived Exertion,” where workout intensities are guided by how hard you are working based on your perception of effort (how hard the workout feels to you) rather than by heart rate. This plan is an adapted option for those who want to learn to calibrate their true effort levels in their workouts.
Whether you use an RPE-based or heart rate-based training plan, we recommend that you use a chest-strap heart rate monitor and GPS watch to log all your training.
Plan details
- Our most beginner-friendly running plan
- Built with runner-specific strength and mobility
- Structured progression for newer runners
- Scaleable for more experienced runners
- Volume of training is given in hours rather than distance to account for variations in running paces
- Buy it once. Own it forever. Unlimited Updates.
- Workouts uploaded to your smartwatch or GPS device*
- Email and forum support
- Easy-to-follow instructions
- Rate of Perceived Exertion chart included
*Apple Watch syncing is currently not supported for RPE plans.
To buy this plan, you will be taken to TrainingPeaks to complete your purchase.
All plans are delivered through TrainingPeaks, the most robust training tool available.
Built by Uphill athlete coaches with input from world-class runners
Staying consistent with your training and following the gradual progression will help you succeed in this plan. While running is the priority, completing the strength work and cross-training will help you to be a more well-rounded and healthier athlete. On long runs, practice your race-day nutrition and gear so there are no surprises on race day. Listen to your body and trust that if you train with consistency and diligence, you will succeed!
This plan does not assume an extensive running background. If you are starting from a base of less than 10 miles per week, we suggest extending the transition phase of the program to ensure a safe and healthy build-in running duration.
If you are looking to jump into the world of ultra running, we suggest our Intro to Ultra Marathons plan that will prepare you to run a 50km race.
TRAIL RUNNING TRAINING PLANS