Trail race training blueprint

Free 16-Week Training Plan for Swiss Canyon Trail 16K

Don’t just train for distance. Train for the Jura ridges. This blueprint is built around sustained climbs, runnable rollers, and controlled descents — tuned to the vertical demands of the Jura.

Race date: Fri, 29 May 2026 16 km · 570 m

Use this plan

Sync it to your calendar, then use the route buttons to match terrain. Sessions are time-based so you can adapt to weather, trails, and vert.

Strength guide
Effort legend: Easy = conversational · Moderate = steady · Hard = controlled
Read: Route planning 101 Read: Elevation explained

Terrain intel

Expect steep forest climbs, rolling ridge sections, and long runnable stretches where efficiency matters. The fastest days come from being able to hike steep grades smoothly, then run the flats without spiking effort.

Weather & kit

Late May can swing from warm sun to cold rain on exposed ridges. Practice layers, wet-foot management, and fueling in mixed conditions. Train at least a few long runs with your full race kit.

What this plan focuses on

  • Time-on-feet first (time-based sessions, not distance).
  • Weekly vert targets that ramp safely toward race demands.
  • Back-to-back long sessions in peak weeks (ultra distances).
  • Recovery weeks every 4th week to reduce injury risk.
  • Route-aware workouts that deep-link into the Planner to find matching vert.

Route-aware workouts

Key sessions include route buttons that deep-link into the Planner with pre-filled distance + elevation filters.

Plan summary

Quick glance by phase (total time and vert).

Phase Weeks Total time Total vert
Base Building 1–4 12h 1,050m
Vert Accumulation 5–10 18h 5m 2,150m
Peak Volume 11–13 9h 45m 1,250m
Taper 14–16 9h 725m

Base Building

Focus: time on feet and consistency.

Week 1
📈 Build
2026-02-09 → 2026-02-15
3h total 250m vert
Rest
Mon · Rest
(Recovery and mobility.)
2026-02-09
Run
Tue · Easy Run
2026-02-10
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it easy and consistent.
Strength
Tue · Strength (optional)
2026-02-10
30m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Vert
Wed · Medium Long Run + Hills
2026-02-11
45m 100m vert Moderate (steady)
Train sustained climbing and efficient hiking/running transitions.
Cross
Thu · Cross-train (optional)
2026-02-12
Easy (conversational)
Low-impact aerobic + strength/mobility.
Run
Fri · Easy Run
2026-02-13
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it relaxed. Focus on cadence and form.
Strength
Fri · Strength (optional)
2026-02-13
30m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session B: step-downs (slow 3–4s), lunges/sit-to-stand, soleus raises, carries (backpack), dead bug. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If you have a long run Saturday, avoid heavy eccentric step-downs on Friday (swap to core/power or move to Wednesday). In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Long
Sat · Long Run
2026-02-14
1h 75m vert Moderate (steady)
Time-on-feet. Practice fueling and gear.
Run
Sun · Recovery Run or Hike
2026-02-15
45m 50m vert Easy (conversational)
Finish tired but not destroyed. Keep it controlled.
Week 2
📈 Build
2026-02-16 → 2026-02-22
3h total 275m vert
Rest
Mon · Rest
(Recovery and mobility.)
2026-02-16
Run
Tue · Easy Run
2026-02-17
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it easy and consistent.
Strength
Tue · Strength (optional)
2026-02-17
30m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Vert
Wed · Medium Long Run + Hills
2026-02-18
45m 100m vert Moderate (steady)
Train sustained climbing and efficient hiking/running transitions.
Cross
Thu · Cross-train (optional)
2026-02-19
Easy (conversational)
Low-impact aerobic + strength/mobility.
Run
Fri · Easy Run
2026-02-20
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it relaxed. Focus on cadence and form.
Strength
Fri · Strength (optional)
2026-02-20
30m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session B: step-downs (slow 3–4s), lunges/sit-to-stand, soleus raises, carries (backpack), dead bug. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If you have a long run Saturday, avoid heavy eccentric step-downs on Friday (swap to core/power or move to Wednesday). In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Long
Sat · Long Run
2026-02-21
1h 75m vert Moderate (steady)
Time-on-feet. Practice fueling and gear.
Run
Sun · Recovery Run or Hike
2026-02-22
45m 50m vert Easy (conversational)
Finish tired but not destroyed. Keep it controlled.
Week 3
📈 Build
2026-02-23 → 2026-03-01
3h total 300m vert
Rest
Mon · Rest
(Recovery and mobility.)
2026-02-23
Run
Tue · Easy Run
2026-02-24
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it easy and consistent.
Strength
Tue · Strength (optional)
2026-02-24
30m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Vert
Wed · Medium Long Run + Hills
2026-02-25
45m 100m vert Moderate (steady)
Train sustained climbing and efficient hiking/running transitions.
Cross
Thu · Cross-train (optional)
2026-02-26
Easy (conversational)
Low-impact aerobic + strength/mobility.
Run
Fri · Easy Run
2026-02-27
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it relaxed. Focus on cadence and form.
Strength
Fri · Strength (optional)
2026-02-27
30m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session B: step-downs (slow 3–4s), lunges/sit-to-stand, soleus raises, carries (backpack), dead bug. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If you have a long run Saturday, avoid heavy eccentric step-downs on Friday (swap to core/power or move to Wednesday). In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Long
Sat · Long Run
2026-02-28
1h 75m vert Moderate (steady)
Time-on-feet. Practice fueling and gear.
Run
Sun · Recovery Run or Hike
2026-03-01
45m 75m vert Easy (conversational)
Finish tired but not destroyed. Keep it controlled.
Week 4
♻️ Recovery
2026-03-02 → 2026-03-08
3h total 225m vert
Rest
Mon · Rest
(Recovery and mobility.)
2026-03-02
Run
Tue · Easy Run
2026-03-03
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it easy and consistent.
Strength
Tue · Strength (optional)
2026-03-03
30m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Vert
Wed · Medium Long Run + Hills
2026-03-04
45m 75m vert Moderate (steady)
Train sustained climbing and efficient hiking/running transitions.
Rest
Thu · Rest
(Recovery.)
2026-03-05
Run
Fri · Easy Run
2026-03-06
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it relaxed. Focus on cadence and form.
Strength
Fri · Strength (optional)
2026-03-06
30m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session B: step-downs (slow 3–4s), lunges/sit-to-stand, soleus raises, carries (backpack), dead bug. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If you have a long run Saturday, avoid heavy eccentric step-downs on Friday (swap to core/power or move to Wednesday). In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Long
Sat · Long Run
2026-03-07
1h 75m vert Moderate (steady)
Time-on-feet. Practice fueling and gear.
Run
Sun · Recovery Run or Hike
2026-03-08
45m 50m vert Easy (conversational)
Finish tired but not destroyed. Keep it controlled.

Vert Accumulation

Focus: sustainable climbing volume and uphill economy.

Week 5
📈 Build
2026-03-09 → 2026-03-15
3h total 325m vert
Rest
Mon · Rest
(Recovery and mobility.)
2026-03-09
Run
Tue · Easy Run
2026-03-10
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it easy and consistent.
Strength
Tue · Strength (optional)
2026-03-10
30m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Vert
Wed · Medium Long Run + Hills
2026-03-11
45m 125m vert Moderate (steady)
Train sustained climbing and efficient hiking/running transitions.
Cross
Thu · Cross-train (optional)
2026-03-12
Easy (conversational)
Low-impact aerobic + strength/mobility.
Run
Fri · Easy Run
2026-03-13
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it relaxed. Focus on cadence and form.
Strength
Fri · Strength (optional)
2026-03-13
30m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session B: step-downs (slow 3–4s), lunges/sit-to-stand, soleus raises, carries (backpack), dead bug. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If you have a long run Saturday, avoid heavy eccentric step-downs on Friday (swap to core/power or move to Wednesday). In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Long
Sat · Long Run
2026-03-14
1h 100m vert Moderate (steady)
Time-on-feet. Practice fueling and gear.
Run
Sun · Recovery Run or Hike
2026-03-15
45m 75m vert Easy (conversational)
Finish tired but not destroyed. Keep it controlled.
Week 6
📈 Build
2026-03-16 → 2026-03-22
3h total 350m vert
Rest
Mon · Rest
(Recovery and mobility.)
2026-03-16
Run
Tue · Easy Run
2026-03-17
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it easy and consistent.
Strength
Tue · Strength (optional)
2026-03-17
30m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Vert
Wed · Medium Long Run + Hills
2026-03-18
45m 125m vert Moderate (steady)
Train sustained climbing and efficient hiking/running transitions.
Cross
Thu · Cross-train (optional)
2026-03-19
Easy (conversational)
Low-impact aerobic + strength/mobility.
Run
Fri · Easy Run
2026-03-20
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it relaxed. Focus on cadence and form.
Strength
Fri · Strength (optional)
2026-03-20
30m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session B: step-downs (slow 3–4s), lunges/sit-to-stand, soleus raises, carries (backpack), dead bug. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If you have a long run Saturday, avoid heavy eccentric step-downs on Friday (swap to core/power or move to Wednesday). In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Long
Sat · Long Run
2026-03-21
1h 100m vert Moderate (steady)
Time-on-feet. Practice fueling and gear.
Run
Sun · Recovery Run or Hike
2026-03-22
45m 75m vert Easy (conversational)
Finish tired but not destroyed. Keep it controlled.
Week 7
📈 Build
2026-03-23 → 2026-03-29
3h total 375m vert
Rest
Mon · Rest
(Recovery and mobility.)
2026-03-23
Run
Tue · Easy Run
2026-03-24
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it easy and consistent.
Strength
Tue · Strength (optional)
2026-03-24
30m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Vert
Wed · Medium Long Run + Hills
2026-03-25
45m 125m vert Moderate (steady)
Train sustained climbing and efficient hiking/running transitions.
Cross
Thu · Cross-train (optional)
2026-03-26
Easy (conversational)
Low-impact aerobic + strength/mobility.
Run
Fri · Easy Run
2026-03-27
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it relaxed. Focus on cadence and form.
Strength
Fri · Strength (optional)
2026-03-27
30m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session B: step-downs (slow 3–4s), lunges/sit-to-stand, soleus raises, carries (backpack), dead bug. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If you have a long run Saturday, avoid heavy eccentric step-downs on Friday (swap to core/power or move to Wednesday). In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Long
Sat · Long Run
2026-03-28
1h 100m vert Moderate (steady)
Time-on-feet. Practice fueling and gear.
Run
Sun · Recovery Run or Hike
2026-03-29
45m 100m vert Easy (conversational)
Finish tired but not destroyed. Keep it controlled.
Week 8
♻️ Recovery
2026-03-30 → 2026-04-05
3h total 275m vert
Rest
Mon · Rest
(Recovery and mobility.)
2026-03-30
Run
Tue · Easy Run
2026-03-31
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it easy and consistent.
Strength
Tue · Strength (optional)
2026-03-31
30m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Vert
Wed · Medium Long Run + Hills
2026-04-01
45m 100m vert Moderate (steady)
Train sustained climbing and efficient hiking/running transitions.
Rest
Thu · Rest
(Recovery.)
2026-04-02
Run
Fri · Easy Run
2026-04-03
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it relaxed. Focus on cadence and form.
Strength
Fri · Strength (optional)
2026-04-03
30m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session B: step-downs (slow 3–4s), lunges/sit-to-stand, soleus raises, carries (backpack), dead bug. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If you have a long run Saturday, avoid heavy eccentric step-downs on Friday (swap to core/power or move to Wednesday). In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Long
Sat · Long Run
2026-04-04
1h 75m vert Moderate (steady)
Time-on-feet. Practice fueling and gear.
Run
Sun · Recovery Run or Hike
2026-04-05
45m 50m vert Easy (conversational)
Finish tired but not destroyed. Keep it controlled.
Week 9
📈 Build
2026-04-06 → 2026-04-12
3h total 400m vert
Rest
Mon · Rest
(Recovery and mobility.)
2026-04-06
Run
Tue · Easy Run
2026-04-07
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it easy and consistent.
Strength
Tue · Strength (optional)
2026-04-07
30m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Vert
Wed · Medium Long Run + Hills
2026-04-08
45m 150m vert Moderate (steady)
Train sustained climbing and efficient hiking/running transitions.
Cross
Thu · Cross-train (optional)
2026-04-09
Easy (conversational)
Low-impact aerobic + strength/mobility.
Run
Fri · Easy Run
2026-04-10
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it relaxed. Focus on cadence and form.
Strength
Fri · Strength (optional)
2026-04-10
30m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session B: step-downs (slow 3–4s), lunges/sit-to-stand, soleus raises, carries (backpack), dead bug. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If you have a long run Saturday, avoid heavy eccentric step-downs on Friday (swap to core/power or move to Wednesday). In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Long
Sat · Long Run
2026-04-11
1h 100m vert Moderate (steady)
Time-on-feet. Practice fueling and gear.
Run
Sun · Recovery Run or Hike
2026-04-12
45m 100m vert Easy (conversational)
Finish tired but not destroyed. Keep it controlled.
Week 10
📈 Build
2026-04-13 → 2026-04-19
3h 5m total 425m vert
Rest
Mon · Rest
(Recovery and mobility.)
2026-04-13
Run
Tue · Easy Run
2026-04-14
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it easy and consistent.
Strength
Tue · Strength (optional)
2026-04-14
30m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Vert
Wed · Medium Long Run + Hills
2026-04-15
45m 150m vert Moderate (steady)
Train sustained climbing and efficient hiking/running transitions.
Cross
Thu · Cross-train (optional)
2026-04-16
Easy (conversational)
Low-impact aerobic + strength/mobility.
Run
Fri · Easy Run
2026-04-17
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it relaxed. Focus on cadence and form.
Strength
Fri · Strength (optional)
2026-04-17
30m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session B: step-downs (slow 3–4s), lunges/sit-to-stand, soleus raises, carries (backpack), dead bug. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If you have a long run Saturday, avoid heavy eccentric step-downs on Friday (swap to core/power or move to Wednesday). In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Long
Sat · Long Run
2026-04-18
1h 125m vert Moderate (steady)
Time-on-feet. Practice fueling and gear.
Run
Sun · Recovery Run or Hike
2026-04-19
45m 100m vert Easy (conversational)
Finish tired but not destroyed. Keep it controlled.

Peak Volume

Focus: long back-to-back sessions and race-specific vert.

Week 11
🔥 Peak
2026-04-20 → 2026-04-26
3h 15m total 450m vert
Rest
Mon · Rest
(Recovery and mobility.)
2026-04-20
Run
Tue · Easy Run
2026-04-21
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it easy and consistent.
Strength
Tue · Strength (optional)
2026-04-21
20m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Vert
Wed · Medium Long Run + Hills
2026-04-22
45m 150m vert Moderate (steady)
Train sustained climbing and efficient hiking/running transitions.
Rest
Thu · Rest
(Recovery.)
2026-04-23
Run
Fri · Easy Run
2026-04-24
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it relaxed. Focus on cadence and form.
Strength
Fri · Strength (optional)
2026-04-24
20m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session B: step-downs (slow 3–4s), lunges/sit-to-stand, soleus raises, carries (backpack), dead bug. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If you have a long run Saturday, avoid heavy eccentric step-downs on Friday (swap to core/power or move to Wednesday). In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Long
Sat · Long Run
2026-04-25
1h 125m vert Moderate (steady)
Time-on-feet. Practice fueling and gear.
Run
Sun · Recovery Run or Hike
2026-04-26
45m 125m vert Easy (conversational)
Finish tired but not destroyed. Keep it controlled.
Week 12
♻️ Recovery
2026-04-27 → 2026-05-03
3h total 325m vert
Rest
Mon · Rest
(Recovery and mobility.)
2026-04-27
Run
Tue · Easy Run
2026-04-28
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it easy and consistent.
Strength
Tue · Strength (optional)
2026-04-28
20m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Vert
Wed · Medium Long Run + Hills
2026-04-29
45m 125m vert Moderate (steady)
Train sustained climbing and efficient hiking/running transitions.
Rest
Thu · Rest
(Recovery.)
2026-04-30
Run
Fri · Easy Run
2026-05-01
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it relaxed. Focus on cadence and form.
Strength
Fri · Strength (optional)
2026-05-01
20m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session B: step-downs (slow 3–4s), lunges/sit-to-stand, soleus raises, carries (backpack), dead bug. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If you have a long run Saturday, avoid heavy eccentric step-downs on Friday (swap to core/power or move to Wednesday). In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Long
Sat · Long Run
2026-05-02
1h 100m vert Moderate (steady)
Time-on-feet. Practice fueling and gear.
Run
Sun · Recovery Run or Hike
2026-05-03
45m 100m vert Easy (conversational)
Finish tired but not destroyed. Keep it controlled.
Week 13
🔥 Peak
2026-05-04 → 2026-05-10
3h 30m total 475m vert
Rest
Mon · Rest
(Recovery and mobility.)
2026-05-04
Run
Tue · Easy Run
2026-05-05
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it easy and consistent.
Strength
Tue · Strength (optional)
2026-05-05
20m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Vert
Wed · Medium Long Run + Hills
2026-05-06
45m 175m vert Moderate (steady)
Train sustained climbing and efficient hiking/running transitions.
Rest
Thu · Rest
(Recovery.)
2026-05-07
Run
Fri · Easy Run
2026-05-08
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it relaxed. Focus on cadence and form.
Strength
Fri · Strength (optional)
2026-05-08
20m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session B: step-downs (slow 3–4s), lunges/sit-to-stand, soleus raises, carries (backpack), dead bug. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If you have a long run Saturday, avoid heavy eccentric step-downs on Friday (swap to core/power or move to Wednesday). In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Long
Sat · Long Run
2026-05-09
1h 150m vert Moderate (steady)
Time-on-feet. Practice fueling and gear.
Run
Sun · Recovery Run or Hike
2026-05-10
45m 150m vert Easy (conversational)
Finish tired but not destroyed. Keep it controlled.

Taper

Focus: absorb fitness and arrive fresh.

Week 14
🧊 Taper
2026-05-11 → 2026-05-17
3h total 325m vert
Rest
Mon · Rest
(Recovery and mobility.)
2026-05-11
Run
Tue · Easy Run
2026-05-12
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it easy and consistent.
Strength
Tue · Strength (optional)
2026-05-12
30m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Vert
Wed · Medium Long Run + Hills
2026-05-13
45m 125m vert Moderate (steady)
Train sustained climbing and efficient hiking/running transitions.
Cross
Thu · Cross-train (optional)
2026-05-14
Easy (conversational)
Low-impact aerobic + strength/mobility.
Run
Fri · Easy Run
2026-05-15
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it relaxed. Focus on cadence and form.
Strength
Fri · Strength (optional)
2026-05-15
30m Easy (quality reps)
Not counted in weekly time/vert totals. See strength guidelines .
No-gym Session B: step-downs (slow 3–4s), lunges/sit-to-stand, soleus raises, carries (backpack), dead bug. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If you have a long run Saturday, avoid heavy eccentric step-downs on Friday (swap to core/power or move to Wednesday). In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Long
Sat · Long Run
2026-05-16
1h 100m vert Moderate (steady)
Time-on-feet. Practice fueling and gear.
Run
Sun · Recovery Run or Hike
2026-05-17
45m 75m vert Easy (conversational)
Finish tired but not destroyed. Keep it controlled.
Week 15
🧊 Taper
2026-05-18 → 2026-05-24
3h total 250m vert
Rest
Mon · Rest
(Recovery and mobility.)
2026-05-18
Run
Tue · Easy Run
2026-05-19
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it easy and consistent.
Vert
Wed · Medium Long Run + Hills
2026-05-20
45m 100m vert Moderate (steady)
Train sustained climbing and efficient hiking/running transitions.
Cross
Thu · Cross-train (optional)
2026-05-21
Easy (conversational)
Low-impact aerobic + strength/mobility.
Run
Fri · Easy Run
2026-05-22
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it relaxed. Focus on cadence and form.
Long
Sat · Long Run
2026-05-23
1h 75m vert Moderate (steady)
Time-on-feet. Practice fueling and gear.
Run
Sun · Recovery Run or Hike
2026-05-24
45m 50m vert Easy (conversational)
Finish tired but not destroyed. Keep it controlled.
Week 16
🧊 Taper
2026-05-25 → 2026-05-31
3h total 150m vert
Rest
Mon · Rest
(Recovery and mobility.)
2026-05-25
Run
Tue · Easy Run
2026-05-26
30m Easy (conversational)
Keep it easy and consistent.
Vert
Wed · Medium Long Run + Hills
2026-05-27
45m 50m vert Moderate (steady)
Train sustained climbing and efficient hiking/running transitions.
Cross
Thu · Cross-train (optional)
2026-05-28
Easy (conversational)
Low-impact aerobic + strength/mobility.
Race
Fri · Race Day: Swiss Canyon Trail 16K
2026-05-29
Execute your pacing and fueling plan. Have fun.
Long
Sat · Long Run
2026-05-30
1h 50m vert Moderate (steady)
Time-on-feet. Practice fueling and gear.
Run
Sun · Recovery Run or Hike
2026-05-31
45m 50m vert Easy (conversational)
Finish tired but not destroyed. Keep it controlled.

Cutoff check

If your race has a time limit, this estimates the minimum average pace and whether your target finish time clears the cutoff.

Result
Enter a cutoff to see the required pace.

Note: many races also have intermediate aid-station cutoffs. This is only a headline check.

Exports

No account required. Add it to your calendar, or print it as a PDF.

Add to Calendar (.ics)

Disclaimer: this plan is general information, not medical advice. Adjust based on fatigue, experience, and injury history.

Use this plan: sync to calendar
Sync (.ics)