ultra
Get faster without sacrificing durability.
For athletes who want one plan with variations — plus pacing guidance that stays controlled under stress.
Time horizon
Train in ~12–26 weeks (choose the plan that fits your base).
Start with a default plan, then customize only what you need.
Start with a plan
Pick one plan. Variations live inside the page so you can choose without overwhelm.
- 24-week 50K ultra training plan (variations included)Time-on-feet structure with hills, back-to-backs, and cutoff planning.
- 24-week 50 mile ultra training plan (variations included)Time-on-feet structure with hills, back-to-backs, and cutoff planning.
- 26-week 100K ultra training plan (variations included)Time-on-feet structure with hills, back-to-backs, and cutoff planning.
- 30-week 100 mile ultra training plan (variations included)Time-on-feet structure with hills, back-to-backs, and cutoff planning.
Then use a tool
No signup required. Get numbers you can act on today.
Finish with a guide
Checklists + decision rules for the parts people mess up.
This week
What changed
Updated: Feb 03, 2026, 02:17 PM
- Added new training plans with smart variations (so you can pick without overwhelm).
- Improved tools (pace, fueling, cutoffs) so you get numbers you can use immediately.
- Expanded adaptation rules so missed sessions don’t turn into panic make-up workouts.
- Expanded race directories and athlete guides with sources and verification timestamps.
Coaching beta
Get a plan that adapts to your life.
Join the 26weeks.ai TestFlight beta for adaptive coaching, recovery-aware adjustments, and race-week reminders.
FAQs
Should I train ultras by pace?
Usually not. Use time-on-feet and effort. Terrain changes pace; durability is what transfers.
Do I need back-to-back long sessions?
They can help, but they must be scaled and recovery-aware. One long session + one long hike is a safer option for many.
How do I prepare for cutoffs?
Practice cutoff-safe effort, keep stations efficient, and build margin for terrain and fatigue.
Keep going
24-Week 50K Ultra Training Plan
A 24-week 50K ultra training plan with week-by-week time-on-feet structure, hills, back-to-backs, adaptation rules, and cutoff planning tools.
24-Week 50 mile Ultra Training Plan
A 24-week 50 mile ultra training plan with week-by-week time-on-feet structure, hills, back-to-backs, adaptation rules, and cutoff planning tools.
26-Week 100K Ultra Training Plan
A 26-week 100K ultra training plan with week-by-week time-on-feet structure, hills, back-to-backs, adaptation rules, and cutoff planning tools.
30-Week 100 mile Ultra Training Plan
A 30-week 100 mile ultra training plan with week-by-week time-on-feet structure, hills, back-to-backs, adaptation rules, and cutoff planning tools.
Ultra Cutoff Planner
Compute the minimum average pace to beat an ultra cutoff and sanity-check your buffer with a planned pace.
Marathon Fueling Planner (Carbs Schedule)
Turn a carbs-per-hour target into a simple fueling schedule you can practice in training and execute on race day.
Taper Week Checklist (Arrive Fresh, Not Flat)
A practical taper checklist: what to reduce, what to keep, and what to rehearse so race week is calm and repeatable.
How to Choose a Marathon Plan (Decision Tree)
A practical decision tree to pick a marathon plan you can actually execute — based on your base, recovery, and constraints.
Sources
- Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
- Physical Activity
- ACSM guidance and position stands (see journals for specifics)
- Effects of Strength Training on the Physiological Determinants of Middle- and Long-Distance Running Performance: A Systematic Review
- Effects of 16 weeks of pyramidal and polarized training intensity distributions in well-trained endurance runners
- Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (PDF)
- Nutrition and Athletic Performance
- Exercise and Fluid Replacement
- Why is hydration important? The effect of dehydration on performance
- Dehydration
- Hyponatremia