advanced 20K trail plan

20 km · 800 m D+

Here is the structure Endu generates for a runner at advanced level preparing a 20K trail with 4 sessions a week. Volume, long run and intensity change with the declared level.

weeks
11
sessions
42
sessions / week
3.8
peak week
5.8 h

Plan structure

Periodised in phases: build the base, move to race-specific work, then taper before the race.

  1. Base
    Weeks 1–3 · 3 wk
  2. Build
    Weeks 4–5 · 2 wk
  3. Specific
    Weeks 6–8 · 3 wk
  4. Taper
    Weeks 9–10 · 2 wk
  5. Race week
    Weeks 11–11 · 1 wk

Volume progression

Week by week: lighter recovery weeks are built in to absorb the load.

WkPhaseHourskmElev.
1Base
3.4 h
25265 m
2Base
3.8 h
27418 m
3Base
4.2 h
31493 m
4Buildrecovery
3.3 h
24305 m
5Build
4.6 h
33651 m
6Specific
5 h
37559 m
7Specific
5.4 h
40590 m
8Specific
5.8 h
43621 m
9Taper
4.1 h
30394 m
10Taper
3.2 h
24132 m
11Race week
2.2 h
1819 m

Sample week — week 6 (Specific)

Real sessions from the plan with their targets. Each session is detailed step by step and exportable as .fit.

  • MondayEasy
    🏔️ Easy trail run 58min — rolling terrain (~93m climb)
    58 min · 7.7 km
  • TuesdayHard
    🏔️ Long hills 3×8min
    1 h 13 · 9.7 km
  • FridayModerate
    🏔️ Downhill technique 41min (43m climb)
    41 min · 5.5 km
  • SundayEasy
    🏔️ Long trail run ~14.0km with 311m climbing
    2 h 08 · 14 km

Example generated for a advanced-level profile (VMA 17.5 km/h, 4 sessions/week). Your plan will depend on your level, availability and feedback.

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Your plan, not a template athlete's

This plan is generated for an athlete at advanced level training 4 times a week. Yours will be calibrated on your VMA, your available days and your feedback after every session. 3 minutes. 14-day trial, cancel anytime.

Create my plan for 20K trail

Frequently asked questions

How many weeks to prepare for 20K trail?
For an athlete at advanced level, Endu builds a 11-week preparation. If your race is closer, the plan compresses phases while keeping the taper; if it's further away, it extends the base phase.
How many sessions per week?
This example has 3.8 sessions per week. You choose 3 to 7 training days and the exact days (e.g. Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun): the plan sticks to them.
Can I follow sessions on my watch?
Yes: every session exports as .fit, the format read by Garmin, Coros, Suunto, Polar and Wahoo. Import it in your watch app and the guided workout appears on your wrist.
How much does it cost?
14-day free trial, then €7.99/month with no commitment or €59.88/year (€4.99/month). Unlimited objectives and sports.

Useful calculators

Variations of this plan