beginner 40K trail plan
Here is the structure Endu generates for a runner at beginner level preparing a 40K trail with 4 sessions a week. Volume, long run and intensity change with the declared level.
- weeks
- 15
- sessions
- 57
- sessions / week
- 3.8
- peak week
- 5.5 h
Plan structure
Periodised in phases: build the base, move to race-specific work, then taper before the race.
- General preparationWeeks 1–2 · 2 wk
- BaseWeeks 3–6 · 4 wk
- BuildWeeks 7–9 · 3 wk
- SpecificWeeks 10–12 · 3 wk
- TaperWeeks 13–14 · 2 wk
- Race weekWeeks 15–15 · 1 wk
Volume progression
Week by week: lighter recovery weeks are built in to absorb the load.
| Wk | Phase | Hours | km | Elev. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General preparation | 2.8 h | 20 | 318 m |
| 2 | General preparation | 3.1 h | 22 | 407 m |
| 3 | Base | 3.4 h | 24 | 471 m |
| 4 | Baserecovery | 2.6 h | 18 | 325 m |
| 5 | Base | 3.7 h | 26 | 591 m |
| 6 | Base | 4 h | 28 | 662 m |
| 7 | Build | 4.3 h | 30 | 651 m |
| 8 | Buildrecovery | 3.4 h | 24 | 451 m |
| 9 | Build | 4.6 h | 31 | 851 m |
| 10 | Specific | 4.9 h | 36 | 730 m |
| 11 | Specific | 5.2 h | 38 | 794 m |
| 12 | Specific | 5.5 h | 39 | 859 m |
| 13 | Taper | 3.9 h | 28 | 543 m |
| 14 | Taper | 3 h | 23 | 182 m |
| 15 | Race week | 2.2 h | 17 | 27 m |
Sample week — week 9 (Build)
Real sessions from the plan with their targets. Each session is detailed step by step and exportable as .fit.
- MondayEasy🏔️ Easy trail run 56min — rolling terrain (~162m climb)56 min · 6.5 km
- TuesdayVery hard🏔️ Short hills 8×0.8min40 min · 4.7 km
- FridayModerate🏔️ Progression run 55min55 min · 6.4 km
- SundayEasy🏔️ Long trail run ~13.0km with 365m climbing2 h 04 · 13 km
Example generated for a beginner-level profile (VMA 12.5 km/h, 4 sessions/week). Your plan will depend on your level, availability and feedback.
Your plan, not a template athlete's
This plan is generated for an athlete at beginner 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 40K trailFrequently asked questions
- How many weeks to prepare for 40K trail?
- For an athlete at beginner level, Endu builds a 15-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.