This 8-week training program is geared for athletes who have a priority of improving their running endurance and/or distance on 20k (half-marathon) trails. The target athlete is someone who has experience running at least a 10k on trails with varying elevation changes,
has access to moderate and challenging trails throughout the week, and has a goal of being able to complete a 20k, or improve their 20k performance. This program builds upon a baseline fitness for those individuals who can who can already complete at least a 10k.  Throughout the 8-week course, we will focus on improving endurance by gradually increasing distance - but saving your only 20k for your final race. Your 20k attempt will be the longest and hardest run during the entire training program, thus we are saving the best for last.  Gradually building up to this distance is key to creating a fitness that prepares you for your
hardest run of the year. You will start the program with weightlifting to improve strength and mobility, focusing on steady Zone #2 Cardio to supplement our max effort days, and prioritizing rest and recovery at the midpoint and end of the training cycle. By the end of this training program, you should be capable of completing an entire 20k on a moderate - challenging trail or seeing improvement in your endurance (PR time) on a moderate - challenging 20k trail.