Introduction

Running a trail is living an adventure. But doing several races throughout the year requires a strategy. Without planning, you risk setting too many goals, burning out, or getting injured. On the other hand, a well-structured season allows for steady progress, gear and routine testing, and maximum enjoyment without rushing the process. This article guides you in setting main objectives, selecting intermediate races, and structuring your training around your professional and personal life.

1. Choosing Your Main Objectives

Limit the number of major races

If you're aiming for distances over 40 km, it’s best to reduce the number of big challenges to preserve your health and motivation. Three to four major goals per year are enough for most runners. For ultra-trails between 80 and 100 km, two to three races per season are reasonable; for 160 km formats, it's better to stick to one or two. Spacing out your major goals — for example, one in spring and another in summer or early autumn — gives you time to recover and rebuild a training cycle.

Set a realistic and motivating goal

Choosing a trail means knowing what excites you: an explosive 20 km, a hilly 50 km, or a 100 km ultra. Short formats (10–20 km) are ideal for kicking off the season and working on speed. Medium distances (20–40 km) offer both challenge and accessibility. Long trails (40–70 km) require solid fatigue and nutrition management. Ultras (>70 km) demand months of preparation and shouldn’t be attempted too early. Choose a format that matches your current abilities and the time you can dedicate to training.

2. Integrate Intermediate Races

Use short and medium trails for preparation

Short or medium-distance races are real-life tests: nutrition strategy, gear choices, pace management. For instance, if your goal is a 100 km ultra, a 50 km trail six to eight weeks before allows you to refine your prep without overloading your schedule. Before each prep race, include a few light days and give yourself time to recover afterwards.

Vary formats to improve

Alternate short formats (10–20 km) to build speed and technique, intermediate distances (20–40 km) to develop endurance, and possibly a long trail (40–70 km) if you're preparing for an ultra. This variety works different physical and mental capacities and keeps things engaging. A logical progression is to start the season with a short trail, continue with a medium one, and finish with a long or ultra.

Respect recovery time

After a race, let your body absorb the effort. Plan 1–2 weeks of active recovery after a short trail (<30 km), 2–4 weeks after a 30–80 km, and 4–6 weeks or more after an ultra.

3. Structure Your Training Cycles

General preparation

At the beginning of the season, build your base: endurance, strength, and speed. Do more long easy runs, add strength training (core, legs), and work on climbing (stairs, hills). Gradually increase volume and intensity.

Specific preparation

Three to four months before your main goal, tailor your sessions to the terrain: mountain runs, technical trails, elevation management, effort simulations with your gear. Include prep races during this phase, while planning lighter weeks before and after.

Cycles and tapering

Train in cycles: three weeks of progressive load followed by one light week to recover. In the 10–15 days before your key race, significantly reduce volume and intensity to arrive fresh — this is the tapering phase.

4. Vary Formats and Progress Step by Step

• Short trail (10–20 km): perfect for beginners, speed work, and technique testing with minimal prep.

• Medium trail (20–40 km): the most popular format; sustained effort requiring a solid endurance base. Avoid high elevation early on.

• Long trail (40–70 km): first real step toward ultras; involves fatigue, fueling, and mental training. Requires structured prep.

• Ultra-trail (>70 km): the ultimate challenge, needing months of training and prior experience on intermediate formats.

• Stage races or themed events: unique experiences (night runs, high elevation, multi-day). Require specific preparation.

Varying formats keeps motivation high, develops all key abilities (speed, endurance, technique), and ensures a coherent progression.

5. Consider Technical Difficulty, Altitude, and Context

Adapt to technical level and altitude

Consider course profiles (technical, rolling, mountainous, high altitude). If you live far from elevation, plan specific weekends or training trips. Arriving a few days early for a high-altitude trail can help with acclimatization.

Account for your schedule and personal context

Adapt your season to your constraints: work, family, holidays. Prioritize local races if time is tight. Use vacation periods for big training sessions or mountain camps.

Register early and train your mindset

Many events sell out fast; secure your spot early to structure your training accordingly. Also train your mind: visualization, breaking the race into sections, positive self-talk, and other psychological routines help build confidence for your big goals.

Conclusion

Planning your trail season is about balancing ambition with respect for your body. Limit major goals, use prep races wisely, structure your training phases, and vary race formats to grow without burning out. By factoring in technicality, altitude, and your personal context, you’ll optimize your preparation and lower injury risk. And remember: recovery is as important as the effort. Managing rest and training cycles well will help you enjoy, improve, and keep coming back season after season.