Running in 2026: the plan
I've made my long range plan for 2026. It's different from my plans from 2023-2025, which were about recovering from injuries and trying to finish a 100 mile race. I succeeded in the former, but not in the latter.
In 2026 I am trying to be more intentional about training for speed. I'm going to do some workouts that develop power and neuromuscular adaptations, without any concern for building aerobic capacity during those workouts. I'm going to do more strides during longer runs and sign up for some shorter 5-10K races. I'm going to remind myself that running briefly, but regularly, at 100 percent can translate to running faster at 80-85 percent during a longer run.
That's my process goal. If I'm fortunate, I will reverse my recent slowing trend, and develop some relaxed, comfortable speed. Maybe I'll get a remarkable time in a race this year. Honestly, after three DNFs in a row (Bear 100 in 2023, Never Summer 100K and Bear 100 in 2025), just finishing would be nice. I haven't crossed a finish line since July 2023. It would be lovely to break this streak.
Screenshot of a Google spreadsheet. Each week from January through September is a column.
Like last year, I am mapping out my long range plan using a spreadsheet. I have signed up for two "A" races: Quad Rock 25-mile in May, and Run Rabbit Run 50-mile in September. Quad Rock I know very well. Run Rabbit Run, which starts at the base of Steamboat Mountain and goes up into the Park Range and back. It will be a new one for me.
Each race gets its own 16 weeks of training, organized into 4 blocks of 4 weeks. In the first block I focus on power and speed. The second is about longer hard intervals. The third is dedicated to longer zone 2 efforts. The fourth block is race-specific training: lots of time on hilly trails developing muscular endurance.
As part of my build up to RRR, I'd also like to do a classic Colorado alpine loop in August, like 4 Passes in the Maroon Bells Wilderness, or Pawnee-Buchananan in the Indian Peaks Range.
I've also marked down time for volunteering this year. I expect to help out at Never Summer and have signed up to be a volunteer at Hardrock. I'm also interested in crewing friends at races this year. Hit me up if you need an experienced hand, whether as a pacer or aid station crew.