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The Spine Race Training Plan

from £39.99

The Spine Race is one of, if not the, hardest footraces in the world. Covering the full length of the Pennine Way, it tests every part of a runner’s physical and mental resilience. The flagship event is a huge 268 miles of relentless hills, technical terrain and unpredictable British conditions, demanding days of continuous forward progress with minimal rest.

Alongside the full distance race there are shorter variations, from the Challenger distances to the Sprint and MRT options, meaning there is a Spine challenge to suit a wide range of experience levels. Whatever distance you choose, every event in the Spine family requires serious preparation, smart training and a robust approach.

Our Spine Race training plans are built specifically around the unique demands of these races. Rather than generic ultra programmes, they focus on the key elements that matter most: long days on feet, strength for steep hills, durability for rough ground, efficient hiking, and the ability to cope with cumulative fatigue.

Each plan gives you a clear, structured pathway to race day, guiding you through progressive long runs, back-to-back sessions, strength work and recovery so you can train with confidence and purpose.

Get to the start line strong, resilient and fully prepared for the challenge ahead with training plans designed for every Spine Race distance.


Not sure if you want Training Peaks Premium? Check out below for more information.

The Spine Race is one of, if not the, hardest footraces in the world. Covering the full length of the Pennine Way, it tests every part of a runner’s physical and mental resilience. The flagship event is a huge 268 miles of relentless hills, technical terrain and unpredictable British conditions, demanding days of continuous forward progress with minimal rest.

Alongside the full distance race there are shorter variations, from the Challenger distances to the Sprint and MRT options, meaning there is a Spine challenge to suit a wide range of experience levels. Whatever distance you choose, every event in the Spine family requires serious preparation, smart training and a robust approach.

Our Spine Race training plans are built specifically around the unique demands of these races. Rather than generic ultra programmes, they focus on the key elements that matter most: long days on feet, strength for steep hills, durability for rough ground, efficient hiking, and the ability to cope with cumulative fatigue.

Each plan gives you a clear, structured pathway to race day, guiding you through progressive long runs, back-to-back sessions, strength work and recovery so you can train with confidence and purpose.

Get to the start line strong, resilient and fully prepared for the challenge ahead with training plans designed for every Spine Race distance.


Not sure if you want Training Peaks Premium? Check out below for more information.

Race:
Training Peaks Membership:

    1. Once you make your purchase we will be directly in touch via email.

    2. We will get you set up on Training Peaks and share the plan with you (a separate email will arrive directly from training peaks).
      You can create a Training Peaks Account here

    3. Get running!

  • This plan follows set time runs rather than distance. We find this works better for the Backyard Ultra style event.
    We use a mix of HR and RPE to determine effort level during the runs themselves.

  • TP Premium gives you a lot of extra features, but they aren’t necessary for everyone. One of the big differences is it gives you the ability to move workouts. Our plans are carefully designed so that each week and exercise compliments the next. But life doesn't always allow us to follow it exactly. Whilst we don’t recommend changing our plans structure, moving workouts around to fit your schedule better can be more productive overall. Don’t worry, we won’t leave you on your own. If you have any questions get in touch and we can help.

    You can see the full list of differences here.

    It normally costs £14.99 a month, we get a slightly better price as a coach and can include this price as a 1 time fee during the length of your plan.

    Once your plan is finished, we will revert your account to Training Peaks Basic

  • Rate of Percieved Effort.
    RPE is your subjective assessment of effort intensity, typically measured on a 1 to 10 scale where 1 is standing still and 10 is maximal effort. But for trail runners, RPE functions as something more sophisticated than simple perception. It's an integrated output signal that accounts for every variable your body is experiencing in real time.

    RPE works better because: it integrates cardiovascular strain, muscular fatigue, and environmental factors into one real time output signal. For example at mile 160 of Wild Horse it felt like a 9/10 effort, but the HR data would put me in zone 2. which is a better indication of how hard the work is being completed? It also teaches the internal regulation skills essential for ultra pacing when conditions deviate from plan.
    Heart rate training breaks down in mountains because:     cardiac lag creates a 30 to 90 second delay on variable terrain, making HR a historical record rather than current effort indicator; muscular damage from technical descents doesn't register in cardiovascular data; altitude elevates HR 10 to 20% independent of actual effort

    Implementation: Structure training around RPE targets (easy days at 3 to 4, tempo at 6 to 7, long runs at below 5) and let terrain create natural variation. Use HR for post run analysis and tracking trends, but regulate effort in real time by perceived exertion.


    You can read about it all in our blog here