50K Trail

Trail Running and Hiking

The 50K (31.1 miles) stands as the classic entry point into ultramarathon distances, offering the perfect balance of serious challenge and achievable training. Our comprehensive 50K programs prepare you for the unique demands of trail ultras through vertical training, back-to-back long runs, and distance-specific preparation. Whether completing your first ultra or improving your performance, our structured approach builds the physical endurance and mental fortitude needed for 50K success.

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What you need to know about our
running and hiking programs:

Each program includes a warm-up, de-load weeks, zone or RPE, speed work as needed, and pre-race tapering.

You have the flexibility to switch your program at any time.

Use as their own membership or can be added to an existing lifting plan membership at no additional cost

All programs are designed with a gradual increase in miles or intensity over time.

This means running feels easier, you make progress, and you have fewer injuries along the way.

Get 4 months of training access for the price of 3!

This means running feels easier, you make progress, and you have fewer injuries along the way.

50K TRAIL BEGINNER Your First Ultra Journey

Transform from a consistent trail runner into an ultramarathon finisher with our methodical 24-week approach. This program builds endurance progressively with strategic long runs while developing the vertical power, technical skills, and self-sufficiency essential for 50K trail success.

$178usd/4 months

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Days
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4 runs per week with optional 5th.
Suggested Baseline Fitness
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6 mile/9 km long run + 15 miles/24 km per week.

If your current running is below this, or timeline is shorter than 12 weeks, and have a goal race, please reach out to our coaches here and they can help you build out your race timeline in a safe and sustainable way.

Speed work
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Striders/tempo + dedicated vert training day + optional step-ups.
Zones
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Heart rate-based training, pace zones, and RPE.
Duration
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24 week progressive program.
Longest run
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20 miles/32 km or 5 hours.
Peak weekly mileage
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39-45 miles/62-72 km.

50K TRAIL INTERMEDIATE Elevate Your Ultra Performance

Take your 50K performance to the next level with dedicated speedwork, advanced vertical training, and optimized back-to-back long runs. Perfect for runners who have completed a 50K and want to improve their time or tackle more challenging courses through sophisticated training methods.

$178usd/4 months

sign up
Days
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4 runs per week with optional 5th
Suggested Baseline fitness
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12 mile/19 km long run + 30 miles/48 km per week

If you are below this and have a goal race, please reach out to our coaches here and they can help you build out your race timeline.

Speed work
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Speedwork + dedicated vert training day
Zones
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Heart rate-based training, pace zones, and RPE
Duration
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24 week progressive program
Longest run
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22 miles/35 km/5 hour long run
Peak weekly mileage
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44-50 miles/71-80 km
Days
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Baseline
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Speed work
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Zones
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Duration
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Longest run
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Peak weekly mileage
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Duration
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Longest run
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Included with Running Only Memberships

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Running or
Hiking Plan

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TLM Group
Community

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Coaching
Support

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Resource
Library

TLM App
Access

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Mobility
Library

Run FAQs

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH RUNNING PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR ME?
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Our programs are designed to meet you at your current fitness level. We suggest taking our find your perfect program quiz which will help you figure out where to start.

Choose based on:
1) Your longest recent run
2) Your weekly mileage
3) Time until your race

Our programs come in Beginner, Intermediate, and/or Advanced levels to match your current abilities:

→Choose Beginner if you can complete the baseline distance but haven't trained specifically for that race distance before. Choose Intermediate if you've completed the distance and run 3-4 times weekly with some consistent mileage.
→ Choose Advanced if you've completed multiple races at that distance, consistently incorporate speed-work, and want significant time improvement.

Remember: select based on your current fitness, not your aspirations. Starting at the right level ensures better progress and reduces injury risk. Still unsure? Our coaches provide personalized guidance through in-app messaging.

CAN I START TRAINING BEFORE THE FULL 12 WEEKS BEFORE MY RACE?
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Absolutely—and we recommend it!

Starting earlier gives you more time to build gradually and safely. If your race is more than 12 weeks away, you can:

1) Begin with a Base Build program before transitioning to your race-specific plan. This is also a great way to slowly add in some speed work to work on getting faster in a more gradual way before race training
2) Start with a shorter distance program to work on getting fitter or faster (like 5K before 10K)
3) Repeat specific weeks in your program to extend your training timeline.

Our coaches can help you create the perfect training pathway inside the app!

HOW DO YOUR RUNNING PLANS WORK WITH YOUR LIFTING PROGRAMS?
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All our running programs are designed to pair perfectly with our lifting plans. For most runners, PERFORM or LIFESTYLE offer the ideal strength complement, with RACE specifically designed for peak training season. We provide guidance on scheduling both types of workouts throughout the week to maximize results while preventing fatigue. You can easily adjust either program's volume based on your recovery capacity and priorities, or move between programs inside.

To add a running plan to a lifting plan, join our FULL HYBRID MEMBERSHIP from our lifting programs pages. Upon joining, message the coaches and we will personally apply your run plan or help you pick it out.

WHAT IF MY CURRENT FITNESS DOESN'T MATCH THE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS?
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Always start with a program matching your current abilities, not your aspirations. If you don't meet the baseline for your goal program, begin with a more accessible option first. For example, if your goal is a half marathon but you can't run 5 miles continuously yet, start with our 10K program before progressing to half marathon training. This creates a safer, more effective progression.

On a tight timeline? Our coaches can help create a customized path using our "bridge programs" to gradually increase your mileage at an appropriate rate for your specific situation. We'll personally guide you to your goal race as safely and efficiently as possible, whether you need a conservative approach or a more aggressive buildup.

learn more about our running programs

What you need to know

Eliminate running training guesswork with structured, progressive guidance that adapts to your individual development and goals. Our TLM running system features 30+ expertly designed programs that create clear pathways from beginner to advanced levels.

Each program strategically builds your fitness through scientifically-backed progression of volume and intensity, dramatically reducing injury risk while maximizing performance gains. Seamlessly transition between programs as you conquer distances, improve race times, cycle between racing and recovery seasons, or shift priorities throughout your running journey.

Choose a standalone running membership or access all running programs at no additional cost with any hybrid training membership. Either way, you'll receive the same coach support, detailed instructions, and structured progression that thousands of TLM runners have used to achieve their goals.