Cross Country Training Protocol Regular Season Phase IV (September)

Focus: Vo2 Max Intervals and Tempos + Racing!
*Please contact Coach Sonja with any questions regarding proper mileage and integrating your racing schedule within this protocol.

Week1

  • Monday: = 45:00 Run + Drill/Strides (ON GRASS) & Strength Circuit.
  • Tuesday: 1 Mile Warm up + 2 x 400m at just faster than current 5k race pace) with a 1:00 rest + 2 x 1200m at just slower than current 5k race pace with a 3:00 rest + 2 x 800m at CURRENT 5k race pace with a 2:00 Rest.+ 1 mile cool down.
  • Wednesday: 45:00 RECOVERY RUN + Stretch/Foam Roll
  • Thursday: 45:00 Run + Drill/Strides (ON GRASS) & EZ Strength Circuit (1 set each).
  • Friday: 30:00 EZ Run
  • Saturday: 60:00 Mid Tempo Run: 20:00 EZ, 20:00 at Tempo Steady State Pace. 20:00 EZ
  • Sunday: REST

Week 2

  • Monday: 30:00 EZ Run + 4 x 20 Second Accelerations ON GRASS
  • Tuesday: XC Meet?!
  • Wednesday: 45:00 Recovery Run + Drills/Strides/Strength Circuit
  • Thursday: 6 Mile Run with the last 3 miles at a Tempo Steady State Pace
  • Friday: 30:00 Recovery Run + Drills/Strides/Strength Circuit
  • Saturday: 60:00 EZ Run or Race
  • Sunday: REST

Week 3

  • Monday: 30:00 EZ Run + 4 x 20 Second Accelerations ON GRASS
  • Tuesday: XC Meet?!
  • Wednesday: 45:00 Recovery Run + Drills/Strides/Strength Circuit
  • Thursday: 45:00 Gradual Progression Run: 15:00 EZ + 20:00 at Tempo Steady State Pace + 5:00 at 5k Goal Race Pace + 5:00 EZ
  • Friday: Recovery Run of 30:00 + Stretching/Foam Rolling
  • Saturday: Race OR: Turnover Workout at Track: 2 Mile Warmup + 6 x 300m at GOAL race pace with a 100m walk/jog rest between each. + 2 Mile Cool Down Jog.
  • Sunday: 60:00 EZ/RECOVERY RUN + Stretch/Foam Roll

Important Notes:

  • Use the Calculator on the “Tools” Page of the website to identify your proper training paces.
  • As many of the quality/speed workouts as possible should be run on typical cross-country type terrain.
  • Your workouts should always “negative split”. (This means you end faster than you finished!)
  • Core Training (Abdominal and low back) & Strength Training Circuits should be done 3 x week.
  • You should gradually increase your mileage 10% each week during this phase.

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