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Program Overview

Location: Sonoma County Trails
Program Start Date: March 4, 2026
Program End Date: June 13, 2026
Group Runs: Wednesday Evenings (5:45 PM) and Saturday Mornings (7:30 AM)

Ascend is a structured, trail-focused training community built around consistency, shared effort, and purposeful work. We are not a one-size-fits-all coaching program. Instead, we provide structured group training that supports a wide range of goals, experience levels, and race distances.

Our training year is organized into seasonal sessions aligned with common trail racing windows. Athletes train together while pursuing individual race goals, developing trail-specific skills, and building long-term durability.

Spring Training Program

This session begins on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, and builds toward late spring and early summer racing. Many athletes target April and May events, while others continue toward June races.

Training emphasis includes:

Foundational trail fitness
Pacing and effort management
Climbing strength and descending control
Durability and time-on-feet development

Ascend is not tied to a single race. Athletes follow the same training structure while preparing for different distances and events.

How Training Works

Ascend provides structured group training, not individualized plans.

Wednesday Evenings (5:45 PM)
Focused sessions aligned with the current training phase. Work may include hills, controlled efforts, and trail-specific skill development. Sessions are scalable across pace and experience levels.

Saturday Mornings (7:30 AM)
Long runs on local trail systems with planned routes, distance options, and pacing guidance. These runs form the backbone of the training week.

Select Sunday Mornings (10:00 AM)
Optional easy-run followed by group mobility, stretching, and informal check-in. These meetups support recovery, connection, and shared reflection and are often held near a local community location such as Trail House in Santa Rosa.

Shared Resources
Trail maps, training context, and weekly notes that help runners understand how each session fits into the broader training block.

Athletes are expected to manage their own easy mileage and recovery outside of group sessions.

Who Ascend Is For

Ascend is a strong fit for runners who:

Are running consistently and ready to train with intention
Want structure without rigid prescriptions
Value training with others and contributing to a community
Are comfortable sharing trails across pace and experience levels

Newer trail runners regularly train alongside experienced ultrarunners. Consistency, effort, and engagement matter more than speed.

Registration

Registration for Ascend training sessions is free and managed through UltraSignup. We use UltraSignup to maintain a shared roster, communication list, and participation expectations.

Ascend does not charge coaching or membership fees. Participation is built on shared commitment, respect for the group, and positive contribution to the training environment.

Space may be limited for some sessions to ensure workouts remain safe and manageable.

Registration link coming soon

Supporting Ascend

Ascend operates through volunteer leadership and community support. Donations help maintain the quality, consistency, and resources that support the training experience throughout the season.

Donations directly support items runners regularly see and use, including:

Group run snacks and basic supplies
Shared training and safety resources
Route planning and mapping tools
Community meetups and post-run gatherings
Occasional skills clinics or special sessions
General operational costs that keep the program running smoothly

Participation is never tied to donating. Everyone is welcome at Ascend regardless of financial contribution.

If Ascend adds value to your training, your experience on the trails, or your connection to the community, donating is one way to help support future seasons.