Program Overview

Location: Sonoma County Trails
Training Dates: March 4, 2026 – June 13, 2026
Group Runs:
• Wednesday Evenings – 5:45 PM
• Saturday Mornings – 7:30 AM

Ascend is a structured, trail-focused training community built around consistency, shared effort, and purposeful work. Rather than individualized coaching plans, Ascend provides structured group training designed to support 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 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.

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.

Event's current local time: 1:15 PM PT