Ultra Training Fundamentals

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Coach Ultramarathon Athletes With Confidence

Ultra Training Fundamentals is designed for current run coaches or self-coached ultramarathon athletes looking to develop a systematic approach to ultra training. This course provides the insights and tools necessary to develop training plans for all types of ultramarathon athletes.

New to coaching? Check out our Certified Endurance Running Coach course.

Athlete Profiling system

Discover how to assess your runner’s goals, past experiences, time availability and motivation. Use our 3-athlete persona model to customize training plans that meet runners where they are and elevate them to where they want to be.

Race demand analysis

Learn how to assess every aspect of an ultramarathon course including elevation profile, terrain type, aid station placement, and cutoff times. Gain practical tools to “interview the race” and uncover the demands that will shape your training approach.

workout design

Adapt traditional training sessions for the unique needs of ultra-distance racing. From uphill strides to downhill durability workouts, you’ll master the art of balancing fitness-building with race-specific preparation using effort-based training and terrain-focused progressions.

macrocycle planning

Gain a clear blueprint for planning a 21-week ultramarathon training cycle. Learn how to reverse-engineer the season from race day, create effective mesocycles, and apply evidence-based strategies for training stimulus adaptation, fatigue management, and tapering.

hill strategies

Understand the unique physiological demands of uphill and downhill running and how they influence training. You’ll get trail-tested suggestions for hill training sessions to develop uphill capacity, downhill resilience, and terrain-specific adaptations.

Gait Insights

Discover how gait adaptations can impact an athlete’s running economy and how gait analysis can help reduce injury risk, improve efficiency, and keep runners strong from start to finish.

A Preview of Our ultra Training fundamentals Program

Get an example of what you’ll learn in the Ultra Training Fundamentals course. Reese breaks down an example of two races with identical distances and elevation gain, but varied profiles that will impact training strategy. Get a sneak peek at some of the key questions to ask when interviewing a race.

Customer Reviews

See How Reese’s Coaching is Fueling Ultra Success for his athletes

"As a middle aged heavy runner I needed to find a coach that could figure out my unique situation. I also wanted one that appreciated strength training and is up to date on modern training methods. Coach Reese is all of that. He has never made me feel like less than an athlete even though I don’t look like one." - Mark, Athlete

"From positivity & motivation to knowledge & experience, Reese is an exceptional asset to anyone's training journey. Reese lives the mentality that he coaches and has a wealth of knowledge in fitness & nutrition. He is truly an inspiration to be around and helped my training immensely." - Vince, Athlete

"Reese has helped take my fitness & overall performance to new levels, achieving personal race goals/PBs and podium finishes throughout the year. With races throughout the year - mixing road and trail, shorter distances and ultramarathons - I never knew how to properly train since so many events were mixed into the schedule. Having the guidance that Reese provided took all that guesswork out, ramping up intensity and mileage when needed, while also keeping me injury free. Been chasing after a Boston Marathon acceptance for 3 years and working with Reese this past year got me there - looking forward to the next build as we prep for Boston this coming April!" - Alan, Athlete

Exclusive RunDNA App Trial
Integrating Technology in Coaching

As part of the Ultra Training Fundamentals Certification, an essential part of our running coach certification programs, you will gain exclusive access to the innovative RunDNA app trial. This powerful tool is designed to seamlessly integrate technology into the coaching process, giving you these advantages:

Aligns with Certification Principles:Integrates seamlessly with the methodologies and strategies taught in this course and the Certified Endurance Running Coach course.
Personalized Training Plan Support: Enables the creation of customized training plans specific to each runner’s needs and goals.
Enhances Runner Communication: Improves your ability to communicate effectively with athletes, providing clear feedback and guidance.
Provides Performance Insights: Offers valuable data and analytics on runners’ performance, aiding in more informed coaching decisions.
Facilitates Progress Tracking: Tracks and monitors the development of your athletes, allowing for timely adjustments in training regimes, a major component to mastering running technique.
Analyzes Running Form: Helps assess and improve runners’ techniques, contributing to better performance and injury prevention.
Supports Informed Decision-Making: Aids in making data-driven decisions that positively impact your runners’ training outcomes.

Learn About the App

Become an ultra coach

Save $25 with the ERC + UTF Bundle

the endurance bundle

$423

Get all of the knowledge and skills you need to coach athletes from 5Ks to ultramarathon distances.

Three key components of endurance running performance
Scientific approach to training load
Training considerations for ultra personas
Race specific training plans
10.75 hours total continuing education

Enroll Now

$149

Design ultramarathon training plans with confidence by learning how to assess both the athlete and the race. Create individualized programs that reflect terrain demands, training history, and runner mindset.

Athlete & Race Interview Framework
3 Athlete Personas for Training Customization
Macrocycle Planning for Ultra Success
Gait Considerations for Performance & Injury Prevention
3.25 CEU Hours

Enroll Now

Endurance Running Coach

$399

Complete your training with a systematic approach to personalize training plans. Central to the course is a scientifically backed method which quantifies fitness levels and training loads.

3 key components of endurance running performance
Scientific Approach to training load
Race specific training plans
7.5 CEU Hours

Enroll Now

MEET YOUR INDUSTRY LEADING INSTRUCTORS

Doug Adams

PT, DPT, SCS, OCS, CSCS

Dr. Doug Adams is a Physical Therapist who has published and spoken at an international level on all things related to running. Doug has taught thousands of professionals his systematic approach to providing personalized plans for runners through the Certified Running Gait Analyst and Endurance Running Coaching courses. He also designed and created a portable 3D Motion Analysis system called Helix 3D for analyzing and categorizing running form that is used widely throughout the Department of Defense and commercial sectors.

Team PT for Tinman Elite Professional Running Team
Adjunct faculty for the 711th Human Performance Wing of the US Air Force
Co-Founder Omega Project PT in Wilmington, Delaware that specializes in treating endurance athletes and runners

reese slobodianuk

NASM-CPT, Certified Endurance Running Coach

Reese holds a degree in Exercise Physiology with a minor in Nutrition from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He has over a decade of experience in ultramarathon racing and currently coaches athletes through Ornery Mule Coaching.

In addition to his work with endurance athletes, Reese has served as a NASM-Certified Personal Trainer at the Wisconsin Athletic Club, where he specialized in strength training for athletic performance. He has competed in races ranging from 5Ks to 100 milers, earning multiple course records and first-place overall finishes.

Be the "Go-To" Running Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

Become a Certified ULTRA Coach Today

Enrolling in a running coach certification program is more than just a learning experience; it’s a transformative journey that equips you with the skills and knowledge to excel in endurance running coaching. Join us now and become the coach every runner aspires to have.

Enroll Now

FAQs

How long do I have access to the training program?

After signing up, you’ll gain lifetime access to the course. You can use our website and the mobile app to view the entirety of the online course, allowing you to view and learn at your own pace.

Who are these courses for?

If you want to understand the principles of running training, this course is perfect for you –– this course offers a systematic strategy for creating personalized plans that are known to deliver excellent results.

For those in the Medical and Fitness fields, including physical therapists, familiarize yourself with terms and ideas to help your clients achieve their peak performance.

Many running coaches are self-taught, so it’s essential to be informed to avoid hitting a plateau or, even worse, sustaining an injury. You don’t need any prior background or specific technology to benefit from this course.

Are they approved for CEUs?

For States and organizations that allow licensees to submit courses for approval, please download our course details handout with all the information you need to submit with your certificate for approval.

Below are States and Organizations that have approved this course.

RunDNA is recognized by the PACE program of the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards.

BOC: The course is approved for Class A CEUs through the BOC.

PHYSICAL THERAPY STATE ASSOCIATIONS:

IL: C.E. Approved Sponsor License #: 216.000356 3.25 hours

CA: 3.25 hours

The following states do not require accreditation; however, please confirm with your state board for any changes:

AL, CT, IA, ME, MA, MT, NE, NH, UT, WA

The following states accept accreditation from other states; however, please confirm with your state board for any changes:

AK, DE, HI, KS, KT, MI, NM, NC, ND, OR, SD, VA

Have questions or specific learning needs? Please contact Education@RunDNA.com

Skill Level: Beginner / Intermediate

Ultra Training Fundamentals: An Athlete Development Model