Ultra Training Fundamentals: An Athlete Development Model
Go beyond mileage with a trail tested approach to ultra training. Learn how to assess course demands, understand your athlete’s mindset, and build race-specific programs. Prepare every type of runner, from first time trail racers to competitive peak performers, for success on race day.
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
Customer Reviews
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:


Become an ultra coach


the endurance bundle
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

ultra training fundamentals
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

Endurance Running Coach
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
MEET YOUR INDUSTRY LEADING INSTRUCTORS

Doug Adams
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
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.
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.
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.
- ACSM: The American College of Sports Medicine’s Professional Education Committee certifies that “Run DNA” meets the criteria for official ACSM Approved Provider status. Approved Providers and their content reflect the concepts of their respective organizations and do not necessarily represent the positions or policies of ACSM. 8 CEC. Providership #876886
- NSCA: The National Strength and Conditioning Association approved 0.7 CEU(s) or 7 Contact Hours in category C for certified individuals who successfully complete this course. Please note: NSCA completion certificates for this course must be requested by email at Education@RunDNA.com
PHYSICAL THERAPY STATE ASSOCIATIONS:
IL: C.E. Approved Sponsor License #: 216.000356
TX: 8 hours
MN: 7 hours
PA: 7.5 hours
OH: 7.5
WI: 8 hours
CO: 8 hours
AZ: 8 hours
FL: 8 hours
(Accreditation of this course does not necessarily imply the FPTA supports the views of the presenter or the sponsors.)
TN: reciprocity with FL
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
All sales for recorded courses are final. We have no commercial relationship disclosures. Minimum system requirements: smart phone , computer, or laptop.
Skill Level: Beginner / Intermediate