Training Program | Groundwork

When And Where Is The Arc'teryx Alpine Academy?

The Arc'teryx Alpine Academy will take place in Chamonix Mont Blanc from July 2-5, 2020.

ABOUT

LA PREMIERE

EVENTS

LA PREMIERE

EVENTS

When And Where Is The Arc'teryx Alpine Academy?

Week 1

Trail basics and search & rescue safety orientation

Approach shoes

Climbing harness

Distance Range

5–8 km (3–5 mi)

Mrs Robinson

Wishes you a wonderful day

Mrs Robinson

Wishes you a wonderful day

When And Where Is The Arc'teryx Alpine Academy?

The Arc'teryx Alpine Academy will take place in Chamonix Mont Blanc from July 2-5, 2020.

ABOUT

LA PREMIERE

EVENTS

LA PREMIERE

EVENTS

Mrs Robinson

Wishes you a wonderful day

Mrs Robinson

Wishes you a wonderful day

Easy

Intro Route

5-7km

When And Where Is The Arc'teryx Alpine Academy?

The Arc'teryx Alpine Academy will take place in Chamonix Mont Blanc from July 2-5, 2020.

ARC’TERYX | ARC’TERYX ACADEMY | COMMUNITY EVENTS

GROUNDWORK

June 10th - August 8th, 2026

An eight-week guided running program from pavement to trail, built around community, progression, and confidence to venture out.

Registration opens June 3rd

Explore the training journey

TRAINING PROGRAM

From City Streets to Trail Terrain

An eight-week progression for endurance, skills, and confidence to run beyond the city.

Groundwork is launching across four cities, each home to a trail system that's provided endless inspiration and training grounds.

Week 1

Foundation

Trail basics and search & rescue safety orientation

June 15th -21st:

Introduction to trail fundamentals, safety awareness, and the mindset shift required when moving from road running to trail terrain.

Distance range

5–8 km (3–5 mi)

Elevation gain

100–150 m gain (330–500 ft)

Week 2

Awareness

Trail movement and training mindset

June 22nd-28th:

Trail running demands patience and adaptability. This week introduces effort-based movement, terrain awareness, and the fundamentals of efficient trail travel.

Distance range

6-10 km (4-6 mi)

Elevation gain

150–200 m gain (500–650 ft)

Week 3

Rhythm

Breathing, cadence, and efficient stride

June 29th-July 5th:

Developing efficient movement through controlled breathing, balanced posture, and sustainable cadence across uneven terrain.

Distance range

6–12 km (4–7 mi)

Elevation gain

200–300 m gain (650–1,000 ft)

Week 4

Climbing

Hills and elevation strategy

July 6th-12th:

Learning how to manage elevation through pacing, breathing control, and strategic power hiking on sustained climbs.

Distance range

7–14 km (4–9 mi)

Elevation gain

250–350 m gain (820–1,150 ft)

Week 5

Equipment

Poles and power movement

July 13th-19th:

Introducing the strategic use of poles and upper-body engagement to support efficient climbing and sustained mountain movement.

Distance range

5–8 km (3–5 mi)

Elevation gain

300–400 m gain (1,000–1,300 ft)

Week 6

Descent

Downhill technique and footwork

July 20th-26th:

Building confidence and control on descents through improved footwork, balance, and efficient downhill movement.

Distance range

9–14 km (6–9 mi)

Elevation gain

300–450 m gain (1,000–1,475 ft)

Week 7

Fueling

Learning to fuel the effort

July 27th-August 2nd:

Practicing fueling strategies during longer efforts to support endurance and sustained energy on trail.

Distance range

12–16 km (7–10 mi)

Elevation gain

400–600 m gain (1,300–2,000 ft)

Week 8

Taper

Final week

August 3rd-7th:

Reducing training volume while maintaining movement, allowing the body to recover and prepare for the finale run.

Distance range

Reduced volume

Elevation gain

Minimal elevation

Week 8

The Summit

DEVELOPED BY:

Brenton Reagan

He/Him

Brenton Reagan is an IFMGA/AMGA Certified Guide who has guided with Exum Mountain Guides for more than 25 years, where he now serves as a Lead Guide and Director of Marketing. In winter, he leads backcountry ski and ski mountaineering objectives throughout the Tetons and works as a backcountry ski guide for Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, while also guiding expeditions in Alaska, Greenland, and Norway.

A competitive trail and ultrarunner, Brenton spends the off-season training and racing at major events while continuing to guide and climb across North America and internationally. His deep experience in mountain environments — from the Tetons and Wind River Range to expeditions in Nepal, Denali, and Patagonia — informs the training philosophy he has built for the Groundwork program.

Connect with Brenton not only on instagram, but throughout the program itself.

Saturday, August 8th

THE SUMMIT EXPERIENCE

Groundwork plays out week by week in your city, finishing with the Summit Experience.

This is a chance for the whole community to come together, celebrate eight weeks of hard work, and take in a mountain range local to your area. Every participant is highly encouraged to attend in person.

Easy

Intro Route

5-7 km

Intermediate

Progression Route

10-12 km

Advanced

Challenge Route

13-16 km

BASECAMP ARRIVAL

Coffee, welcome circle, safety briefing, group warm-up, and route information.

WAVE-BASED TRAIL RUNS

Guided runs supported by city run leads, not timed or competitive.

LAND STEWARDSHIP

Connect with local stewards to learn about the landscape you’re running through — from its history to trail care and conservation practices.

CELEBRATION & RECOVERY

Food, music, storytelling, and Arc’teryx product raffle. Community at its peak.

OPTIONAL OVERNIGHT

Extend the experience with camping or hut immersion in select locations. Deepen bonds and fully disconnect from city pace.

What participants receive

Groundwork is more than a training plan. It’s a complete program designed to support your progression from pavement to trail.

Structured training

An eight-week program + three months of complimentary TrainingPeaks Premium, working in unison to build endurance, strength, and confidence as you move from pavement to trail.

Expert guidance + trail community

Guidance from trail runner Brenton Reagan of Exum Guides and your local run leader, weekly runs with fellow participants, and a shared Summit finale experience.

Trail-ready gear

At the program kick-off, participants will receive select Arc’teryx footwear to support their journey from pavement to trail.

trail Knowledge

Groundwork introduces the skills and awareness needed to move confidently from pavement to trail.

Trail safety

Learn the fundamentals of trail safety — how to prepare, what to carry, and how to move responsibly in natural terrain.

Reading terrain

Understand elevation, surface changes, and technical difficulty as you transition from pavement to trail.

Weather and conditions

Learn how changing weather affects trail conditions and when to adapt your run.

Trail etiquette

Move responsibly on shared trails, communicate within a group, and respect other trail users.

Leave no trace

Learn the principles of responsible recreation and how to care for the land we run through.

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