Building your race calendar isn’t just about picking events that sound fun... it’s about creating a smart, sustainable plan that helps you peak at the right times, avoid burnout, and make the most of your training. Whether your goals include earning a Leadville 100 buckle, finishing your first marathon, or tackling a gravel race, knowing how to prioritize and plan your races is key!

Here’s how to set up your 2026 season for success:

1. Identify Your “A,” “B,” and “C” Races

Think of your races as layers in your season – each one plays a different role in your overall progression.

• “A” Races:

  These are your priority events... a.k.a. the ones that mean the most to you and where you want to perform your best. You’ll structure your training, recovery, and tapering around these races.

  Examples: Leadville Trail 100, Unbound Gravel, Big Sugar Classic, SBT GRVL, or a bucket-list marathon.

• “B” Races:

  These are tune-up events. They’re still important, but they’re more about gaining experience and testing your strategy than hitting peak performance. You’ll train through them without a full taper.

  Think: local trail races, other Leadville Race Series events (LT Marathon, Heavy Half, Silver Rush, etc.), or a shorter distance that mimics your "A" race terrain.

• “C” Races:

  These are your training or social races – opportunities to practice pacing, nutrition, and race-day logistics without pressure. They help build confidence and break up your training blocks.

  Think: training camps (Arizona Run Camp, LT Run/MTB Camp, etc.), community rides, or short trail races.

The key is balance: most athletes thrive with 1–2 "A" races per year, supported by a few "B" races and flexible "C" races that fill in the gaps.

2. Common Planning Mistakes Athletes Make

Even the most experienced athletes can fall into planning traps that limit performance or lead to burnout. Here are some to watch for:

• Overloading the schedule:

  Too many hard races close together can keep you from properly recovering or building fitness between efforts.

  Quality beats quantity – choose races that serve your long-term goal!

• Ignoring recovery and life demands:

  Work, travel, family, friends, and stress all affect performance. If your season looks great on paper but isn’t realistic for your lifestyle, it’s not a sustainable plan.

• Not respecting the training cycle:

  Your body needs time to build, peak, and reset. Jumping from race to race without structure prevents adaptation and can lead to fatigue or injury.

• Skipping skill or conditioning phases:

  Races test fitness and skill. Don’t neglect technical prep – gravel handling, trail running efficiency, fueling strategy, etc. These all make a difference on race day.

3. Aligning Your Training With Coaching Support

This is where a coach makes all the difference. Working with a Boundless Coach helps you take the guesswork out of planning.

A coach helps you:

✅ Build your race calendar strategically around your goals and strengths.

✅ Balance your A/B/C races with recovery and real-life demands.

✅ Develop specific training blocks that align with your key events.

✅ Adjust your plan as life (inevitably) happens.

It’s not just about showing up fit – it’s about showing up ready.

Many Boundless run athletes kick off their season at Arizona Run Camp, where they refine training fundamentals and mindset with our coaching team before heading into their biggest races of the year.

The Bottom Line

A successful race season doesn’t happen by chance – it’s built through purpose, planning, and consistency.

Start by identifying your priority events, spacing your efforts wisely, and surrounding yourself with the right support team. Whether you’re chasing a podium, a buckle, or a personal best, Boundless Coaching is here to help you turn your goals into a confident, well-executed season.

Ready to map out your 2026 season?

⛏ Join us at Arizona Run Camp to kickstart your year with purpose, or work 1:1 with a Boundless coach to design your ideal race plan.