Progression Paths

From first 5K to 140.6 miles — build running, cycling, and open-water confidence across five progressive races.

1. 1

   5K Race

   Introduces: Structured training · Race-day pacing

2. 2

   Sprint Triathlon

   Introduces: Open-water swimming · Brick workouts · T1/T2 transitions

3. 3

   Olympic Triathlon

   Introduces: Extended race duration · Pacing across all three disciplines

4. 4

   IRONMAN 70.3

   Introduces: Race-day nutrition · Long-course pacing strategy · Gear logistics

5. Full IRONMAN— the goal

Summit Africa's highest peak — step by step through altitude tolerance, technical terrain, and multi-day expedition skills.

1. 1

   Colorado 14er (Class 2-3)

   Introduces: Altitude tolerance above 14,000ft · Full-day summit effort · Mountain weather

2. 2

   Non-Technical High Peak

   Introduces: Remote terrain · Longer summit day · Physical self-reliance

3. 3

   High-Altitude Trek

   Introduces: Multi-day altitude exposure · Expedition logistics · Acclimatization protocols

4. Expedition Peak— the goal

26.2 miles built mile by mile — the classic endurance progression for runners at any level.

1. 1

   5K Race

   Introduces: Race-day routine · Pacing discipline

2. 2

   10K Race

   Introduces: Extended aerobic output · Fueling on the run

3. 3

   Half Marathon

   Introduces: Long-run nutrition strategy · Mental endurance · Tapering

4. Marathon— the goal

Beyond the marathon — into trail ultras where the rules change and the rewards run deeper.

1. 1

   Marathon

   Introduces: High-mileage training base · Race-day logistics

2. 2

   Trail Ultra (50K)

   Introduces: Technical trail terrain · Vertical gain and descent · Aid station strategy

3. Ultra Marathon (50-100mi)— the goal

The world's toughest ultra-cycling race — earned through a progression of distance, climbing, and self-sufficiency.

1. 1

   Metric Century (100K)

   Introduces: Sustained saddle time · On-bike fueling

2. 2

   Century Ride (100mi)

   Introduces: Sub-threshold pacing · Long-distance comfort

3. 3

   Mountain Century Ride (Gran Fondo)

   Introduces: Competitive pacing · Major climbing · Event logistics

4. 4

   Long-Distance Touring

   Introduces: Multi-day riding · Loaded bike handling · Navigation and self-support

5. Race Across America (RAAM)— the goal

Multi-day technical climbing on sheer granite — from gym to Yosemite wall in a deliberate progression.

1. 1

   Gym Climbing

   Introduces: Movement fundamentals · Rope systems · Fall practice

2. 2

   Outdoor Top-Rope / First Crag Day

   Introduces: Real rock texture · Anchor assessment · Outdoor hazard awareness

3. 3

   Outdoor Sport Climbing (First Lead)

   Introduces: Lead climbing · Clip sequences · Managing consequence

4. 4

   Multi-Pitch Rock Climbing

   Introduces: Route-finding · Sustained effort over hours · Self-rescue basics

5. Big Wall— the goal

2,650 miles from the Mexican border to Canada — built on a foundation of overnight skills and long trail experience.

1. 1

   Backpacking Overnight (2-3 days)

   Introduces: Pack loading and fitting · Camp setup · Leave No Trace

2. 2

   Section Hike (3-5 days)

   Introduces: Multi-day resupply planning · Foot care · Daily mileage targets

3. 3

   Appalachian Trail: Section Hike

   Introduces: Long-trail navigation · Town resupply logistics · Thru-hiker culture

4. Pacific Crest Trail: Section Hike— the goal

From pool to open ocean — building the physical confidence and water skills for an offshore sailing crew position.

1. 1

   Pool-to-Open-Water Transition

   Introduces: Sighting · Wave navigation · Cold water exposure

2. 2

   Open Water Swim (1mi-5K)

   Introduces: Extended open-water duration · Current and chop management

3. 3

   Multi-Day Sea Kayak

   Introduces: Multi-day water logistics · Coastal navigation · Weather reading

4. Offshore Passage / Crew Racing— the goal