Glossary · Training
Base training
Base training is the opening phase of a training cycle, focused on building aerobic endurance with mostly easy, steady training and gradually increasing volume. It lays the foundation that harder, race-specific training later builds on.
What it includes
Most sessions are easy zone 2 work, with volume growing a little each week. Short strides or hill sprints, strength work and technique practice keep some sharpness without heavy fatigue. Many plans also include a few tempo or sweet spot sessions towards the end of base.
How long it lasts
For a long season, base can take 8–12 weeks or more. Shorter plans fold it into the first few weeks. Athletes returning from a long break benefit most from a patient base phase.