Trail Training

Trail Training

Dairyland Dirtbags – Trail Training | 2026 

Welcome, trail lovers! Dairyland Dirtbags is back for late summer/fall 2026, and we couldn’t be more excited to hit the trails with you again. 

Explore some of the best trails in the area while building confidence, strength, and trail-specific skills alongside a supportive community. Throughout the program, you’ll receive coaching, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way. 

We’ll primarily utilize some of our favorite segments of the Ice Age Trail as we prepare for the Hixon 50 Trail Races complete with coaches leading, floating, and picking up the rear of the herd.  

And because trail running is as much about community as it is the miles, we’ll also have an optional group camping trip at Wyalusing State Park. Think: trails, campfires, and a full weekend of Dirtbag-style fun. 

**Participation Cap: 55 Participants**  

Trailheads aren’t built for big crowds, so we’re keeping this program intentionally small. Once we hit 55, we’re full—we’ll update the site when that happens 

 IMPORTANT PROGRAM DATES  | Online Registration Open-Waitlist Only

• Program Duration: August 16 – October 25, 2026 

• Program Kick-Off: Monday, August 10 @ 7:00 p.m. (Fleet Feet Madison) 

• First Group Run: Sunday, August 16 @ 7:30 a.m. 

• Registration Deadline: Monday, August 3 (or until we hit capacity) 

TRAINING PROGRAM RATES*  

• Registration deadline: Monday, August 18, 2026 

• Program Rate: $189  

*Your registration includes campsite reservations at Wyalusing State Park for our Dirtbags camping weekend (September 18–20, 2026). 

Kick-Off/Meet & Greet:  

Monday, August 10, 2026 @ 7:00 p.m. | Fleet Feet Madison 

We’ll kick things off at Fleet Feet Madison with a full program rundown—what to expect, how to train smart on trails, gear talk, and how we’ll support you throughout the season. 

Come early and shake things out at the 6:00 p.m. Monday fun run, then stick around to meet your coaches and fellow Dirtbags. 

GOAL EVENT   

Hixon 50 Trail Races (5K, 10K, 25K, 50K) 

• Date: October 24-25, 2026 

• Location: La Crosse, WI (All races start and finish atop the bluffs at Human Powered Trails on County Rd. FA) 

50K PLAN OPTION NOTES: 

Going long? Read this. 

The 50K training plan includes back-to-back long runs on Saturday and Sunday—a key component of ultramarathon prep. 

To get the most out of your training, we strongly recommend pairing this program with our fall half/full marathon training program to complete your Saturday mileage with group support. Otherwise, Saturday runs will be on your own. 

All Sunday long runs will be completed together as part of the Dirtbags program. 

GROUP RUNS  

This is a time-based program—not mileage-based. On trails, effort matters more than pace. 

• Sundays @ 7:30 a.m.  

• Long runs will build from ~1 hour up to ~2.5 hours over the course of the program  

We’ll rotate locations to hit some of the best trails around the Madison area—expect a mix of terrain, scenery, and just enough challenge to keep things interesting. All locations are within ~45 minutes of the Capitol. 

No midweek Dirtbags runs—but we highly encourage you to join: 

• Monday & Thursday evening fun runs (Fleet Feet)  

• Wednesday workouts (available to 50K athletes also registered in the fall half/full marathon program)  

Potential trail locations include: 
UW Arboretum, Donald County Park, Gibraltar Rock, and segments of the Ice Age Trail in Montrose, Cross Plains, and Lodi Marsh. 

CAMP DIRTBAG  

September 18–20, 2026 | Wyalusing State Park 

This is where things get a little extra Dirtbag. 

At Wyalusing State Park, camp 500 feet above the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. One of Wisconsin's oldest state parks, Wyalusing features family and group campsites, hiking trails, a canoe trail, Native American burial mounds, bird watching, fishing, boating, bicycling and picnicking on bluff top overlooks. Wyalusing's overnight group lodge and dormitories can be reserved by contacting the property office. 

Campsite Details: 

 (Arriving) Friday, Sept. 18 – (Departing) Sunday, Sept. 20 (2 nights, 2 days).  

 *Registration fee includes campsite reservations.   
*A vehicle admission sticker is required to enter the park.  

What to Expect: 
We’ll have a mix of group trail runs, choose-your-own-adventure exploring, and plenty of time to just hang out and unplug. There will also be a weekend-long scavenger hunt designed to send you toward some of the park’s best hidden gems—complete it at your own pace. 

Think: miles on the trail, campfire hangs, and the kind of weekend that reminds you why you signed up for this in the first place. 

RSVP Deadline: September 13, 2026 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:  

• 11-week trail training plan built for your distance 

• Strength + core workouts built right into your plan 

• Hill work + trail-specific workouts to build strength and efficiency 

• Training guidance for every day of the week (not just group run days) 

• Weekly emails with coaching tips, trail advice, and motivation 

• Expert coaching and guidance  

• Sunday group trail runs with a built-in community 

• Custom Dirtbags beanie + stainless steel cup 

• Sampling of nutrition/hydration products and product demos (e.g. trail shoes, hydration systems, etc.)  

• Fleet Feet coupon book  

• Campsite reservations for Camp Dirtbag at Wyalusing State Park 

• Opportunity to explore various Ice Age Trail segments in our area  

• A supportive, no-ego environment where you can challenge yourself, meet great people, and have a good time doing it! 

NOTES/RECOMMENDATIONS  

12.5K & 25K 
All experience levels are welcome, but you’ll have a better experience if you can: 

• Run 3–4 miles comfortably, about 3x per week  

• Have completed a 10K within the past year  

 50K 
This one’s a bigger ask. You should: 

• Be consistently running 25–30 miles per week  

• Be comfortable with a 10–12 mile long run  

• Have a solid running base (not brand new—even if this is your first ultra)  

Cross-training backgrounds like cycling or swimming can be a big plus.  

These recommendations are here to help you stay healthy, build smart, and actually enjoy the process—not just survive it. 

If you’re unsure where you fit, reach out—we’re happy to talk it through: 

Jake Vis: Head Dirtbag | jake@fleetfeetsunprairie.com 
Megan Sweet: Director of Training | sweetm@fleetfeetmadison.com 
 
Fleet Feet Madison: 608-833-9999 
Fleet Feet Sun Prairie: 608-834-9999