Day Across Minnesota Training Plan

This program is not about perfection—it’s about creating consistency and good habits to help you reach your goals.

The Day Across Minnesota (DAMn) is no ordinary gravel race—it’s a 240-mile journey across the state in a single day. This race demands endurance, resilience, and smart training to prepare for long hours in the saddle, unpredictable conditions, and the mental grit required to go the distance.

Our 20-Week DAMn Training Plan is specifically designed to help experienced gravel riders build the stamina, strength, and pacing strategy necessary to successfully complete this epic event. This is an excellent plan for anyone preparing for a long-distance endurance gravel event like UnBound, Gravel Worlds, etc.

What This Plan Is (and Isn’t):

✖ Personalized coaching – This is a structured plan, but it does not include one-on-one adjustments, feedback, or custom modifications.
✖ A guarantee of results – Your progress depends on consistency, recovery, and effort put into training.
✖ A “go hard all the time” plan – Smart training means knowing when to push and when to ease off. Not every ride should be a sufferfest.
✖ A tech support service – While the plan includes clear instructions, it doesn’t provide troubleshooting for devices, apps, or software.

With this training plan, you have access to a coach for any questions along the way! While this isn’t a fully customized coaching plan and adjustments to the plan aren’t included, you can reach out with questions for guidance and support as you work through your training.

Who is this training plan for?

This plan is designed for ultra-distance gravel cyclists who are ready to take on a structured, high-volume approach to endurance training. You should:

✔ Have experience with gravel riding and a consistent training history.
✔ Be riding 8-10 hours per week leading up to starting this plan.
✔ Be capable of completing 4+ hour endurance rides at the beginning of training.
✔ Be prepared for a progressive training load, building up to peak weeks of 19-20 hours.

If you’re aiming for an ultra-distance cycling event like Day Across Minnesota (DAMn) and want a structured plan to guide your preparation, this plan is for you!

What to Expect in the 20-Week Plan
  • Weekly Training Volume: Ranges from 10 to 20+ hours, progressively building endurance and training stress.
  • Structured Training Blocks: Workload increases over three weeks, followed by a recovery week every fourth week.
  • Power-Based Training: Workouts are based on power (or perceived exertion), with clear explanations of cycling terms.
  • FTP Test: An FTP test at the start helps set a baseline and track progress throughout the plan.
  • Mobility & Strength Workouts:
    • Mondays – Mobility session (can be repeated throughout the week).
    • Wednesdays – Core & strength foundation workout (complementary to existing strength training).
How It Works:
  • TrainingPeaks Access – Workouts will be delivered via email and available in your TP account. Log your training notes for valuable insights as you progress.
  • Indoor & Outdoor Training Options – Workouts can be completed inside or outside. If riding indoors, ensure proper cooling with at least two high-powered fans.
  • Targeting Intervals & Zones – Stay within the prescribed ranges as best as possible, but don’t stress about being exact. If power drops significantly and HR is unresponsive, it’s okay to wrap up the interval or day with an easy spin.
  • Weekend Ride Flexibility – Swap Saturday and Sunday workouts as needed to fit your schedule, weather, or group ride opportunities.
  • Injury Prevention & Performance – Strength and mobility work are included to keep you strong, resilient, and prepared for the demands of ultra-endurance cycling.
Beyond the Training Plan

➡ Need more support? If you want personalized coaching, accountability, and expert guidance to optimize your training, explore our coaching options here.

➡ Want more insights? Check out our Day Across Minnesota blog for tips on gear, strategy, and mindset to help you go the distance.

➡ Still want to learn a bit more before committing? Set up a free discovery call!