Create Custom Training Routes
custom training routesroute planningtraining plan routesrunning route design
Design the perfect routes for your fitness goals. Learn how to create custom routes. Make routes with the right distance, elevation, and terrain. Match what your training plan needs.
1
Why Custom Training Routes Matter
Routes made just for you make training better and more fun:
Benefits of Custom Routes:
Specific Distance Control:
• Hit exact mileage targets
• No guessing or adjusting mid-run
• Perfect for structured training plans
• Consistent workout lengths
• Accurate distance progression
Elevation Management:
• Design hill workouts
• Control elevation gain
• Place hills where you want them
• Build strength
• Prepare for specific races
Safety and Convenience:
• Avoid dangerous areas
• Stay in well-lit zones
• Minimize road crossings
• Keep near restrooms or water
• Maintain security
Mental Engagement:
• New routes prevent boredom
• Landmarks provide motivation
• Variety maintains interest
• Exploration adds adventure
• Creates positive feelings
Training for a Specific Race:
• Match the real race course
• Prepare for what the race demands
• Practice fueling locations
• Test pacing strategies
• Build confidence
Common Training Route Challenges:
Traditional Problems:
• Finding exact distances locally
• Limited route options in your area
• Unsafe or inconvenient paths
• Boring, repeated routes
• Not enough (or too many) hills
Easy Jockey Solutions:
• Design any distance you need
• See routes anywhere
• Plan safely from home
• Create endless new routes
• Add the perfect hill profiles
Benefits of Custom Routes:
Specific Distance Control:
• Hit exact mileage targets
• No guessing or adjusting mid-run
• Perfect for structured training plans
• Consistent workout lengths
• Accurate distance progression
Elevation Management:
• Design hill workouts
• Control elevation gain
• Place hills where you want them
• Build strength
• Prepare for specific races
Safety and Convenience:
• Avoid dangerous areas
• Stay in well-lit zones
• Minimize road crossings
• Keep near restrooms or water
• Maintain security
Mental Engagement:
• New routes prevent boredom
• Landmarks provide motivation
• Variety maintains interest
• Exploration adds adventure
• Creates positive feelings
Training for a Specific Race:
• Match the real race course
• Prepare for what the race demands
• Practice fueling locations
• Test pacing strategies
• Build confidence
Common Training Route Challenges:
Traditional Problems:
• Finding exact distances locally
• Limited route options in your area
• Unsafe or inconvenient paths
• Boring, repeated routes
• Not enough (or too many) hills
Easy Jockey Solutions:
• Design any distance you need
• See routes anywhere
• Plan safely from home
• Create endless new routes
• Add the perfect hill profiles
[Image: Collection of custom training routes for different workout types]
2
Types of Training Routes to Create
Different workouts need different types of routes:
Easy Runs (Recovery & Base Building):
Characteristics:
• Flat or very few hills
• Familiar, comfortable ground
• Safe, well-lit areas
• Convenient to start
• 5-12 km typically
Design Tips:
• Keep it simple
• Loop from your home
• Nice scenery
• Low traffic
• Easy to follow
Long Runs (Endurance Building):
Characteristics:
• Varied terrain to keep it fun
• Water/bathroom access points
• Interesting landmarks
• Gradual elevation changes
• 15-35+ km distances
Design Tips:
• Plan scenic sections
• Include motivation points
• Plan where to get water or gels
• Add "bailout" or shortcut options
• Make it memorable
Tempo Runs (Lactate Threshold):
Characteristics:
• Mostly flat to keep a steady pace
• Few or no stops (like traffic lights)
• Clear distance markers
• Ground that lets you keep a high effort
• 8-16 km continuous
Design Tips:
• Smooth surfaces
• Limited stops
• Gentle curves
• A pace-friendly layout
• Mental segmentation
Interval Workouts:
Characteristics:
• Flat sections for speed
• Clear start/end points
• Easy timing
• Recovery sections
• 400m-2km intervals
Design Tips:
• Precise interval distances
• Obvious turnarounds
• Recovery zone planning
• A layout you can repeat
• Keep motivation high
Hill Repeats:
Characteristics:
• A specific hill grade to target
• A consistent incline
• A safe path down
• A clear loop to repeat
• 200m-800m hills
Design Tips:
• Target the right steepness
• No traffic, if possible
• Plan the recovery path
• A layout that is easy to count
• Options to add more repeats
Race-Specific Training:
Characteristics:
• Copies the real race profile
• Has similar distance sections
• Matches the ground type
• Copies the race hills
• Sections to practice pacing
Design Tips:
• Study the race course
• Copy the key features
• Include similar challenges
• Practice your strategy
• Build race confidence
Easy Runs (Recovery & Base Building):
Characteristics:
• Flat or very few hills
• Familiar, comfortable ground
• Safe, well-lit areas
• Convenient to start
• 5-12 km typically
Design Tips:
• Keep it simple
• Loop from your home
• Nice scenery
• Low traffic
• Easy to follow
Long Runs (Endurance Building):
Characteristics:
• Varied terrain to keep it fun
• Water/bathroom access points
• Interesting landmarks
• Gradual elevation changes
• 15-35+ km distances
Design Tips:
• Plan scenic sections
• Include motivation points
• Plan where to get water or gels
• Add "bailout" or shortcut options
• Make it memorable
Tempo Runs (Lactate Threshold):
Characteristics:
• Mostly flat to keep a steady pace
• Few or no stops (like traffic lights)
• Clear distance markers
• Ground that lets you keep a high effort
• 8-16 km continuous
Design Tips:
• Smooth surfaces
• Limited stops
• Gentle curves
• A pace-friendly layout
• Mental segmentation
Interval Workouts:
Characteristics:
• Flat sections for speed
• Clear start/end points
• Easy timing
• Recovery sections
• 400m-2km intervals
Design Tips:
• Precise interval distances
• Obvious turnarounds
• Recovery zone planning
• A layout you can repeat
• Keep motivation high
Hill Repeats:
Characteristics:
• A specific hill grade to target
• A consistent incline
• A safe path down
• A clear loop to repeat
• 200m-800m hills
Design Tips:
• Target the right steepness
• No traffic, if possible
• Plan the recovery path
• A layout that is easy to count
• Options to add more repeats
Race-Specific Training:
Characteristics:
• Copies the real race profile
• Has similar distance sections
• Matches the ground type
• Copies the race hills
• Sections to practice pacing
Design Tips:
• Study the race course
• Copy the key features
• Include similar challenges
• Practice your strategy
• Build race confidence
[Image: Different route types illustrated with elevation and terrain markers]
3
Good Route Design Tips
Use these tips to create good training routes:
Distance Precision:
Exact Targets:
• Use a drawing tool to be accurate
• Check the total distance
• Add space for warm-up/cool-down
• Match your training plan
• No guessing
Progressive Building:
• Week 1: 5km base
• Week 2: 7km progression
• Week 3: 9km advancement
• Week 4: 5km recovery
• Small increases over time
Elevation Strategy:
Place Hills Smartly:
• Early hills build strength
• Late hills build toughness
• Flat sections for recovery
• Change the steepness
• Add hills for a reason
Training Phases:
• Base: minimal elevation
• Build: moderate hills
• Peak: copy the real race
• Taper: easy terrain
• Recovery: flat routes
Terrain Selection:
Surface Considerations:
• Road: faster pacing
• Trail: strength building
• Track: precise intervals
• Mixed: varied challenge
• Grass: recovery friendly
Traffic Management:
• Minimize street crossings
• Avoid high-traffic roads
• Use paths when you can
• Think about the time of day
• Plan safe alternatives
Using Landmarks:
Motivation Points:
• Visual progress markers
• Mental checkpoints
• Turning points
• Special features
• Memorable elements
Example Integration:
• Park entrance (1km)
• Bridge crossing (3km)
• Hill summit (5km)
• Statue landmark (7km)
• Finish location (10km)
Loop vs Out-and-Back:
Loop Routes:
Good things:
• Always moving forward
• You see new things
• More engaging
• Feels like exploring
• Shortcut options
Bad things:
• Harder to navigate
• Risk of getting lost
• Unfamiliar ground
Out-and-Back Routes:
Good things:
• Simple to navigate
• Familiar ground
• Easy to compare pace
• You know when you are halfway
• Safety (known path)
Bad things:
• Boring, same views
• Mentally challenging
• Less variety
Choose Based On:
• Experience level
• How well you know the area
• Workout type
• Mental preference
• Safety
Distance Precision:
Exact Targets:
• Use a drawing tool to be accurate
• Check the total distance
• Add space for warm-up/cool-down
• Match your training plan
• No guessing
Progressive Building:
• Week 1: 5km base
• Week 2: 7km progression
• Week 3: 9km advancement
• Week 4: 5km recovery
• Small increases over time
Elevation Strategy:
Place Hills Smartly:
• Early hills build strength
• Late hills build toughness
• Flat sections for recovery
• Change the steepness
• Add hills for a reason
Training Phases:
• Base: minimal elevation
• Build: moderate hills
• Peak: copy the real race
• Taper: easy terrain
• Recovery: flat routes
Terrain Selection:
Surface Considerations:
• Road: faster pacing
• Trail: strength building
• Track: precise intervals
• Mixed: varied challenge
• Grass: recovery friendly
Traffic Management:
• Minimize street crossings
• Avoid high-traffic roads
• Use paths when you can
• Think about the time of day
• Plan safe alternatives
Using Landmarks:
Motivation Points:
• Visual progress markers
• Mental checkpoints
• Turning points
• Special features
• Memorable elements
Example Integration:
• Park entrance (1km)
• Bridge crossing (3km)
• Hill summit (5km)
• Statue landmark (7km)
• Finish location (10km)
Loop vs Out-and-Back:
Loop Routes:
Good things:
• Always moving forward
• You see new things
• More engaging
• Feels like exploring
• Shortcut options
Bad things:
• Harder to navigate
• Risk of getting lost
• Unfamiliar ground
Out-and-Back Routes:
Good things:
• Simple to navigate
• Familiar ground
• Easy to compare pace
• You know when you are halfway
• Safety (known path)
Bad things:
• Boring, same views
• Mentally challenging
• Less variety
Choose Based On:
• Experience level
• How well you know the area
• Workout type
• Mental preference
• Safety
[Image: Route design principles illustrated with examples]
4
Using Easy Jockey for Route Creation
Get the most from Easy Jockey when you design routes:
Step-by-Step Creation:
1. Define Workout Goal:
Start with a clear plan:
• What is the workout type?
• What is the target distance?
• What hills do you need?
• How much time do you have?
• What is the main purpose?
2. Choose Start Location:
Think about logistics:
• Your home
• Park entrance
• Gym location
• Trail head
• Meeting point
3. Draw Base Route:
Create the main path:
• Follow available paths
• Hit the target distance
• Add the general shape
• Think about traffic
• Plan your turns
4. Add Elevation:
Make the route specific:
• Use automatic terrain data
• Make changes by hand
• Place hills where you need them
• Add flat recovery sections
• Review the profile
5. Refine Details:
Perfect the route:
• Adjust the exact distance
• Smooth the GPS points
• Check the elevation profile
• Check intersection safety
• Add notes or markers
6. Preview and Test:
Do a quality check:
• View the elevation graph
• Guess the total time
• Look for any problems
• Check your landmarks
• Plan how you will run it
7. Save and Export:
Get it ready to use:
• Give it a clear name
• Add workout notes
• Export the GPX file
• Store it in a folder
• Ready to run
Advanced Features:
Pace Calculations:
• Guess your workout time
• Plan your interval timing
• Set realistic goals
• Account for hills
• Adjust expectations
Route Variations:
• Create multiple versions
• Different difficulty levels
• Seasonal alternatives
• Bad-weather backup options
• A series of runs
Training Series:
• A 4-week build-up plan
• Linked workout sequence
• Increasing difficulty
• Smart planning
• Goal-oriented design
Step-by-Step Creation:
1. Define Workout Goal:
Start with a clear plan:
• What is the workout type?
• What is the target distance?
• What hills do you need?
• How much time do you have?
• What is the main purpose?
2. Choose Start Location:
Think about logistics:
• Your home
• Park entrance
• Gym location
• Trail head
• Meeting point
3. Draw Base Route:
Create the main path:
• Follow available paths
• Hit the target distance
• Add the general shape
• Think about traffic
• Plan your turns
4. Add Elevation:
Make the route specific:
• Use automatic terrain data
• Make changes by hand
• Place hills where you need them
• Add flat recovery sections
• Review the profile
5. Refine Details:
Perfect the route:
• Adjust the exact distance
• Smooth the GPS points
• Check the elevation profile
• Check intersection safety
• Add notes or markers
6. Preview and Test:
Do a quality check:
• View the elevation graph
• Guess the total time
• Look for any problems
• Check your landmarks
• Plan how you will run it
7. Save and Export:
Get it ready to use:
• Give it a clear name
• Add workout notes
• Export the GPX file
• Store it in a folder
• Ready to run
Advanced Features:
Pace Calculations:
• Guess your workout time
• Plan your interval timing
• Set realistic goals
• Account for hills
• Adjust expectations
Route Variations:
• Create multiple versions
• Different difficulty levels
• Seasonal alternatives
• Bad-weather backup options
• A series of runs
Training Series:
• A 4-week build-up plan
• Linked workout sequence
• Increasing difficulty
• Smart planning
• Goal-oriented design
[Image: Easy Jockey interface showing route creation process]
5
Sample Training Routes
Here are examples for common training runs:
5K Easy Run Template:
Purpose: Recovery and base building
Distance: 5.0 km exactly
Elevation: <50m total gain
Profile: Mostly flat loop
Features:
• Start from home
• Neighborhood circuit
• One scenic park section
• Return to start
• 30-40 minute run
10K Tempo Template:
Purpose: Threshold development
Distance: 10.0 km
Elevation: <100m, but some hills
Profile: Net flat with variety
Features:
• 1km warm-up
• 8km steady effort
• 1km cool-down
• Few or no stops
• Clear pacing sections
Half Marathon Long Run:
Purpose: Endurance building
Distance: 21.1 km
Elevation: 150-300m variety
Profile: Rolling with challenges
Features:
• Scenic variety
• Water access points
• Mental checkpoint landmarks
• Interesting neighborhoods
• Finish near home
Hill Repeat Workout:
Purpose: Strength building
Distance: 6-8 km total
Elevation: 200-400m total
Profile: Repeated 400m hills
Features:
• 1km warm-up to hill
• 6-8x hill repeats
• Recovery jog down
• 1km cool-down
• Clear repeat structure
Interval Training Route:
Purpose: Speed development
Distance: 10 km total
Elevation: Flat for intervals
Profile: 8x 800m fast sections
Features:
• Track or flat road
• Clear interval markers
• Recovery jog areas
• Precise distances
• Easy timing
Race Simulation Route:
Purpose: Race preparation
Distance: Race distance (±10%)
Elevation: Match race profile
Profile: Specific to target race
Features:
• Similar terrain
• Matching hills
• Comparable challenges
• Mental preparation
• Confidence building
Customization Tips:
Adapt to Your Area:
• Use the land you have
• Work with local features
• Make the most of what exists
• Be creative
• Stay flexible
Personal Preferences:
• Include favorite locations
• Avoid problem areas
• Match your schedule
• Think about running partners
• Build enjoyment
5K Easy Run Template:
Purpose: Recovery and base building
Distance: 5.0 km exactly
Elevation: <50m total gain
Profile: Mostly flat loop
Features:
• Start from home
• Neighborhood circuit
• One scenic park section
• Return to start
• 30-40 minute run
10K Tempo Template:
Purpose: Threshold development
Distance: 10.0 km
Elevation: <100m, but some hills
Profile: Net flat with variety
Features:
• 1km warm-up
• 8km steady effort
• 1km cool-down
• Few or no stops
• Clear pacing sections
Half Marathon Long Run:
Purpose: Endurance building
Distance: 21.1 km
Elevation: 150-300m variety
Profile: Rolling with challenges
Features:
• Scenic variety
• Water access points
• Mental checkpoint landmarks
• Interesting neighborhoods
• Finish near home
Hill Repeat Workout:
Purpose: Strength building
Distance: 6-8 km total
Elevation: 200-400m total
Profile: Repeated 400m hills
Features:
• 1km warm-up to hill
• 6-8x hill repeats
• Recovery jog down
• 1km cool-down
• Clear repeat structure
Interval Training Route:
Purpose: Speed development
Distance: 10 km total
Elevation: Flat for intervals
Profile: 8x 800m fast sections
Features:
• Track or flat road
• Clear interval markers
• Recovery jog areas
• Precise distances
• Easy timing
Race Simulation Route:
Purpose: Race preparation
Distance: Race distance (±10%)
Elevation: Match race profile
Profile: Specific to target race
Features:
• Similar terrain
• Matching hills
• Comparable challenges
• Mental preparation
• Confidence building
Customization Tips:
Adapt to Your Area:
• Use the land you have
• Work with local features
• Make the most of what exists
• Be creative
• Stay flexible
Personal Preferences:
• Include favorite locations
• Avoid problem areas
• Match your schedule
• Think about running partners
• Build enjoyment
[Image: Sample route templates with detailed specifications]
6
How to Manage Your Route Collection
Organize and keep your custom training routes:
Organization System:
Categorize by Type:
• Easy runs folder
• Long runs collection
• Speed workouts set
• Hill training routes
• Race simulation courses
Naming Your Routes:
Use clear names:
• "10K Tempo - Riverside Loop"
• "5K Easy - Neighborhood Circuit"
• "21K Long - City Tour Route"
• "Hill Repeats - Park Hills"
• "Marathon Pace - Lake Path"
Seasonal Versions:
Weather Adaptations:
• Summer early morning routes
• Winter lighted paths
• Rainy day covered options
• Hot weather shaded routes
• Cold weather wind-protected
Progression Series:
Build Sequences:
Create linked runs:
Week 1-4 Base Build:
• Week 1: 5km easy
• Week 2: 7km easy
• Week 3: 9km easy
• Week 4: 6km recovery
Week 5-8 Hill Introduction:
• Week 5: 8km gentle hills
• Week 6: 10km rolling terrain
• Week 7: 12km moderate hills
• Week 8: 8km easy
Week 9-12 Race Specific:
• Week 9: Half marathon simulation
• Week 10: Race pace practice
• Week 11: Taper route
• Week 12: Race week easy
Documentation:
Route Notes:
Keep good records:
• Purpose and goals
• Key features
• Best conditions
• Time estimates
• Modification ideas
Performance Tracking:
• How routes felt
• Times achieved
• Weather conditions
• Future adjustments
• Success rate
Sharing and Backup:
Export Options:
• Save GPX files
• Cloud storage backup
• Share with training partners
• Post to running communities
• Archive old versions
Community Building:
• Share great routes
• Get feedback
• Inspire others
• Build local knowledge
• Collaborate on designs
Continuous Improvement:
Improving Your Routes:
• Update routes often
• Make small changes for seasons
• Learn from each run
• Adapt to fitness changes
• Add new areas
Feedback Integration:
• Learn from each run
• Note problem sections
• Identify improvements
• Test modifications
• Perfect over time
Organization System:
Categorize by Type:
• Easy runs folder
• Long runs collection
• Speed workouts set
• Hill training routes
• Race simulation courses
Naming Your Routes:
Use clear names:
• "10K Tempo - Riverside Loop"
• "5K Easy - Neighborhood Circuit"
• "21K Long - City Tour Route"
• "Hill Repeats - Park Hills"
• "Marathon Pace - Lake Path"
Seasonal Versions:
Weather Adaptations:
• Summer early morning routes
• Winter lighted paths
• Rainy day covered options
• Hot weather shaded routes
• Cold weather wind-protected
Progression Series:
Build Sequences:
Create linked runs:
Week 1-4 Base Build:
• Week 1: 5km easy
• Week 2: 7km easy
• Week 3: 9km easy
• Week 4: 6km recovery
Week 5-8 Hill Introduction:
• Week 5: 8km gentle hills
• Week 6: 10km rolling terrain
• Week 7: 12km moderate hills
• Week 8: 8km easy
Week 9-12 Race Specific:
• Week 9: Half marathon simulation
• Week 10: Race pace practice
• Week 11: Taper route
• Week 12: Race week easy
Documentation:
Route Notes:
Keep good records:
• Purpose and goals
• Key features
• Best conditions
• Time estimates
• Modification ideas
Performance Tracking:
• How routes felt
• Times achieved
• Weather conditions
• Future adjustments
• Success rate
Sharing and Backup:
Export Options:
• Save GPX files
• Cloud storage backup
• Share with training partners
• Post to running communities
• Archive old versions
Community Building:
• Share great routes
• Get feedback
• Inspire others
• Build local knowledge
• Collaborate on designs
Continuous Improvement:
Improving Your Routes:
• Update routes often
• Make small changes for seasons
• Learn from each run
• Adapt to fitness changes
• Add new areas
Feedback Integration:
• Learn from each run
• Note problem sections
• Identify improvements
• Test modifications
• Perfect over time
Conclusion
Making custom routes changes your workout plan. It is no longer a guess. It is a tool to reach your goals. Easy Jockey helps you design perfect routes. You get exact distances, smart hills, and fun features. This makes training work well and be more fun. You might be building fitness, training for a race, or just running. Custom routes give you the plan you need to succeed. Start building your route library today. See how custom routes can make your training better. They keep you motivated. They help you reach your goals faster and have more fun.