What’s on your bucket list? African safari? Skydiving? How about running 100 miles at 12,000 feet above sea level? If you’re that, uh, crazy, we’ve got the to-do list for you: Colorado Springs–based Chris Carmichael, an Olympic coach and founder of Carmichael Training Systems (CTS), has rolled out the Epic Endurance Bucket List, a yearly series of hand-picked running, cycling, and triathlon races that challenge the world’s fittest athletes. “These events are too hard to be taken lightly,” Carmichael says. “All athletes reach a point, at least once, when they are on the brink of failing. We achieve satisfaction and exhilaration from pushing ourselves—body and mind—as far as we can.” The list will change each year and includes training programs, logistical support, and even simulation camps for some races. Go ahead: Train like the pros.

The Remaining 2011 Challenges

    Leadville Trail

    100 run
    August 20–21, 2011
    Challenge: Run 100 miles through the Rockies at elevations between 9,200 and 12,600 feet.
    CTS support: The camp was in June, but you can still join the training program for nutrition, hydration, and pacing strategies as well as extensive race-day support.

    King Ridge Granfondo

    October 1, 2011
    Challenge: Ride 103 miles through the arduous climbs and descents of hilly Northern California.
    CTS support: The training camp (Aug. 25–27) in Santa Rosa, California, will prep you for a course designed by 2007 third-place Tour de France finisher Levi Leipheimer.

    La Ruta de los Conquistadores

    November 2–5, 2011
    Challenge: Mountain bike for four days through the tropical rain forests of Costa Rica for a cumulative 39,000 feet of elevation gain.
    CTS support: The reconnaissance camp (Sept. 12–17) in Costa Rica will help you tackle the “most grueling mountain bike race in the world.”