We'll run 2-3 times a week at this point again if we miss a run or if a dog's off colour, it isn't the end of the world. A month in we've upped the mileage, assuming the dogs are training up well. The runs are now mixed up with longer interval runs. We run a little faster until they start to slow, then down to a trotting pace or walking then keep them there for a few minutes or as long as it takes them to start pushing then give them the Hike command, and let them go again. This builds up stamina and strength.
Commands are important.
Lead training is a different ball game, so I will only suggest you buy or borrow an old leader and work up new dogs this way. It's important to use this when you start and when to interval train as it will click in and you can use it in a race to up the pace. Around six weeks before the first race we will start some speed training. Lightweight rigs, our training rig weighs 35lbs, but we still use interval training, but higher speeds. You must always watch your dogs.