Tips for Training
So what does one do to train for a course that begins at 6,295' above sea level and gains one and half miles vertically (and then loses that in the Marathon)?
What it all comes down to is this: if you are planning on running the Ascent only, treat it like you would a tough “flatland” marathon. Run trails — preferably trails with grade. If you don’t happen to have a mountain nearby that comes close to Pikes Peak in elevation gain, then include in your training schedule a treadmill routine with the treadmill set at around 12-15%. To help prepare for the 16 Golden Stairs, roughly 1/3 mile from the summit, do step-ups on benches or vehicle bumpers at the end of some of your longer training runs.
As for the descent portion of the Marathon — don’t overstride! The mechanical stresses applied to the lower joints and muscles when overstriding are considerable. Train on some rather steep downhills, and force yourself to stay smooth. In the long run, it will be to your advantage as you will not fry your quads. That, in turn, will prevent muscle fatigue and will help prevent falls and tripping.
How can someone who lives at a lower elevation prepare for the reduced level of oxygen? The effect of altitude that accompanies these races will affect each person differently. However, there is no denying that those who live and train at higher elevations will have, in most cases, an advantage. Exercise physiologists have determined that, for the general population, it takes 10 - 14 days for the body to begin adapting to lower levels of oxygen in the air. However, don’t let that deter you from participating in these races. Every year, more than half of the race participants reside outside the Mountain States region and will arrive only a day or two prior to the race and do well. This even includes some top finishers. Conversely, participants who live in the Pikes Peak region and train on Barr Trail sometimes are unable to complete the race. Bottom line, if you train rigorously, are well hydrated prior to the start, take in fluids during the race, and do not over-extend early in the race, there is no reason that you should not do well in these races!
In conclusion... do NOT underestimate the overall physical (and physiological) demands imposed by either the Ascent or the Marathon!!! If you think you can take on Pikes Peak without extensive training, you will be rudely awakened.
For more information on training for the Ascent and Marathon, head to skyrunner.com.
What it all comes down to is this: if you are planning on running the Ascent only, treat it like you would a tough “flatland” marathon. Run trails — preferably trails with grade. If you don’t happen to have a mountain nearby that comes close to Pikes Peak in elevation gain, then include in your training schedule a treadmill routine with the treadmill set at around 12-15%. To help prepare for the 16 Golden Stairs, roughly 1/3 mile from the summit, do step-ups on benches or vehicle bumpers at the end of some of your longer training runs.
As for the descent portion of the Marathon — don’t overstride! The mechanical stresses applied to the lower joints and muscles when overstriding are considerable. Train on some rather steep downhills, and force yourself to stay smooth. In the long run, it will be to your advantage as you will not fry your quads. That, in turn, will prevent muscle fatigue and will help prevent falls and tripping.
How can someone who lives at a lower elevation prepare for the reduced level of oxygen? The effect of altitude that accompanies these races will affect each person differently. However, there is no denying that those who live and train at higher elevations will have, in most cases, an advantage. Exercise physiologists have determined that, for the general population, it takes 10 - 14 days for the body to begin adapting to lower levels of oxygen in the air. However, don’t let that deter you from participating in these races. Every year, more than half of the race participants reside outside the Mountain States region and will arrive only a day or two prior to the race and do well. This even includes some top finishers. Conversely, participants who live in the Pikes Peak region and train on Barr Trail sometimes are unable to complete the race. Bottom line, if you train rigorously, are well hydrated prior to the start, take in fluids during the race, and do not over-extend early in the race, there is no reason that you should not do well in these races!
In conclusion... do NOT underestimate the overall physical (and physiological) demands imposed by either the Ascent or the Marathon!!! If you think you can take on Pikes Peak without extensive training, you will be rudely awakened.
For more information on training for the Ascent and Marathon, head to skyrunner.com.
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Pikes Peak Marathon