Pikes Peak Ascent! - Triathlon Week

bigmooooose · 03-03-2006, 02:42 PM

Help! I need training tips for the Pikes Peak Ascent!!!!!!

sfricks · 03-07-2006, 05:29 AM

I'd rather run an ultra marathon! That's an 8000' assent on an average 12% grade when you're already hypoxic from the altitude. All I can say is GOOD LUCK! You're one tough cookie! Navy Seal with a death wish are you? If you have a heart rate monitor use it. Set it for "I'm in cardiac arrest mode". Pre-write your obit.!

OK... seriously... First, if you're from the area, no prob. but if you live where the air is thicker, I'd arrive and train there at least 7 days in advance to acclimate to the thinner air. Secondly, I assume you're a runner and are training up to and/or over half marathon distances. You need to do A LOT of hill work. There are some flats and a few down hills but there are also A LOT of steep uphills (hence AVERAGE 12% grade!). Swing your arms more than normal on those steep switch backs. Don't be afraid to use the entire road (roads are closed for this event). Run the outside (less steep) areas of the switchbacks if possible. Cut the other corners to compensate. Good luck with this race. It's one of the toughest half's I know of.

bigmooooose · 03-09-2006, 12:20 PM

Thanks for the advice! I live 30 miles from there, but still it is still all up a Mountain !!!!!! Jeremy

mcclungj · 04-16-2006, 02:14 PM

Did the assent in 04. I trained for a marathon in the distance catagory. I did not train enough at the summit. You may be in Pueblo, I'm in the springs. You need to hit the Aframe / summit portion of the trail about 4 to 5 times two months prior to the race. Take as much water as you can carry and drink every once. I got dehydrated so I dry heaved and cramped from treeline on up and unitl I got off that (&(%% mountain. Now I can say that I did it and got the medal.

bigmooooose · 04-16-2006, 03:16 PM

Thank you so much for the advice!!!!! :)