I've been swamped lately working, so most of my training has been confined to the local hills. Likewise, I've been focusing a bit on speed workouts, trying to get some leg turnover going for a few shorter races this early winter (a 10K in Arvada and a Half in Westminster). Although I'm not a speedster by any means, I've been doing a session of 4x60secs on flats and 4x15secs on a steep hill, as well as some Meb style kicks (3 sets post workout) twice a week. I've also incorporated a once a week tempo run on a rolling course (1,000' of gain only) which seems to be helping. I'm going to keep working this, as well as my usual vert. days, for a bit and see what kind of speed I can pull off in these two upcoming races.
It's called Golden for a reason - sunrise speed session photo
A car full of shoes for One World Running
Here is the latest roundup on new scientific articles concerning running:
- Exercise training augments neuronal nitric oxide synthase‐mediated inhibition of sympathetic vasoconstriction in contracting skeletal muscle of rats
- Dietary nitrate increases arginine availability and protects mitochondrial complex I and energetics in the hypoxic rat heart
- Dietary nitrate accelerates post-exercise muscle metabolic recovery and O2 delivery in hypoxia
The first three continue to build on the scientific literature concerning nitric oxide and dietary nitrate supplementation. I'm really excited to be using Red Rush as it is an all natural concentration of beet juice that tastes good and is easy to take. Although there is no real studies looking at nitric oxide and climbing, there is plenty of cross over from running, strength training, and so forth that also would benefit climbers too.
Another study looks at training volume (in terms of hours) and intensity, and found that training volume is essential, but intensity can cause some problems if not properly monitored. This makes sense, as we all know that if you want to be a better runner, you need to run more. Likewise, intensity is great, but you cant do HIIT workouts every day as some argue. To back this up, another new study has verified what we already know: to be a good runner you have to do volume, some intensity, and some threshold workouts. I've been negligent in this aspect, especially in the summer when all I want to do is long mountain runs. Hence, my focus on quality workouts with a purpose. It is all about discipline, purpose, and consistency.
Another sunrise run - early morning sessions are often the most productive
So, there is money in mountain running, just not the kind we find here in the US. Why is that? I don't quite understand the disjunction between mountain running, skyrunning, short mountain ultra running, and trail running. It seems we have too many governing bodies that spread out the field, cause confusion, and fail to allow us to really put together a solid series of races - especially as a US team on the world stage.
Speaking of which, the US Skyrunning series for 2015 came out today. I'm planning on doing the series again, and hoping for a higher place then 10th overall. Looks like I have to figure out how to budget for some travel...
Big congrats to Adam St. Pierre and Henry Schliff for their completion of the 24 Hours of Mt. Sanitas. An amazing achievement! Speaking of which, William and I, and anyone else who wants to join, are doing 12 hours of Mt. Morrison on Nov. 15 from 6am to 6pm. We are going for the M10 Challenge, but I really don't know if it is possible in 12 hours.
Saw that Speedgoat dropped from the U.S. Series. I guess they are charging races now and Karl wanted no part. Looks like he's adding a Vertical challenge and a downhill challenge. Looks like a fun weekend.
ReplyDeleteNice catch, I missed that at first. I can see how Karl would not be interested in paying to be part of the series, especially since he already has a sweet race with a nice prize purse. Cool to see the addition of a vertical challenge. Looks like races on private land is the way to go for these types of events.
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