How to conquer mountain races without access to them!
May 10, 2024
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Join coach Faye, an expert in Spartan races, as she shares her unique approach to training for mountain races in urban settings. Discover innovative strategies for building strength and endurance without access to hills. Learn about crucial uphill running techniques to enhance your performance and prevent injuries. Faye also discusses the importance of ankle mobility and how to effectively use incline treadmills and weight vests in your workouts. Whether you're a city dweller or a mountain enthusiast, this conversation is packed with valuable insights!
Strength training, focusing on exercises like single-leg movements and sled pushes, is crucial for preparing for mountain race conditions.
Cross training activities, especially cycling and stair climbing, efficiently mimic uphill running while enhancing cardiovascular fitness and reducing injury risk.
Deep dives
Building Strength for Mountain Running
Strength is essential for mountain running as it demands greater muscular endurance compared to flat terrain. Key exercises like single-leg movements and sled pushes can simulate the uphill running stride, allowing athletes to tailor their workouts to match specific race conditions. Adjusting the load and height of step-ups can further mimic the gradients faced during actual races. A well-rounded strength routine should incorporate various rep ranges to enhance both power and muscular endurance, preparing athletes for the unique demands of mountain races.
The Role of Cross Training
Cross training, particularly through activities like cycling and stair climbing, can significantly benefit mountain runners by mimicking the muscle engagement of uphill running. For instance, biking can improve hip flexion and drive, while using a Stairmaster creates a continuous climbing effect that strengthens the legs without the impact of running. It's crucial to adjust resistance and cadence during cross training to reflect the specific inclines and demands of the race course. This tailored approach helps athletes build the necessary cardiovascular fitness while reducing the risk of injury associated with a lack of varied training.
Incorporating Drills for Efficiency
Drills play a critical role in developing proper running mechanics and neuromuscular coordination for uphill races. Exercises like bounding and pogo hops enhance explosiveness and ground reaction time, important for maintaining speed on inclines. The correct execution of these drills is vital; improper form can lead to injury or ineffective training. Employing drills should focus on reinforcing good form and stability, ultimately supporting the athlete’s ability to perform optimally even when fatigued.
Using Treadmills for Specificity in Training
Treadmills are valuable tools for simulating mountainous terrain, and their incline settings can replicate various race grades specific to upcoming events. Incorporating sessions like uphill intervals or power hiking on the treadmill builds both aerobic capacity and specific muscular strength needed for races. Using a weight vest during power hiking can also simulate race conditions, but it must be approached with caution to avoid injury. Regularly adjusting workouts to match the gradients of a race can prepare athletes for the physical challenges they will encounter during mountain events.
Coach Faye spent the majority of her Spartan Race career training for some big mountain races in the middle of Manhattan so she knows a thing or two about getting mountain fit without any access to elevation.
So whether you’re heading to the mountains for the last stops at the Spartan USNS or trying to nail an epic trail race with a ton of vert- you're not going to want to miss this one!
The Nitty Gritty Training Podcast is hosted by Jessica O'Connell, MSc, CSEP-CEP, OLY, and Faye Stenning, BKin, and coaches at Grit Coaching! We offer custom run and strength training for runners, OCR, and hybrid athletes. Check us out!
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