Pikes Peak Ascent

[katluvr]

So anyone doing it this year?
It is on my bucket list and scheduled for 2011.
I am a flatlander (FL) so I have to really figure out how to train. I figure I would train like for a marathon, in the heat of FL and treadmill work with high incline and lot's of step ups.

But curious if anyone has done it or will be doing it.

K

[kacie tri-ing]

Haven't done it, but it looks awesome! I would love to hear about it if you do it!!!

[rocknrollgirl]

So anyone doing it this year?
It is on my bucket list and scheduled for 2011.
I am a flatlander (FL) so I have to really figure out how to train. I figure I would train like for a marathon, in the heat of FL and treadmill work with high incline and lot's of step ups.

But curious if anyone has done it or will be doing it.

K

That will get you ready to run, but not at 14,000 feet....

[colby]

That will get you ready to run, but not at 14,000 feet....

Yeah, that would be my big concern, too. You know it's going to be exhausting and you can train for the hill climbing aspects of it (as painful as that sounds), but at altitude? You will probably need to mash up with your marathon/hill training some altitude training. I'm not really sure where to start there, I've never done any races above my normal 2500-3500 feet

It sounds awesome, though!! Might be one for the bucket list. My husband and I were discussing travel to race when I was signing up for next year's Ironman the other day. I said I wasn't sure how I'd enjoy traveling to race, but he pointed out that we may benefit MORE from taking a few days/week around the race if we were somewhat forced to in order to travel. Couldn't argue with that! I might be looking for more races to put on the calendar that get me out of the area, too.

[Tri Girl]

That's so exciting!!!
It's on my bucket list, too, but it's always the week school starts and I can't be gone that week. The altitude is what worries me- as I usually get some sort of altitude issues when we visit elevation (it's more asthma, but after I'm acclimated I'm OK).
I guess I'll have to do it when I retire since I'd need to be up there for at least a week before doing it to acclimate.

I've had a half dozen friends from around here who've done it, and they said it was amazing!! One year it was great weather (still cold, but...) the next year it started snowing near the top and they finished covered in snow. Eek!

[katluvr]

Yes, I know the altitude will be an issue. That is why I plan to train in extreme conditions, and hopefully a trip to some place of altitude. I know it is not the same but I have left Florida and biked at altitude in Colorado with no real mountain or altitude training. But part of my reason for posting is to get info from someone who has
Over 1 year to prepare.
K

[yellow]

There are several threads on the Runners World trail running and ultra forums about training for races at altitude. You might want to search over there.

Try also: http://www.ultrunr.com/alt_ld.html
and
http://www.run100s.com/Freebies/Altitude.txt

Seems like the most important message is hydration. And I certainly do better above 10,000 if I avoid lots of protein the day before and day of and stick to simple foods (gel, maybe a low GI bar of some sort). I run in the 9000' to 11000' range quite a lot in the summer. 10,000 seems to be about the point where the run-walk intervals get shorter. I feel it in my legs more than anything. And then there's that whole getting enough air business.

I'm signed up for Imogene this year. Whether I actually run any of it or just hikerealfast to make the cutoff remains a mystery...

[rocknrollgirl]

I am sorry. I did not mean to sound negative. I am a flatlander, but my parents lived in Summit County Co for 18 years. I have spent a lot of time going from 23 feet above sea level to high altitude. That is where that comment came from.

The race sounds great and I am sure you get the altitude issue figured out. Good Luck!

[colby]

I am sorry. I did not mean to sound negative. I am a flatlander, but my parents lived in Summit County Co for 18 years. I have spent a lot of time going from 23 feet above sea level to high altitude. That is where that comment came from.

Yeah, I didn't mean anything negative either - I was thinking more in the "if I were to do this, what would I think" sort of way, not trying to be critical. I am a born problem solver - identify problem, think about it forever, try to find solution. It drives my husband nuts sometimes.

[katluvr]

I didn't take it negative...maybe more determined! And hopefully I am not too foolish. I don't expect to "run" it really. Somehow it just seems do able in 6 hours (or is it 6 hrs 30 min?--guess I should know that!).

I just know I have to drop weight and have steady consistent training! Hope I have the dedication!

K