The true extent of endurance and strength demanded by the PTL race in UTMB can be truly appreciated when we examine the general statistics. The sheer complexity of the terrain we encounter is another aspect that I will delve into in a future post.
For every km, of which there are approx 304 of the little blighters, we will ascend approx 83m: 270ft. It is fair to say the descending will be close to the level of climbing. So a further reality check is that for every 1km, we ascend 80m for 500m gain, then drop 80m for 500m gain. The boffins have already calculated the average gradient as 16.3%.
My warped brain has taken to the analogy of 'Everesting' with an approach of 50km up, and 50km back, 3 times.
Andy, packing 10kg in his bag, is pictured here ascending the mole hill that is Arish Mell. Most of the lifts in Dorset are 300-500ft in one go. It's not ideal simulation for the relentless mountains of the Alps, however it satisfies the vertical gain over distance we need to prep the body.
There will be many flowing sections through valley floors that connect one mountain pass to the next as we circumnavigate Mont Blanc. Therefore, when we do climb it will be kicking up in many places well above 20-25%. In the extreme moments 35%+ up and down, on scree, glacial fields and rock.
To cope with all the uphill loading and downhill pressures the conditioning includes;
Self myofascial release (SMR) - aka foam rollers and trigger balls.
Joint mobility of the ankles, hips, spine and shoulders.
Balance and agility drills - mainly specific through the act of being on the slopes
Strength basics, primarily the deadlift, single leg squats, lunge patterns and whole body ground force drills, such as weighted drags.
Activation drills of the hamstrings, hip flexors, lower limb, core using bands, cables and bodyweight.
Motivation is high to set time aside for these as will make the expected attrition tolerable, fingers crossed injury free and that provides more energy to crack on.
David has been doing some enormous mountain sessions in the Alps where he lives. We think he has been load carrying dairy cows up and down. Must be a French tradition.
Doing my best impression of a cow during an endurance session with Andy at the weekend. I was tempted to ask him to carry me up one of the hills.
With a consistent training block ahead, the last 5 days I have ascended 13,000ft with 41 miles. Still shy of the average gradient per km! Some miles with full kit, some with none. by the time PTL begins I will have banked 200,000 ft which will go some way to holding it together in the latter stages of the session.
Vertical metres per kilometre. One of many factors to be prepared for Aug 28th when we step over the line. A small matter of 40-50,000 ft to bank before the flight to Chamonix. The joy of climbing is there for us all to nurture, subject ourselves to and accept that it must be done, should the desire be to stand at the top of something.
On Wednesday, June 14th, my incredible mother, Madge O'Connor, passed away peacefully at home. Her loss has been devastating for my family, but her indomitable spirit continues to flow through each of us abundantly.
With the same spirit of determination, joy, and vigor that my mother exemplified throughout her remarkable life, I will embark on the PTL race.
Slainte Mum x
Best wishes in Health and Sport.
Rich
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