Anyone from Texas done the Pike's Peak ascent or marathon

[Spm073]

Just looking for other who have the heat to play in on a normal basis, but miss out on the hills,
mountains, etc. Any tips on training for the ascent or marathon?

 

[Andy]

You might do a search on Arkansas running groups. There used to be a large group that would come up
every year for the race. I met a few camping at Barr Camp the week before the race. Of course that
was a long time ago, Scott Elliott spent about 21 days at Barr Camp putting in 70-90 miles/week
training just for that race. My opinion is time at altitude is the best. Nothing can prepare you for
above the A-Frame like that. Of course I live in Colorado so it is easier to find altitude, but
nothing is easy about that race. Good Luck. andy On 26 Aug 2003 04:21:47 GMT, [email protected]
(Spm073) wrote:

>Just looking for other who have the heat to play in on a normal basis, but miss out on the hills,
>mountains, etc. Any tips on training for the ascent or marathon?

 

[suz]

Originally posted by Andy
You might do a search on Arkansas running groups. There used to be a large group that would come up
every year for the race. I met a few camping at Barr Camp the week before the race. Of course that
was a long time ago, Scott Elliott spent about 21 days at Barr Camp putting in 70-90 miles/week
training just for that race. My opinion is time at altitude is the best. Nothing can prepare you for
above the A-Frame like that. Of course I live in Colorado so it is easier to find altitude, but
nothing is easy about that race. Good Luck. andy On 26 Aug 2003 04:21:47 GMT, [email protected]
(Spm073) wrote:

>Just looking for other who have the heat to play in on a normal basis, but miss out on the hills,
>mountains, etc. Any tips on training for the ascent or marathon?

I am from Texas and I did the Ascent just a few weeks ago on the 16th of Aug. I think one of the most important things to work on is your muscle endurance. Lift those weights! Your quads and hams will really need it. Since we live in TX it is hard to train for the altitude, unless you stay in CO a week before the race.

I just started running in January, so at first my main concern was the mileage. Then once I felt comfortable with my mileage I ran bleachers and got on the giant stairclimber at the gym as much as I could.

The training group in Arkansas is called the Arkansas Pikes Peak Marathon Society. I am originally from AR and did a training run with these people (my sisters ran with this group). I felt that the run I did with this group was the most beneficial training run I did.

I finished with a decent time, and like the reply above mine...there is nothing easy about the race. But...there is not a greater feeling on Earth than knowing you made your way all the way to the top with just your two legs!!!

 

[Spm073]

Good to hear that it can be done by those of us that are vertical-training challenged in Texas