Gaming the Alyeska Climbathon

The Alyeska Climbathon is tomorrow and I’ve a score to settle. Last year I ran and trudged my way to 11 laps, which earned me second place. I did about 23,000 vertical of climbing in 9 hours and 10 minutes. I had 10 hours to race but it looked unlikely for me to finish another lap so the organizer called it for me.

The Climbathon is an annual event in Girdwood, Alaska held at the Alyeska ski area. The North Face trail ascends a treed and then alpine slope over 2.1 miles and 2050 vertical feet. The trail ends at the resort’s tram station and racers then catch the lift down. The tram runs on a 10 minute schedule so efficient travel depends upon some luck in timing at the top.

I think the race is unique in the U.S. in its format. For a dork like me it’s a fascinating study in pacing and fuel management. Last year I went out a tad too hard and over-fed a bit early on. I had a bad patch mid way through and actually let one tram ride down pass me by in order to recover more. That cost me the 12^th lap and the opportunity to finish on the same lap as the winner.

Pacing

I’ve done about 17 laps in training over the last several weeks, dialing in my pace and obsessing about strategy. I’m going to start a bit slower, watching my heart rate monitor to keep me in check. This should leave me more in tank for later. I know exactly where to walk and where to run a bit. I can usually finish a lap within 30 seconds of predicted based upon this schedule. I know. It’s a little OCD but I truly believe this is what it will take for me to hit my goal.

There’s probably a valid argument about leaving no room for inspired performance - that I may be limiting myself by adhering to such a schedule. Perhaps. But going out hard in search of something extraordinary can also lead to complete implosion that, I would argue, is more devastating.

Fueling

Last year I committed to using all Gu products for my race nutrition. I’ve been doing this for a few years now and they suit me well. My stomach is usually calm and I never bonk. It also allows me to be precise with calorie intake, something I think is critical to success. I’m planning on 300 calories per hour.

Last year I got a little insecure with the plan and took in extra fuel during a longer stop. I added some Roctane Endurance drink mix to my usual gel intake. Not a good idea. My gut got funky for a couple of laps but I recovered. This year it'll be only water to drink and I'll monitor the 300/hr rule carefully.

I bought a sexy little fuel belt from Ultimate Direction that features a small pocket and a 10 ounce flask. I can put 2 hours worth of diluted Gu gels in that. I'll refill as needed from a couple of bottles of the mixture at the top of the tram.

Shoes

Last year I wore Hokas for the event. My feet were happy but my unstable ankle is precariously perched atop these tall boys. I’ve decided that it’s just too sketchy wearing those on uneven surfaces.

I’ve been a bit decadent with shoes lately trying to find the perfect pair. I really like the Saucony Peregrine 3. It’s a light, low rise trail shoe with good lugs and a foot plate that seems adequate. But after several training runs in them I feel that the uphill only nature of the event would favor a shoes with more rise in the heel, sparing the calves some.

As a result, I’ve gone with the Salomon S-Lab XT-5 Soft Ground. It’s a firmer shoe with more protection and the heel rise gives my calves a break.

So, it's off to bed in search of sound rest before this beat down. I feel well-trained given the constraints of my full-time job. I've certainly done my homework. As I vocalized my stress about getting enough volume during these last couple of weeks, a friend commented that I've been preparing for races like this my whole life. Indeed, the deep foundation of endurance training required to meet goals in a ten hour event does not come in a few weeks or even a few months of preparation. It's year after year of consistent exposure to the stimulus that creates the foundation for satisfying peformances. Stay tuned for the gory details to follow. 

Comments

[Dane]

Good luck Brian. Nothing left now but hammer time :) Sounds liek a really fun race. Interesting what we will do to make the really long efforts under time. Having just read a converstaion on Andy's blog from two years ago on HRMs.

Can't wait for the photos knowing how much you like to run naked!

[Dane]

Damn IT! Did you win or not?!

[Jared]

You got 12 this year! Nice.

[Brian]

It's true, Jared. I'm a little slow getting to the details but they're coming. Awesome day, though.

[Jim]

Hey Brian, love your blog!

I am the old guy who asked for advice last year for a Grand Canyon R2R. Things went well, so we are going back in October. I am a recent convert to Solomon trail runners for hiking. These things rock, but they seem to make about 20 different models, which I have trouble telling apart. I ended up with XT Wings more or less by accident, but they have worked out well. I was thinking of getting Speedcross 3s, as they appear to have a little more aggressive tread for mud, etc. Your XT S Lab 5s seem similar, but way more expensive. Any recommendation for what I will be doing? Thanks!

[brian]

Hi Jim,

I've a pair of the Speedcross from last year. Nice shoe with a tread like you say but not much protection under foot. I wouldn't chose it for something like a long day in the GC. They really are made for steep mud and work well there.

For a rocky trail like the South Kaibab or Bright Angel I'd want something with a good foot plate and some cushion. If your ankles are good the Hokas would be fabulous. I think the Brooks Cascadia is also quite nice but runs wide for my feet. The Continental rubber used by Adidas lately is super sweet and sticky but I've yet to use a shoe with it. I know the stuff is great, though.