[Dada]

Hi guys,

Situation: I had disc surgery in mid of January. I had the best base in my life before the surgery. Doing good so far and I think I can fully train from now on. Not yet sure if there is a still a weight limit for weighted uphill carries. I’m training for my mountain instructor (not state approved mountain guide) test in the second week of July in Chamonix. I need to prove that I can guide on two tours in combined terrain.

Complication 1: the guiding test will demand mainly being above AeT. I can slow down a little bit when it’s my turn, but can’t control when others are leading.

Complication 2: as I started Z1/2 training in mid of February, I’m still not there where I want to be. When I want to do then weeks of ME, I need to start in two weeks with ME units.

Critical question 1: Should I alter something in the way of training given I will be above AeT or should I keep beating the Z1/2 drum?

Critical question 2: Should I shorten the ME units in favor of more Z1/2 training?

Bailing on the test is not an option otherwise I have to redo not just the guiding part but the whole course. Maybe the pandemic is solving the issue for me, but I don’t want to rely on that.

BR
Dada

Topic

[Anonymous]

Anonymous on April 9, 2020 at 1:56 pm #40348

1. No, the more aerobic work you can do, the better the super-AeT work will feel. Also, client pace won’t be that far above AeT, will it? I’m surprised it’s above it at all, but maybe it’s a French thing… 🙂

2. It’s hard to say for sure, but it sounds like more base is a good idea.

[Dada]

Dada on April 9, 2020 at 4:37 pm #40361

Hi Scott,

Thx for your reply!

1) It’s part of the test to go fast, so there won’t be any guests, just other candidates and the mountain guides. I’m pretty sure it will be significantly above AeT for me (even more since allergic asthma is making me feel like being at high altitude)

2) I always regard ME my greatest weakness. I’m strong since being an FT guy (in my teens high jump) and aerobic capacity quite okayish due to beating exclusively the Z1/2 drum for one year.

Best regards & stay healthy
Dada

[Anonymous]

Anonymous on April 10, 2020 at 7:30 am #40375

1. I’m not familiar with European exams and courses, but in Canada, guide candidates are evaluated on speed by being efficient, not fast. The recommendation is to go at a client pace (Z1 or lower for most guides) and get your speed from efficiency, tactics, and smooth transitions. I would be surprised if it were different in other IFMGA courses, but again, I’m not specifically familiar with European programs.