[shalinpatel00]

I recently read a forum post that discussed training for an ultramarathon using the 24 week mountaineering plan. I was wondering if the opposite can be done, where the aerobic base portion of the mountaineering plan is all done using an ultramarathon training plan (Luke Nelson’s) and the General Strength and ME workouts are added at the appropriate times to supplement. I was hoping to run an ultramarathon this summer and also do some alpine climbing, so wondering if this approach to training would work.

Thanks,
Shalin

Topic

[Anonymous]

Anonymous on January 12, 2020 at 10:58 am #36100

With some adjustments, yes.

The General Strength workouts are just that, so they don’t need to be changed.

However, muscular endurance workouts should be made specific for the event being trained for. The linked article explains the difference.

Also, timing. We usually prescribe Runner ME as a base period series of workouts and Climber ME as a specific period series. (Specific period meaning just prior to the goal event.)

With general aerobic volume, the volumes and relative changes could be the same, but the benefit will be greater if the mode of workout is specific to the goal event. So run* when training for a running event. Hike uphill when training for a climbing event.

* Note that “mountain running” is an oxymoron for most. Most people hike the ups and trot the downs. That’s what mountain run training should look like as well.