[sidener2002]

sidener2002 on December 16, 2019 at 1:59 pm · in reply to: Beginner: I want to Run not Walk RE: AeT base training frustration :) #34428

Hi Alison, I do have a heart rate strap, so I will switch over to that and see if things stabilize better. Also, thanks for answering the question about training myself to perform at AeT or below for the duration of the event. It is exciting and reinforcing to hear that. That is what I really want to be able to do, I’m just still getting my head around everything.

Scott

[sidener2002]

sidener2002 on December 15, 2019 at 6:35 pm · in reply to: Beginner: I want to Run not Walk RE: AeT base training frustration :) #34416

Anthony and Scott,

Thanks so much for your thoughts as well!

Yeah, switching modes is really a big learning and training experience. I think that a lot of my mental attitude, dealing with adversity, strategy, going around the clock and race mentality will carry over well, just not the physical efficiency that I have developed.

I am encouraged to see how much I have improved in reducing the perceived effort and subsequent fatigue from running over just the last 6weeks. I hope that continues.

I had thought of heart rate sensor issues. I’ve had those troubles before with the straps. I’m now using a Garmin watch with the built in wrist led sensor. It seems to be behaving, ie if I walk my heart rate does drop as expected.

Ok, here is a another beginner question with respect to AeT and multi-day running/hiking with big vertical gain and loss. I’m wanting to get my head around this and it may be too simplistic of a question, but here goes:

Say I want to run/hike 100 miles non stop where the average elevation gain and loss is roughly 1000 feet per mile. In a perfect world, Should I strive to do that at or below AeT? Right now, that feels impossible. If I add serious vert. I don’t know how I would ever keep my heart rate low enough.

Thanks!

Scott

[sidener2002]

sidener2002 on December 12, 2019 at 11:41 am · in reply to: Beginner: I want to Run not Walk RE: AeT base training frustration :) #34239

Alison,

Thanks for your thoughts! If I had to describe how things have been progressing so far, I would definitely use your phrase of “becoming more efficient running”. I definitely feel like that has happened some. I think I will use one of next week’s workouts as a new AeT test and see what happens.

As far as fatigue effects go, there may be an aspect to that as well. Since my big runs are on the weekend and my day off is Monday, I do get the impression that the Tuesday run is typically easier to keep my heart rate where I want it.

I am definitely looking forward to planning the next steps with you and debriefing what I have and have not learned Part of this 8 weeks of training was to help me lock-in my decision about my objective for July. At this point I am convinced that it’s a go! Although, doubts still creep in from time to time, but that is natural.

TerryLui,

Thanks for your response as well, I really appreciate your perspective. In my years of ultra MTB racing, I have indeed found that I end up doing most of my work in high heart rate zones. In fact, historically, I have completed races where the Garmin claimed I spent a not-possible percentage of my time in the red zone even though I had what I thought was a good understanding of my zones from testing. Also, that history is part of what is bringing me to the UA method. I want my metabolic power to get as high as possible without going into that anaerobic zone. I have historically had to rely upon constant, difficult to sustain, carb fueling to get me through 5 – 7 days of continuous racing. I really want to reduce that requirement and logistical nightmare of carrying enough fuel. I think I was at the point of diminishing returns without really focusing on spending most of my time in the fat burning mode.

Your answer about the two modes being exclusive at either end of the range makes sense to me. In essence what I was contemplating is this (made up problem for example):

I want to perform at fastest possible speed for 3 days:
a) use aerobic up to 250 Watts infinite time, carry only maintenance fuel, train to increase aerobic power to go faster.
b) push into high power 300+ Watts anaerobic zone early, really fast, limited time, digging hole, requires huge caloric consumption along the way and still digs a hole. Speed profile drops off with time to a lower level than (a).

The hope I had was that the aerobic power base was additive in that if I increase my aerobic capability, then I would need to add less anaerobic process to make up the desired total power. Problem is, if I go anaerobic and switch over to that mode, it sounds like having a higher aerobic threshold output power doesn’t help or add to the equation because my body has effectively turned off that mechanism.

Scott