Just like for endurance we had heard many different ideas as to what was the best way to train. The hill training we settled on (or at least I did) was to build up hill repeats up to a total of 26 repeats. That was the plan. However on the first 60 km long run I had a problem with my knee (see Training) so I stopped at 18 repeats. The hill I used was by Concordia College, I know they are actually stairs but I figured they’d do.

The second part to hill training was to summit Mount Temple in Banff National Park. Robert and I have climbed Mount Temple before (Erik had not), and knew it was great for strength training. Sharon and Kimi went with us as far as Sentinel Pass.

The hike to Sentinel Pass was a good hike with clear trails. After Sentinel Pass the going got tough. Last time we climbed Temple was in September, and there was no snow on the summit. This time was July, and there was lots snow. At one point we lost the trail (Erik didn’t) and ended up out on the snow without the correct gear to deal with it. Not a smart move!

We eventually made it back to the trail (if you can call it that) then it was just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other. At that altitude the slightest exertion takes the wind out of you.

The summit looked very different than the last time we were there, but the view was just as spectacular. View a Panorama of the Summit of Mount Temple.

The trip down was relatively uneventful, until we reached the camp site. Apparently it had taken longer than expected and our support, Sharon in particular (Kimi was sleeping) was a little worried about us.

All in all I think the climb really helped with the Death Race training.