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#howdoirun makes runners stronger
“I was surprised by how well people ran in general, I expected much worse,” says running coach Adam St. Pierre from CTS. Adam and Jason Koop, another CTS coach, have been commenting the running videos.
What were the most common issues you saw in the videos?
“I think the most common issues I saw related to posture. A few people leaned too far forward, bending at the waist, a few people were too straight up (or even leaning back). Proper running mechanics starts with posture. Without good posture it is very difficult to have an effective arm carriage or sufficient hip flexion and extension. If hip flexion is limited, it is very difficult for a runner not to overstride. If hip extension is limited, it puts strain on the lower back and limits the ability of the gluts to produce power,” Adam St. Pierre explains.
Any tips on how to move forward?
“Stand tall and run happy, that fixes most issues,” concludes coach Jason Koop.
LEARN 8 ESSENTIAL RUNNING FORM DRILLS
And the winners are…
Three of the most inspiring #howdoirun videos won Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR watches. Here are the winners.
Tim Larsson from Åre, Sweden
One last run before China. So, @suunto, how is my form? #suuntorun #howdoirun #xtrailadventurerace #xtrail #älskaåre
A post shared by Tim Larsson (@tmlarsson) on May 30, 2017 at 2:22am PDT
Tim Larsson comes from Åre, the mountain capital of Sweden. Coach Adam gave Tim mostly positive feedback, but pointed out an issue Tim was already aware of. “Due to weak hips I have a slight inward rotation on my left foot. This is something I have been working on and it feels good to get a confirmation,” says Tim.
“I have a small dream of running the entire Kungsleden (“The King’s Trail”), a 450-kilometer multiday trail run, here in Sweden in the end of the summer. So my focus now is simply on injury prevention so that I can go on for long periods. I am also trying to become a better, more efficient climber for the skimo season next winter.”
Aaron Harwood from Sydney, Australia
Filmed for the Suunto "How do I run" Contest on Sunday 11 June 2017. This was filmed by my awesome eight year old son. The time at the end is my finish time from the Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon last month. I need some tips to run faster 😃. What a great morning. Thanks Suunto. #howdoirun #suunto #running #triathlon
A post shared by Aaron Harwood 🏊🏻🚴🏻🏃🏻 (@aaronbharwood) on Jun 10, 2017 at 10:04pm PDT
“Adam’s feedback has been really helpful. I was aware that I heel strike causing a deceleration at each stride. I was unaware of my posture and how that was making me overstride,” says Aaron Harwood from Sydney, Australia.
“As I run now I’m constantly thinking about maintaining an upright posture. I’ve noticed in the last few days that I’m now working other muscles as I can feel a difference during recovery. By reducing the tendency to overstride, I’m also able to maintain a quicker cadence. I will be adding high knee drills into my routine and I’m sure I’ll be able to start seeing my speed increase.”
To keep his motivation high, Aaron already has a goal in his mind “I’d like to run the New York marathon next year.”
Sarah Brough from Seattle, WA, USA
Posting this for the @suunto #howdoirun event ... I never really was an avid runner. Up until a year and a half ago, I couldn't even make it 1.5 miles. But, after having my second kid, I felt like I needed to improve my personal health and so, I started to run. Now, running has become an outlet for me, a way to challenge myself and see what my body can accomplish. There have been a lot of ups & downs, but through a lot of training, I've been able to accomplish goals that I never imagined I could, like running a full marathon & 2 half marathons. I've come to love the mental game, the runner's high and the sense of accomplishment I feel once I've beaten a PR. I want to keep improving which is why @suunto I'd love to know #howdoirun 🏃🏼 #suuntorun #suunto
A post shared by Sarah Brough (@sarbrough) on Jun 8, 2017 at 9:48pm PDT
“I've been able to work on coach Adam St. Pierre’s suggestions on a few runs already and honestly, it's been tough to change my stride. But, it feels a lot better when I do it. Also, I was able to go faster when I really focused on it, which is great because that's what I am most focused on right now in my training,” says Sarah Brough from Seattle, WA, USA
Sarah has set herself a goal to run two half marathons, with one of them being under two hours. “I just finished my first half in May & got a time of 2:05. My second one is in the end of August & I'm hoping to shave off those last 5 minutes, so I can reach my goal.”
Congratulations, Sarah, Tim and Aaron. And thank you everyone for submitting your videos Happy running!
Main image by Matt Trappe
READ AN INTRO TO DISTANCE RUNNING TECHNIQUE
Simon Donato takes on The Grouse Grind
The Grouse Grind is an iconic trail up the face of Grouse Mountain, overlooking Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The trail is 2.9 kilometers long, with an elevation gain of 853 meters. Locals often refer to the trail as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster.”
On Tuesday, June 20th Suunto Canada will be sponsoring the Suunto Multi-Grind Challenge. From dawn till dusk, racers will challenge each other to achieve the most Grouse Grind ascents in a one-day period. The current Multi-Grind Challenge record is 16 ascents! Or, over 13,500 meters of climbing!
What appealed to you about this race?
I’m attracted to this race because it’s got all the elements that I enjoy: Long day, vertical terrain, legendary route, and I know that I’ll get to face some mental battles along the way. The Grouse Grind is such an iconic route that one lap just doesn’t do it justice.
Any tips for tackling the Grouse Grind? There’s a lot of steps…
haha - Indeed. As with most really huge endurance challenges, this race will be won in the mind - not the legs. My goal is to keep the steps smooth and natural, not to push the pace too hard in the early stages, and try to keep it comfortable for as long as possible.
Have you ever done anything like this before?
I’ve never done a “stair climb” or “vertical” challenge per se, but I’ve put in many long days in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, both hiking and running for fun or chasing FKTs.
Any special strategies for tackling this much ascent in such a short time frame?
This race is unique because you get to rest on the descent by taking the Grouse Mountain Skyride, so trying to time things in such a way that you are not waiting for a tram car is critical. Eating, gear changes, etc., will all have to be done on the tram ride between ascents. One of the main goals is to climb at a very steady tempo - so that my splits are extremely similar lap - lap and avoid wasted time.
What will be your nutritional plan for the race?
My plan will be to take in as many calories as my body can handle - especially late in the race as that’s when I typically fade due to fatigue and a reduced desire to eat. Fatigue makes eating harder, and not eating enhances fatigue -it’s something I’ve struggled with in the past. In terms of calories - I’m going for as much real food as possible - and of course lots of Stoked Oats.
What performance metrics will you be focusing on during the race?
My biggest goal will be to maintain even splits…even if it feels painfully slow in the early stages. There is no benefit to reaching the summit after a hard push only to wait for the tram to arrive and take you back down.
Most importantly, the current record is 16 Grinds, how many do you think you can do?
Ha ha, the million dollar question. I would be happy with 14, and thrilled with 15.
What keeps you motivated during the climbs? How do you stay focused on the trail?
Motivation has always been about doing my best. It’s a question that I ask myself regularly during tough events and helps me push through the most difficult spots. In this case, I won’t be motivated by an absolute number, but more in maintaining a specific pace, and sticking to a well-designed nutrition plan.
How does your Suunto help you succeed in events like these?
I’ve always loved Suunto products - ever since I got into adventure racing in 1998. I think the bottom line is that I trust Suunto products - from watches to compasses and in a race where pacing is critical to success, having a watch (Suunto Spartan) that I trust gives me peace of mind. I know the watch will go as long as I do on the day and give me the metrics that I need to do my best - simple as that.
Any advice to newcomers of the Grind?
The Grind is an epic climb for many reasons, and tackling the Multi-Grind Challenge will move that needle well into the redzone. The most important elements to success in my opinion are setting goals (pacing, duration, etc.), managing nutrition, and adhering to a well thought out race plan. Really difficult events will challenge even the most hardened competitors and if there is no plan, or commitment to achieve a goal, then it’s always easier to throw in the towel when the going gets tough. Little things like appreciating the experience when you’re riding a high, to understanding that the lows don’t last forever will help pull athletes through this test!
Image of Simon Donato © Luis Moreira/Adventure ScienceGrouse Mountain images © Grouse Mountain
ランニングフォームを改善する8つのドリル|姿勢・接地・ピッチを整える練習方法
ランニングフォームを改善したいと思っても、「何から始めればいいかわからない」「姿勢や接地をどう直せばいいかわからない」と感じる人は多いかもしれません。
ランニングフォームは、意識するだけで大きく変えるのは難しいものです。姿勢、接地、腕振り、ピッチ、身体の連動を整えるには、走る前のドリルを取り入れるのがおすすめです。
ランニングドリルは、走る動きを分解して練習するためのメニューです。ウォームアップの一部として取り入れることで、身体を走る動きに近づけ、よりスムーズなランニングにつなげやすくなります。
この記事では、ランニングフォーム改善に役立つ8つのドリルを紹介します。初心者からレースを目指すランナーまで、日々の練習に取り入れやすい内容です。
目次
ランニングフォームを改善するには?
ランニングドリルを行うメリット
ドリルを始める前のポイント
ランニングフォームを改善する8つのドリル
1. Aスキップ|膝の引き上げと姿勢を整える
2. ハイニー(もも上げ)|ピッチと足の切り替えを高める
3. Bスキップ|接地と脚の引き戻しを意識する
4. バットキック(ヒールアップ/かかと上げ)|足の引きつけとリズムを整える
5. パワースキップ|推進力とバネを高める
6. カリオカ|股関節と身体の連動を高める
7. バウンディング|ストライドと推進力を高める
8. 流し(ウィンドスプリント)|フォームを整えながらスピードに慣れる
ランニングドリルはどのくらい行えばいい?
Suuntoウォッチでランニングをもっと計画的に
<まとめ|ランニングフォーム改善は、短いドリルを継続することから
ランニングフォームを改善するには?
ランニングフォームを改善するには、ただ「きれいに走ろう」と意識するだけではなく、身体の動きを少しずつ整えていくことが大切です。
ランニングでは、姿勢、腕振り、足の引き上げ、接地、ピッチ、重心移動などが連動しています。どこか一つだけを無理に変えようとすると、かえって動きがぎこちなくなることもあります。
そこで役立つのが、ランニングドリルです。
ドリルでは、膝を引き上げる、足を素早く切り替える、接地の感覚をつかむ、身体を前に進めるといった動きを、短い距離で繰り返し練習します。走る前に取り入れることで、身体に「良い動き」を思い出させることができます。
ランニングドリルを行うメリット
ランニングドリルには、フォーム改善だけでなく、ウォームアップやケガ予防にもつながるメリットがあります。
主なメリットは以下の通りです。
姿勢を整えやすくなる
足の引き上げや接地の感覚をつかみやすくなる
ピッチやリズムを意識しやすくなる
身体を走る動きに切り替えやすくなる
スピード練習やインターバル前の準備になる
フォームの乱れに気づきやすくなる
特に、ランニング初心者やフォームに不安がある人は、いきなり走行距離を増やすよりも、短いドリルを継続的に取り入れる方が、走りの感覚をつかみやすくなります。
ドリルを始める前のポイント
ランニングドリルは、全力で行う必要はありません。大切なのは、ひとつひとつの動きを丁寧に行うことです。
まずは、平らで安全な場所を選びましょう。公園、陸上トラック、広めの歩道、芝生など、周囲に十分なスペースがある場所がおすすめです。
ドリルを行う前には、軽いジョギングや動的ストレッチで身体を温めておきます。身体が冷えた状態で大きな動きをすると、筋肉や関節に負担がかかることがあります。
最初は各ドリルを20〜30mほど、1〜2本から始めると取り入れやすくなります。慣れてきたら距離や本数を少しずつ増やしていきましょう。
意識したいポイントは、次の3つです。
姿勢を高く保つ
力みすぎない
動きを大きくしすぎず、リズムよく行う
フォーム改善は一度で大きく変わるものではありません。週に1〜2回、ウォームアップの一部として継続することが大切です。
ランニングフォームを改善する8つのドリル
ここからは、ランニングフォーム改善に役立つ8つのドリルを紹介します。
すべてを毎回行う必要はありません。まずは気になる動きに合わせて、2〜3種類から取り入れてみましょう。
1. Aスキップ|膝の引き上げと姿勢を整える
Aスキップは、ランニングドリルの基本ともいえる動きです。膝を高く引き上げながら、小さくスキップするように前へ進みます。
膝を上げるときは、上半身が後ろに倒れないように注意しましょう。姿勢を高く保ち、足首は軽く曲げて、つま先が下がりすぎないようにします。
やり方
背すじを伸ばして立つ
片膝をリズムよく引き上げる
軽く地面を押して小さくスキップする
左右を交互に切り替えながら前へ進む
意識するポイント
膝を前に引き上げる
上半身を反らさない
接地は軽く、リズムよく
腕振りも自然に合わせる
Aスキップは、ランニング時の足の引き上げ、姿勢、リズムを整えるのに役立ちます。
2. ハイニー(もも上げ)|ピッチと足の切り替えを高める
ハイニーは、膝を高く上げながら素早く足を切り替えるドリルです。Aスキップよりもランニングに近い動きで、ピッチや足の回転を意識しやすくなります。
膝を上げることだけに集中しすぎると、上半身が後ろに倒れたり、接地が強くなったりします。姿勢を保ったまま、足を素早く入れ替えることを意識しましょう。
やり方
背すじを伸ばして立つ
片膝を腰の高さに向けて引き上げる
すばやく反対の足に切り替える
リズムよく前へ進む
意識するポイント
足を素早く切り替える
接地時間を短くする
腕振りを止めない
上半身を安定させる
ハイニーは、スピード練習前のウォームアップにも取り入れやすいドリルです。
3. Bスキップ|接地と脚の引き戻しを意識する
Bスキップは、Aスキップに脚を前へ伸ばす動きを加えたドリルです。膝を引き上げたあと、脚を前に伸ばし、地面を軽く引き戻すように接地します。
ポイントは、脚を無理に前へ振り出しすぎないことです。前に伸ばした脚を、ハムストリングスやお尻の筋肉を使って戻すような感覚で行います。
やり方
Aスキップのように膝を引き上げる
脚を軽く前へ伸ばす
地面をなでるように足を戻す
左右交互に繰り返す
意識するポイント
脚を前に投げ出しすぎない
接地は身体の真下に近づける
足裏で地面を軽く引く感覚を持つ
動きは大きくしすぎず、丁寧に行う
Bスキップは、接地位置や脚の引き戻しを意識したいランナーにおすすめです。
4. バットキック(ヒールアップ/かかと上げ)|足の引きつけとリズムを整える
バットキック(ヒールアップ/かかと上げ)は、かかとをお尻に近づけるように引き上げるドリルです。一般的には「かかとをお尻につける」動きとして知られていますが、ただ後ろに蹴り上げるだけではランニングの動きにつながりにくくなります。
意識したいのは、かかとを真後ろに大きく振るのではなく、膝を少し前に出しながら、足を身体の下で素早く引きつけることです。
やり方
軽く前へ進みながら走る姿勢を作る
かかとをお尻の下に向けて引き上げる
左右を素早く切り替える
リズムよく前へ進む
意識するポイント
かかとを大きく後ろに振りすぎない
膝を少し前に出す
足を素早く身体の下へ戻す
上半身をリラックスさせる
バットキックは、足の回転やリズムを整えたいときに役立ちます。
5. パワースキップ|推進力とバネを高める
パワースキップは、Aスキップよりも大きく、力強く行うドリルです。膝を引き上げながら、地面をしっかり押して高く跳ぶように前へ進みます。
ランニングの推進力やバネを高めたいときに役立ちますが、負荷もやや高いため、無理に高く跳びすぎないようにしましょう。
やり方
背すじを伸ばして立つ
片膝を力強く引き上げる
反対の足で地面を押して跳ぶ
左右交互に大きく前へ進む
意識するポイント
地面を真下に押す
腕をしっかり振る
膝を高く引き上げる
着地は柔らかく行う
パワースキップは、スピードを上げたいランナーや、登り坂での力強さを高めたいランナーにもおすすめです。
6. カリオカ|股関節と身体の連動を高める
カリオカは、横向きに進みながら脚を前後にクロスさせるドリルです。ランニングは前後方向の動きが中心ですが、実際には骨盤や体幹の安定、左右の動きへの対応も必要です。
カリオカを取り入れることで、股関節まわりの動きや身体の連動を意識しやすくなります。
やり方
横向きに立つ
後ろ側の脚を前にクロスして進む
次に同じ脚を後ろにクロスする
リズムよく横方向へ進む
帰りは反対向きで行う
意識するポイント
骨盤まわりを大きく使う
上半身はリラックスする
足元を見すぎない
リズムよく動く
カリオカは、股関節の動きが硬い人や、フォームが左右にぶれやすい人におすすめです。
7. バウンディング|ストライドと推進力を高める
バウンディングは、大きなランニング動作で前へ進むドリルです。通常のランニングよりも大きく跳ぶように走り、1歩ごとの高さと距離を意識します。
推進力やランニングエコノミーを高めるために役立ちますが、負荷が高めのドリルです。最初は短い距離から始め、フォームが崩れない範囲で行いましょう。
やり方
軽くジョギングして助走をつける
片脚で地面を押し、大きく前へ進む
反対の脚で着地し、同じように前へ進む
1歩ごとの高さと距離を意識する
意識するポイント
地面を後ろではなく下へ押す
腕を大きく使う
着地は安定させる
無理に跳びすぎない
バウンディングは、スピード練習や坂道練習に取り組むランナーにも相性の良いドリルです。
8. 流し(ウィンドスプリント)|フォームを整えながらスピードに慣れる
流し(ウィンドスプリント)は、短い距離をリラックスしたフォームでスピードを上げて走る練習です。全力疾走ではなく、余裕を持って速く走ることがポイントです。
ドリルの最後に流しを入れると、整えた動きを実際のランニングに近い形で確認できます。
やり方
30〜40mほどかけて徐々にスピードを上げる
その後、40〜60mほどフォームを保って走る
全力ではなく、気持ちよく速いペースで走る
終わったら歩いて呼吸を整える
意識するポイント
力まない
姿勢を高く保つ
腕振りと足の動きを合わせる
きれいなフォームを保てる範囲で走る
流しは、ジョギング後やポイント練習前にも取り入れやすいメニューです。フォームを整えながらスピード感に慣れることができます。
ランニングドリルはどのくらい行えばいい?
ランニングドリルは、長時間行う必要はありません。ウォームアップの中で、短く継続的に取り入れるのがおすすめです。
目安としては、以下のように始めると取り入れやすくなります。
レベル
頻度
内容の目安
初心者
週1回
2〜3種類を20mずつ
中級者
週1〜2回
4〜5種類を20〜30mずつ
レースを目指すランナー
ポイント練習前
ドリル+流しを組み合わせる
大切なのは、疲れ切るまで行うことではなく、良い動きを身体に覚えさせることです。
フォームが崩れてきたら、本数を増やすよりも一度休むようにしましょう。
Suuntoウォッチでランニングをもっと計画的に
ランニングフォームを改善するには、ドリルだけでなく、日々のランニングを記録して振り返ることも大切です。
対応するSuuntoウォッチでは、距離、ペース、心拍数、ラップ、トレーニング負荷、回復状態などを確認できます。フォーム改善のドリルとあわせて、ランニングの記録を継続することで、自分の走りの変化にも気づきやすくなります。
例えば、ドリルを取り入れた日と通常のランニングの日で、ペースや心拍数、ピッチ、疲労感がどう変わるかを見比べてみるのもおすすめです。インターバルトレーニングや流しを計画的に行いたい場合は、Suuntoアプリでワークアウトメニューを作成し、対応するSuuntoウォッチで確認しながら走ることもできます。
▶︎関連記事:インターバルトレーニングのやり方|ランニング向けワークアウトをSuuntoアプリで作成する方法
ランニングウォッチを初めて選ぶ方は、GPS精度、バッテリー、心拍計測、使いやすさなどを確認しておくと安心です。初心者向けの選び方は、こちらの記事でも詳しく紹介しています。
▶︎関連記事:初めてのランニングウォッチの選び方|初心者が失敗しないポイントを解説
Suuntoのランニングウォッチを比較したい方は、こちらの記事も参考にしてください。
▶︎関連記事:スントのランニングウォッチとは?Suunto Run・Race S・Race 2の選び方
まとめ|ランニングフォーム改善は、短いドリルを継続することから
ランニングフォームを改善するには、姿勢、接地、腕振り、ピッチ、身体の連動を少しずつ整えていくことが大切です。
Aスキップ、ハイニー、Bスキップ、バットキック、パワースキップ、カリオカ、バウンディング、流しなどのランニングドリルは、走る動きを分解して練習できる実践的なメニューです。
最初からすべてを完璧に行う必要はありません。まずはウォームアップの一部として、2〜3種類のドリルを取り入れてみましょう。
継続して行うことで、姿勢や接地、リズムの感覚がつかみやすくなり、よりスムーズなランニングにつながります。
日々のランニングを記録しながら、自分の走りの変化を確認したい方は、Suuntoのランニングウォッチもぜひ活用してみてください。
▶︎Suuntoのランニングウォッチを見る
Kilian’s Everest climb from Base Camp to the summit
We caught up with Kilian as soon as he returned to Europe and talked a bit about his two Everest summits.
“It was really interesting to see the Himalayas and Everest as the mountains in the Alps. In the Base Camp I packed all the gear I needed, a backpack of about seven kilos, and started running towards the night and then kept moving all the night and during the day on the ridge. When I was on the summit it was night again. It was a really good feeling to be on the summit of the world alone,” Kilian says.
Watch a Suunto Movie of Kilian’s amazingly fast ascent from Base Camp to the summit
Kilian started the climb at the Base Camp at the ancient Rongbuk monastery at 5.100m. The climb began well but Kilian was hampered by stomach problems from 7.500m, which slowed him down considerably and forced him to make repeated stops.
“I didn’t feel great and was moving very slowly. I had to stop every few metres with cramps and vomiting. But I felt ok with the altitude and decided to continue. When I got back down [to Advanced Base Camp] I thought I would like to try another attempt if I felt well enough,” he explained.
And Kilian did. Only six days later he summited Everest from the Advanced Base Camp (6.400m). The weather was worse than during his first climb, very windy and snowing at the top. However, the conditions improved throughout the night and he returned to the camp 28 hours 30 minutes after leaving.
“I was feeling a little tired from the first climb but it was good to know that it is possible to climb these big mountains on consecutive days, not only as one month projects with one summit per month. It is possible to do many activities in the big mountains. It was really windy and it was snowing on the summit but it was another incredible moment,” Kilian says.
The two ascents are part of Kilian’s Summits of My Life project, which has taken him to some of the most iconic mountains across the globe setting records for fastest known ascents. He began in the Mont Blanc range in 2012 and has since climbed in Europe (Mont Blanc & Matterhorn), in North America (Denali) and in South America (Aconcagua). He tried to ascend Everest already in 2016 but then poor weather conditions forced him to abandon his climb.
Kilian was accompanied on this Everest expedition by mountain guide and cameraman Sébastien Montaz-Rosset.
Intro to distance running technique
Stride rate
Despite the running speed, stride rate should stay within a narrow range. At race pace, cadence should be at or above 180 steps per minute, or 90 revolutions per minute (counting one leg). Suunto uses revolutions per minute, so a good goal at race pace is 90-92 revolutions per minute. During training, endurance pace for example is considerably slower, however cadence should still be close to that 90 rpm mark. I shoot for 86-90 rpms no matter how slow I am running. This means a shorter, quicker stride for endurance and recovery paces.
Foot strike
As your foot swings through and the leg extends out in front, most people set the foot down too early, creating a breaking force, heel strike, and high impact. Instead, paw back and contact the ground under your center of gravity with a softer landing propelling you in the direction of travel.
Vertical oscillation
A long, loping stride has a larger vertical component, which results in more distance traveled up and down. Think of your legs as wheels rather than pogo sticks. One way to see this is to have someone video you running along a fence and see the vertical displacement.
Running tall
This is a good mantra for any runner to keep in mind. This means maintaining a strong core, posture, and head position. Look forward towards the horizon. Imagine you are a marionette doll with a string holding you up from the top/back of your head. Uphill, think about staying vertical. For gradual downhills, lean forward so you are perpendicular to the slope.
Slight forward lean
Running tall, but with a slight forward lean. Running is a series of falls, so you want a slight forward lean which is more pronounced at fast running speeds. Do not achieve this from bending forward at the waist. You should have a straight line from your ground contact point, up through the top of your head. One drill I like is a sprinting drill called “falling starts.” Start by standing tall and then fall forward with the fulcrum point at the balls of your feet, staying long with no breaking at the waist. You will want to step forward to catch yourself, but instead of a step, immediately break out into a fast run.
Arm carriage
Your arms are your counter weights so movement is good, but it should happen naturally and without expending extra energy. Straight on, hands can swing towards the center line, but should not cross. Elbow should be bent with a slightly acute angle, less than 90 degrees to keep the lever arm short. Be careful not to carry your arms too high or elbows to wide, which results in excess strain on your shoulders, upper traps, and neck. Keep hands relaxes as if you are carrying a fragile egg in each hand.
Josiah Middaugh is the reigning XTERRA Pan America Champion and 2015 XTERRA World Champion. He has a master’s degree in kinesiology and has been a certified personal trainer for 15 years (NSCA-CSCS).
Images by Matt Trappe
Kilian Jornet summits Everest twice in a week
“I’m so happy to have made the summit again! Today I felt good although it was really windy so it was hard to move fast. I think summiting Everest twice in one week without oxygen opens up a new realm of possibilities in alpinism and I’m really happy to have done it,” Kilian said after returning to the mountain’s Advanced Base Camp. Jornet had already reached the summit on May 22, but stomach cramps had prevented him from completing his route as planned.
Jornet reached the summit via the North Face of Everest on May 27 at 9pm. He had left the Advanced Base Camp at 6.400m at 2am. He climbed to the summit on the ‘normal’ route passing the three high altitude camps used by climbers attempting the world’s highest mountain, a climb which takes on average four days.
The climb to the summit was slow but continuous. The wind was the main obstacle Jornet had to overcome, on an extremely windy Himalayan day. Weather conditions improved throughout the night in the latter part of the route and he returned to Advanced Base Camp 28 hours 30 minutes after leaving.
With this ascent Jornet repeats the feat of reaching the world’s highest point after having climbed to the summit only six days earlier. On the previous climb, he reached the summit in 26 hours, but he started that one lower down, at the Base Camp at the ancient Rongbuk monastery at 5.100m. The first climb had begun well but he was hampered by stomach problems from 7.500m, which slowed him down considerably and forced him to make repeated stops.
“I didn’t feel great and was moving very slowly. I had to stop every few metres with cramps and vomiting. But I felt ok with the altitude and decided to continue. When I got back down I thought I would like to try another attempt if I felt well enough,” he explained.
The two ascents are part of Kilian’s Summits of My Life project, which has taken Kilian to some of the most iconic mountains across the globe setting records for fastest known ascents. He began in the Mont Blanc range in 2012 and has since climbed in Europe (Mont Blanc & Matterhorn), in North America (Denali) and in South America (Aconcagua). He tried to ascend Everest already in 2016 but then poor weather conditions forced him to abandon his climb.
Jornet was accompanied on this Everest expedition by mountain guide and cameraman Sébastien Montaz-Rosset.