(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Pikes Peak Ascent is right around the corner, on Saturday, Sept. 20, and for runners, it’s one of the most grueling challenges in the country: 13 miles straight up America’s Mountain, topping out above 14,000 feet.
For local runner Ray Camp, preparing for this kind of climb takes more than standard half-marathon training. He’s been using some very unique workouts to get his body and mind ready for race day.
“One of the big workouts is called the 3-to-1 workout,” Camp explained. “We drive up to the top, then run down three miles and back up three, down two and up two, down one and up one. It maximizes the time training at super high elevation on that terrain.”
Camp also relies on uphill treadmill training to simulate the climb without the pounding impact of downhill running. “I always knew that would be a good idea to prepare for the climbing without having to drive somewhere or beat up my legs,” he said.
Of course, weather can be a wild card on Pikes Peak, with conditions changing quickly at altitude. While ideal race temperatures are between 40 and 55 degrees, Camp said he’s stopped worrying about it altogether, and for good reason.
“I’ve really tried to train my mind to just say, ‘It is what it is,’ and not pay attention to the weather at all because that’s an uncontrollable factor,” Camp said. “I try to just focus on what I can control, which is my effort and my mindset.”
Whether runners are chasing a personal record or simply hoping to conquer the mountain, Camp says the experience is unforgettable.
“I love it. I do. I absolutely love it,” he said. “So gratitude just for being there, being on the mountain, and running in such a beautiful place.”
The Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon take place next weekend, drawing competitors from around the world. For those who finish, it’s more than a race; it’s a remarkable feat of endurance!
