Walking to Climbing: Supporting a National Three Peaks challenge

The National Three Peaks Challenge requires participants to climb
the highest mountains in England (Scafell Pike, 978m) Scotland
(Ben Nevis, 1,345 m) and Wales (Snowdon, 1,085 m). Based on
previous research, it is likely that a range of intensities (25-70%
V˙O2max) will be experienced during the event (Ainslie et al., 2005).
Furthermore, exercise intensity is likely to be affected by physical
fitness, dietary intake, backpack weight, environmental conditions
and severity of the terrain, not to mention the vagaries of travelling
between each peak, a distance of 462 miles. This article documents
the sport science support offered to a 64-year-old male 12-weeks
prior to the National Three Peaks Challenge (30 June 2018). The
target our client had set himself was to complete the challenge
within 24 hours and maintain the pace set by the other members
of his climbing group, individuals he perceived to have a better
level of fitness and climbing experience. The support included;
repeat assessment of body composition, lactate threshold, V˙O2max,
prescription of training and nutritional guidance.