34 year old Carl Borg finished the Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run (AC 100) this past weekend in a time of 29 hours, 31 minutes. He finished 52nd out of 98 finishers (135 starters). Carl subscribes to the Crossfit Endurance methodology that emphasizes functional training over long slow sport specific training. From what I've read, Carl's longest run before the AC 100 was 13 miles.
See an older post or two for more on this somewhat controversial subject.
I'm looking for more information about Carl and his training, and would love to even get a chance to talk to him to learn more about his training and get an idea for how he feels as he recovers from that tough run.
Congrats Carl on a great finish! If you read this, please drop me a comment.
7 comments:
I've been running for a little over 2 yrs and I cannot complete a full mile before I have to take a walk break. I love running and wish to continue. I've been incorporating a little Crossfit post run. I would love to complete an Ultra but its seems so out of reach. Is there any specific type of training I'm missing? After 2 yrs you would think I could at least run a 9-min mile. Thanks so much for writing your book "Running through the Wall", it is truly one of my all time favorites. I look forward to your next one.
This CrossFit vs. LSD training for ultras is facinating. I read their info and it's true, since training for ultras I've become VERY slow.
I might try to incorporate some CrossFit into my training but I'm not sure of going all the way with it. I'll experiment. I'd love to regain my former speed and not loose my endurance!
Slowfoot,
What is it that forces you to walk? I'm guessing it is that you are running too fast, and getting out of breath. If so, maybe you are trying to run too fast. Try to really pace yourself (10 minute pace or slower) and see what you can do. Also, there's nothing wrong with taking walk breaks. I have run ultras before where I could not string together much more than a mile of steady running due to the terrain.
Crossfit style training will help your cardio and leg strength. So keep it up.
Thanks for the comment about the books.
Coyotegirl,
LSD is an integral part of ultra training. But as you are realizing, if you want to race fast, you have to sometimes train fast.
Intervals, fartlek, and tempo runs are great ways to stay fast. I like to race a 5k or 10k every now and then too. And I love to sprint. It makes me feel like a kid again.
Keep up the good work!
Neal. Feel free to contact me and i'll fill you in on my training. I also have a proposal for you.
carl@genetic-potential.com
Hi Neal, just ran across your blog and knew I recognized the name...then I saw the book! I read your book before my first ultras, terrific inspiration! This post is interesting to me because I'm an ultra runner that has gravitated toward more 'Crossfit' type workouts. I've never done actual Crossfit but my strength routine involves high intensity work with kettlebells, tires, sandbags, rings, etc. Great workouts that really enjoy. At this point I can't tell you how they impact my ultra results but to be honest I don't really care. I'm more fit than when I only ran and that's what is important to me. Great blog, I'll keep in touch.
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