Race Training

To prepare for the race all teams have training courses in Wales, Austria & Canada organised by Polar Challenge to cover navigation, GPS, skiing, survival training and firearm training for protection from polar bears.

Fitness Training

To train for the race we our following a 3 stage training program for the 7 month build up to the race which includes aerobic, endurance and strength training.

Phase 1: was designed to build endurance ability through short, steady runs with an aerobic focus working towards building a higher lung capacity and getting the lungs used to working hard for long periods of time. Throughout this phase there was a high level of strength training to build a strong platform and core strength.

Phase 2: we are currently working to increase the focus on endurance and away from developing aerobic fitness. The main aim of this phase is to build the body up to spending long periods of time upright under exertion. Endurance sessions throughout this phase vary in duration from 4 hours to 10 hours with each session viewed as separate walking or mountaineering trips. Strength training is continuing at a reduced frequency to allow increased endurance training. All team members are still working to increasing their maximum weights.

Phase 3: the scale of endurance exercise will be maintained and developed increasing in both quantity and duration with one 8 hour and one 10 hour session each week. Strength training throughout this phase is designed to maintain the levels develop through the first 2 phases and will therefore be limited to one power session per week to train the body to use its muscles more efficiently.