This reoport was originally done for the 'Cockermouth Post'. For more detail on where we stayed, ease of transport, physiological effects etc - just get in contact: sam.ayers@tiscali.co.uk
Font
Romeu High Altitude Training Camp.
A report from Sam
Ayers of BodyFit PersonalTraining. Sam is part of the EnglandAthletics National Coach Development Programme (NCDP) which aims to support
Level 3 or 4 coaches in their professional development via access to top level
support services, technical conferences and workshops. Sam’s National Coach Mentor is Martin Rush, an
ex Cockermouth School pupil who competed in the Barcelona Olympics in the race
walking event.
A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to be part of the England
Athletics NCDP visit to Font Romeu. This
is a small village in the French Pyrenees at 1800m where the Great Britain
Endurance Squad spends time training in preparation for major events such as
the Olympic Games or World Championships.
One of the major benefits of altitude training is the body produces
more red blood cells in response to the ‘thinner’ air. This means that after a while, because more
red blood cells have been produced, more oxygen can be carried in the blood and
muscles. This enables the athletes to
run more efficiently, run faster and hopefully win medals for Britain at the
major games.
The effect of high altitude training is variable from one
athlete to another but most athletes begin to respond after about seven days of
training, however to see a real effect, a minimum three week training block is
advised several times a year.
During the camp, the athletes continued with their usual
training but also have the added benefits of the UKAthletics sports doctors,
physiotherapists and sports scientists.
Whilst out there, a typical training day might comprise the following:
·
Easy morning run at the lake (30-60 minutes at
2000m)
·
Stretch followed by remedial massage if needed
·
Early afternoon: 30-60 minutes strength and
conditioning circuit or drills session
·
Late afternoon: Track session (at 1500m)
followed by stretching
Whilst out there I
was able to join in with some of the training sessions and experience what it
felt like to train at altitude. I was on
track with Helen Clitheroe (2008 Olympic Steeplechase finalist), Hannah England
(2011 World Championship silver medalist), Hannah Walker (U23 with a 5000m time
of 15.48), James Wilkinson (U23, 5000m: 14.04), Dean Miller (1500m 4.18 mins
and Paralympic hopeful)… to name but a
few. It made me appreciate just how fast
world class athletes can run. I’ve seen
it on television, I’ve watched it live in stadiums but there’s nothing quite
like being lapped to really bring it home to you!
I’m currently working with all level of athletes; juniors at
the Cockermouth School running club, recreational athletes who come to my
classes to improve their fitness and some ‘local champions’ who are aiming to
improve their national ranking. Perhaps
one day, one of the Cockermouth juniors will be at the Font Romeu training camp. With a little talent and a lot of hard work,
most things are possible.
Picture: Sam Ayers with Athletes Dean Miller, Hannah Walker
and Hannah England plus another NCDP coach Don Lennon. Having done a drills session led by Hannah
England.
