Thanks for the feedback! I'm going to take a set for the second lap. They're collapsible so I can always stuff them in my pack. Settled on the Black Diamond Distance Z.
Quote:
Utilizing the current research, the 'metabolic crossover' point where using poles becomes metabolically more economical than without is somewhere near a 26% grade. While in my opinion this exact crossover point is a bit fuzzy (it could be as shallow as a 15% grade or steeper than 26%), the point to remember is that in all but the steepest conditions, using poles will cost you more oxygen, making the effort cardiovascular harder.
To put a 26% grade in perspective, below are some common climbs in trail and ultrarunning with their gradients (all data obtained from Strava segments).
Hardrock 100
Cunningham Gulch to Little Giant Ridge
1.9 miles/2,432 feet
25% grade
Leadville Trail 100
Hope Pass- South Side
2.53 miles/2,456 feet
18% grade
Western States 100*
Devil's Thumb
1.53 miles/1,577 feet
19% grade
coop-aero-06 said:
Good luck at Franklin.
FYI to all - registration opened today for The Canyons 100k. The entire course is run on the same trails as Western States, so for anyone who wants to get a taste of those trails but can't get into States, this is a great race. This will be one of my "A" races next year.
AggieOO said:
Not entirely true. It was moved from March to fall due to golden cheek warblers. It was canceled bc tejas trails couldn't pull off the race after the move, which really makes no sense with their experience and resources. Something else was going on.
I came to post this when they announced, but then realized i got the ban hammer for a post over on the zoo. Its their site, so they can moderate however they want, but what i said was pretty tame compared to what is posted regularly over there.c-jags said:
They did add one at Spider Mountain that looks fun.