Aidan "trundles away the miles."

British Red Bull X-Alps competitor has been beefing up his training, recently completing a long distance session using a variable speed technique and carrying a rucksack to "make it more realistic."

"This is a marathon session in which Aidan walked or jogged 42km in 5hr 20min," says coach Eddie Fletcher. "His average heart rate (HR) was 64% of the maximum and the highest it went was 73%.

"Average speed was 7.9km/h with a maximum of 13.4km/h. His calorie consumption was over 3000kcal which works out at about 600kcal per hour.


Aidan picks up the story: "There are only so many hill repeats of Richmond Hill that you can stand before you get a little bored, and you get strange looks from people worried for your sanity.

"I therefore decided to head to the wonderful Dorset Coast to attempt a 42km route along the notoriously hilly coastal path. The hills here may not be as high as the Alps, but what they lack in height they make up for in number.

"My average HR was 123 meaning I used 3200kcal, although I ate so many Jelly Babies en-route that I may have actually put on weight.

"Running a new route like this is a great way of training, the countryside and views are stunning, which it makes it so much easier to trundle away the miles."

This type of training is extremely important for Red Bull X-Alps athletes, says Eddie. "Energy efficiency will be important when in the Alps."

"Walking is very energy efficient (as expected) and it can be quickly seen how running, then climbing causes fatigue to build quickly and uses far more energy. A Red Bull X-Alps athlete must be able to balance the amount of walking, running, climbing and flying properly."