Saying Good-bye to a Dear Friend
![Cosmo.Colon.JJ[1].jpg](/images/about_us/our_guides/Jeff_Justman/Jeff_Justman/s_Cosmo.Colon.JJ[1].jpg)
We are sad to say good-bye to Mountain Link Guide, Colon Falconi. Colon, from Quito, Ecuador passed away this May from a climbing accident. He was a favorite among those who had an opportunity to climb with him. Not only was he a great guide, he was a great friend. Colon, you will be missed more than words can describe. - Keep Climbin'
Training Series
At Mountain Link we are constantly looking for new ways to bring greater value to the folks we climb with. Over the next few issues of The Tie-In we will bring you a series of articles with some insights as to how to maximize the return on your training investment. These pieces will also serve to introduce you to Mountain Link's newest partner, Kevin Grove of Therapeutic Associates. Not only has he worked with world class endurance athletes in a variety of outdoor pursuits (including Steve House; one of a handful of alpinism/mountaineering's vanguard climbers), but Kevin is an accomplished climber and endurance athlete who understands first-hand the specialized training needs of climbers.
Aerobic Endurance
With clear mountain climbing goals in mind, training becomes fun and a part of everyday life. The four important elements of fitness fundamentals to keep in mind are aerobic endurance, strength, flexibility, and nutrition. All of these elements link together, and are equally important. We will touch on each of these elements in the next four months beginning with aerobic endurance this month.
Aerobic endurance, or cardiovascular fitness, is paramount to success in the mountains. Becoming a fit and efficient climber does not happen over night. It takes hard work up front putting in miles and hours running, hiking, cycling, swimming, or any other activity that elevates your heart rate for a sustained effort. Training taxes your aerobic engine making you a more efficient climber. Your body adapts to the training with an increased ability to transport oxygen to your muscles and to utilize the oxygen where it is needed for aerobic respiration and energy production.
Training at different heart rate levels, or zones, is also important as it taxes your body in different ways using all the muscles groups and different types of muscles. A mixture of long distance workouts at a slow talking pace (pace where you are comfortable talking to your partner without gasping) along with interval workouts that are shorter in duration at higher heart rates lead to supreme climbing fitness. Hill repeats are an example of interval training.
Rest is an equally important part of aerobic endurance training. Your body needs a chance to recover and re-build while training to recharge and recover. Overtraining can lead to injuries, illness, or set you back instead of moving your fitness forward.
Next month we will discuss strength and the role it plays in climbing success.
Cho Oyu Videos
Check out all the videos from the spring 2007 Mountain Link Cho Oyu Expedition. Click here to Watch
Are you ready to take on the challenge of an 8000 meter peak? Join Mountain Link's 2007 Fall Cho Oyu Expedition. Only 6 team members will accompany Nepal's strongest Sherpa crew led by Lhawang Dhondup. E-mail info@mountain-link.com immediately to join the team leaving August 24th.
Fall/Winter Climbing Opportunities
Whether it's an 11 day trip or a 22 day trip, Mountain Link's Fall and Winter adventures are filling up fast. Here are a few options to get out into the mountains.
Orizaba Express: November 4 - 10
Ecuador Mountaineering Seminar: November 7 - 18
Ecuador Crowns of the Incan Empire: November 29 - December 9
Aconcagua, Argentina: (Special Note): Please contact us if interested. We have four expeditions scheduled starting in December. Spots are filling up fast. Call 800-408-8949 or e-mail: info@mountain-link.com
