Tips from those who have been there before:
by Greg Hill
Have tips you'd like to share? Email them here: 24hoursofsunlight@gmail.com.
Training - Obviously one of the more important tips. Train.
In my opinion I would train on climbs that are similar to
what we will be lapping. So get used to climbing 2000 ft
at elevations around 9000ft. Try and train yourself to climb
at a rate that does not exhaust but tires. Figure out your
pace and stick to it, someone else's will not work for you.
Don't over train, but get out there and get ready. Nothing
prepares for long days as well as long days. get used to
the physical and mental exhaustion, learn to love the pain.
Psyche your self on the ups by looking forward to the downs.
Gear - Get the lightest gear you can get your hands on. Dynafit
bindings are the optimum choice. So light and so fluid. Goode,
Dynafit and Atomic all make light skis around 800 grams.
Light is essential. Bring extra skins. three to four pairs
for solo participants. Cross country ski poles will allow
you to use your arms as well as your legs to propel yourself
upwards.
Boots - Figure out which boots are suited to you and make
em as light as possible. Then wear them every day up to
the race so that they are an extension of your body and won't
give you any pains on race day.
Clothing - The temperature and weather could change drastically.
Be prepared for it all. Also figure out the optimum layering
system. Each person is different, figure yourself out.
My arcteryx softshell system works for all conditions.
Fuel - Eat well before and during the race. I try and snack
in between laps,either as I ski down or briefly while I
skin up. But again figure yourself out, what works for
me may not work for you. Some like to eat constantly, others every
2-3 hours.
Attitude - Mental training is key. Learn to trick yourself
into believing that this will be easy. It is as easy as
you make it. My mantra is breathe and believe. By relaxing
and believing in my goal, usually the impossible becomes possible.
Relax and learn to enjoy the suffering. Remember that it
will end.

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