Training Tips

Start Now: Find a training buddy or two and keep each other motivated!

Walk

Start by walking at least an hour a day. Walk five times per week. As soon as you can walk an hour comfortably, increase your time. As quickly as you can, increase the difficulty of your walks or hikes. This will increase your leg strength, as well as provide a more effective cardiovascular training for you. Hike up and down hills as much as possible.

Climb Steps

A football stadium or tall building is an excellent place to do some stair stepping.

Bicycle Riding

Riding your bike is also good for building up your endurance. Make sure you wear a helmet!

Hike

Hike or walk with your backpack loaded. It is a good idea to get used to carrying the weight before you have to carry it for a whole day going up Pikes Peak. Training with your fanny pack or a daypack loaded can also help you learn how to adjust it for the most comfort.

Vary Your Training

Keep it interesting by hiking different routes. Hike one day, ride a stationary bike the next, climb some stairs the following day, and so on!

The Test

This simple test can serve as a guide to help you find your level of fitness and readiness for the Pikes Peak Challenge. If you are over the age of 50, you may need a higher level of training and fitness. Take into account your own personal drive and attitude. If you come from outside of Colorado, the altitude difference of your city may require more intensive training.

To attempt the Pikes Peak Challenge, a person must be able to sustain at least 28 points per week for 6 consecutive weeks.

Download this training log to help yourself track your progress.

For each of the activities listed below, give yourself the number of points indicated.

  • Walking a mile: 1 Point
  • Walking an hour or more without stopping: 1 Point
  • Jogging 20 minutes or more: 2 Points
  • Climbing stairs for 15 minutes or more: 2 Points

If you have pronounced balance problems, subtract 25% of your points.

Example

One person walked 3 miles each day for 5 days in one week. Each walk took an hour.

  • 3 points for each mile
  • 1 additional point for walking non-stop for an hour
  • 4 points for each day
  • 4 points x 5 days = 20 points for the week

They also jogged 20 minutes on 2 days and did 15 minutes of stair climbing on 2 days.

  • 4 points for the jogging
  • 4 points for the stair climbing
  • Brings the total point count to 28 for the week