Christina Franco North Pole Solo 2010

Training has had to take a new focus. As opposed to dragging all of my supplies on a sled as I do on the Pole, In Namibia I will have to carry it all on my back. The pack is expected to weigh in at 80lbs when we set off so I have started walking around town with a pack weighing 48lbs and hope to build up slowly giving my bones the chance to get accustomed to the added strain. This is similar to the training I had to undergo for the Sand Marathon although my pack never weighed more than 15kg. Dr Middlebrook and Neil have come up with a new training schedule to help me get stronger in my legs, hips and shoulders. Every week we will put up one of the exercises that has been added to my schedule.

May 2009 Report from Dr. Andrew Middlebrooke

Since June 2008, Christina has been undergoing a series of physiological assessments in order to optimize her physical training and improve her chances of completing her Polar challenge. The latest assessment comes immediately after arriving home following Christina’s successful training mission to the North Pole. This allows us to look at the effect of the environment and physical work on her body’s physiological capacities. Here’s a summary of the changes that occurred from Pre- to Post-Polar expedition!

There was no significant change in Christina’s blood pressure pre v post the North Pole, however her resting heart rate was lower suggesting a training effect. Christina’s blood hemoglobin (iron) levels were much higher following the trip, which creates an increased capacity of the body to carry oxygen. This is a positive training adaptation.

Christina has lost a small amount of weight pre to post the North Pole trip (-1.7kg), which is very good considering the energy demands of the Polar environment and indicates that Christina has returned, she has managed to fuel herself effectively to replace the lost weight. This weight loss is reflected in a small but significant loss of body fat (2%).

In terms of body shape, we have noted a significant change in Christina’s waist (2.4cm) and hip (2.6cm) circumference, which reflects a change in body composition during the expedition.

Resting Metabolic Rate

There was no significant change in Christina’s resting metabolic rate (RMR) pre v post the North Pole that reflects little change in muscle mass during the expedition.

Exercise Data

This includes the data collected during your maximal exercise test, providing information about your physiological state at each exercise stage. At every exercise stage, Christina was more physiologically economical; with a lower heart rate, oxygen uptake, blood lactate and energy expenditure at each speed. This is a really positive training adaptation suggesting that Christina’s body found each level of exercise easier Post-Pole than before the expedition. This reflects the hard and sustained physical effort that Christina endured which acts as an intense and sustained training session.

At maximal exercise, the data demonstrated that Christina has managed to retain her aerobic capacity (maximal oxygen uptake – VO2max) with negligible change in VO2max (56 v 55) with a high maximal heart rate of 198 b/min.

There was also an improvement in Christina’s Lactate Turnpoint compared to pre-North Pole, which reflects the sustained high intensity work Christina endured. Interesting, her Lactate Threshold decreased slightly pre- and post the expedition which may reflect the lack of exercise stimulus at the easy to moderate intensity zone.

In summary, during the 8-month training period we have seen changes in Christina’s physiology, which was more advantageous to her in completing her Polar Challenge. These included increases in her maximal capacity for aerobic exercise (VO2max), improvements in exercise economy and in the lactate profile (lactate threshold and turn point). These changes have been further improved by the sustained and intense physical work that Christina has had to complete during her North Pole training expedition. This information along with heart rate data collection during this expedition will help the team prepare an even more accurate training programme for Christina’s challenge in 2010!

Glossary Resting Metabolic Rate This is the amount of energy expended while at rest and is measured calculating the gas in her exhaled breath. The same equipment will continue to measure the amount of energy or calories that Christina burns as the exercise increases.
One of the main goals of the program will be to achieve the lowest possible calorie burn at the level of exercise that is estimated Christina will work at while skiing to the North Pole.

VO2 Max This is the maximum oxygen consumption. Christina’s cardiovascular fitness or aerobic capacity will be determined by measuring her breathing while running her to exhaustion.

Lactic threshold This is the point at which Lactic acid starts to accumulate in the blood due to …… It is measured by taking small samples of blood at every level of exertion. Understanding of this threshold will allow the team to tailor-make a program that works Christina in such a way as to push the turning point at a much greater exertion level.

Comparing these tests at 3-month increments it is possible to assess the efficiency of the program and Christina’s progress as well as highlighting any areas that need extra work.

No related posts.