Max Bounding

I found a great place to do some grass skiing this morning:

Two weeks ago in Putney was my first time grass skiing. My technique coach Zach Caldwell of Caldwell Sport wanted me to try it to work on a steep running stride in classic. The first hill I did today was a good grade for long bounding, or skimming, as we call it.

The upper hill was too steep to run, even on grass. (I was actually slipping.) It was a good chance to practice herringbone technique (used while classic skiing on very steep terrain.)

I was able to glide coming down.

In total, the morning session was an hour and twenty minute run followed by ten minutes of bounding technique on skis.

This afternoon was another “foot” session, 8-10 by a set distance of about 90 seconds uphill max bounding intervals (with shoes, not skis.)

The session was only an hour total time but the intervals were brutal.

I only finished 8 intervals before the quality was degrading and I stopped the workout. US Ski Team Coach Jason Cork supported the session. We have video of both the morning and afternoon sessions which I’ll post tomorrow. Here’s the data from the afternoon session. (Keep in mind the highest heart rate I’ve ever seen is 184.)

Interval #	Time	Average HR (BPM)	Max HR (BPM)	End HR (BPM)	Lactate (mmol)
1	1:32	155	166	166
Recover for 1:52; HR Down to 119
2	1:29	157	172	172
Recover for 1:51; HR Down to 123
3	1:30	159	175	175
Recover for 1:46; HR Down to 123
4	1:31	161	176	176
Recover for 2:06; HR Down to 127
5	1:29	161	176	176
Recover for 2:16; HR Down to 124
6	1:28	160	176	176
Recover for 2:21; HR Down to 126
7	1:32	161	175	175
Recover for 2:42; HR Down to 130
8	1:32	160	174	174	9.6