Everesting World Record with Keegan Swenson – Successful Athletes Podcast 001

TL;DR

Keegan Swenson discusses his successful Everesting attempt, sharing insights on gear, nutrition, pacing, and challenges faced during the climb.

Transcript

hey everybody coach jonathan here and welcome to a sneak peek of a new podcast from us here at trainer road it's called the successful athletes podcast and it's where we interview individuals who have done something extraordinary on the bike whether that's winning a race whether that's getting a pr or something interesting or noteworthy in any way ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🕴️ Choosing a climb that you enjoy and suits your ability level is crucial for a successful Everesting attempt.
• 🍧 Having a support crew and fellow riders to provide assistance and motivation can make the challenge more enjoyable.
• ✊ Pacing and nutrition should be carefully planned, aiming for sustainable power output and regular carbohydrate intake.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is an Everesting challenge?

An Everesting challenge involves cycling up and down a specific climb until the total elevation gain reaches 29,029 feet, mimicking the height of Mount Everest.

Q: How did Keegan choose the climb for his Everesting attempt?

Keegan picked the Pine Canyon climb in Utah due to its steep grade, consistent incline, and fast descent. He also considered safety, traffic-free roads, and the enjoyment factor.

Q: What was Keegan's pacing strategy during the attempt?

Keegan aimed for a sustainable power output of 270-280 watts, staying within a tempo/sweet spot range. He adjusted his effort nearer to the end to push harder and improve his overall time.

Q: How did Keegan manage his nutrition during the Everesting challenge?

Keegan alternated between real food (such as fig newtons, donuts, and pancakes) and energy gels. He aimed to consume 90 grams of carbs per hour and stayed well-hydrated with a mix of drink mix, water, and Monster Hydro.

Q: Did Keegan make any equipment modifications for the Everesting attempt?

Keegan switched to a compact crankset (34/50) to handle the steep grades and ensured his bike was lightweight by removing non-essential items. He also chose a well-ventilated helmet for comfort during the long climb.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Keegan Swenson attempted and successfully completed an Everesting challenge, setting a new world record.

• He chose a steep climb called Pine Canyon in Utah due to its consistent grade and fast descent.

• Keegan's pacing strategy involved maintaining 270-280 watts throughout the climb, alternating between real food and energy gels for nutrition.

• He relied on a strong support crew and had fellow riders join him for laps, providing motivation and companionship.