Running
How to train like a Red Bull 400 champion
The winner of the first ever Red Bull 400 race in Whistler shares his training tips, and trust us, Red Bull 400 demands no less than training like a champ.
Red Bull 400 is all about the basics according to Brandon Crichton, the winner of the 2015 Red Bull 400 race in Whistler, B.C. You don’t need fancy training apparatuses or high tech gadgets to be fast, you just need a trusty pair of kicks, some good tunes (Drake, if you’re Crichton), and a stopwatch.
Brandon Crichton climbs to victory at Red Bull 400
© Brian Caissie / Red Bull Content Pool
Crichton smiles at the base of the Whistler venue.
© Scott Serfas / Red Bull Content Pool
Crichton follows his own advice.
© Scott Serfas / Red Bull Content Pool
Because Crichton is a nice dude, he’s decided to share 10 tips on how to prepare for a 400m vertical race.
1. Build your support team
You’ve got to have the best family to support and understand that you need to get in workouts prior to Red Bull 400.
2. Run up the steepest hill in your neighbourhood
Some bushwacking might be required. Record your time and go there tomorrow again to beat that time.
3. Go 100% every time you lace up your shoes:
There are no easy days. I don’t have time for “easy runs.” I’m too busy with family or work.
4. Eat, drink and be merry
When you want to drink beer, eat a ton of food, or be lazy… do it. Your body probably needs it.
5. Tell as many friends as possible that you’re going to win
It’s the “Theory of Commitment.” The more you tell, the more you feel you have to perform.
6. Be stress-free on event day
Drink a ton of coffee, hang out with friends, and don’t run around like a crazy elite runner. Just chill. No warm up will prepare you for a 40 degree slope.
7. Eat less two weeks leading up to the event
Weight loss is great. It makes you faster. I don’t watch what I eat, but I do have to be careful of gluten sprinkled items because of my allergy.
8. Look good -- get a great pair of socks.
If your #sockgame is good, you’ll feel faster. Feeling faster is half the battle.
9. Have a pair of shoes in your car at all times
When you find spare time in the day, throw them on and go sprint for five minute intervals. It works. I change outfits two to three times a day depending on my schedule.
10. Know that you can’t buy fitness
The heart rate monitor, the calorie counter, the GPS device – its all fun, but I use a stopwatch my wife bought me when we got married. It’s all I need to see if I’m fast or slow.
