Last week our very own CORE Product Manager, Tobias Schmid, finished first (alongside teammate Ramon Gut) in the men’s team Transalpine Run 2024, a 253km 7-day stage race in the alps with over 16k meters of elevation. Athletes weathered cold conditions for most of the race as the warm temps of the start line gave way to freezing rain and snow by the finish. 

Tobi showed up to the start line with a Heat Adaptation Score of 80% after doing an intensive heat training block earlier this year followed by strategic maintenance sessions throughout the summer. So why put so much focus on heat training for such a cold race?

There is a common misconception that heat training is only useful if you are preparing for a hot race. As Product Manager at CORE, Tobi knows better than anyone that this is not true.

When an athlete conducts heat training, they increase their levels of blood plasma and hemoglobin. This means more oxygen can be delivered to their muscles at a given heart rate. Scientific studies show that after an intensive heat training block athletes can experience a 3-6% increase in VO2 max and power, which translates to a 2-4% increase in velocity in running – even in cool conditions.

Despite the cold racing conditions, Tobi's heat prep undoubtedly contributed to his overall performance in the race which ultimately earned him and his teammate a victory.

Here is a look at Tobi’s heat training protocol leading up to the race:

Intensive heat training block in May

• 11 heat suit sessions in 11 days with one reduced day (5 sessions on the bike, 6 on the treadmill)
• Heat Adaptation Score up to 87%

Maintenance throughout summer

• 1-2 maintenance / hard heat sessions a week: indoor bike / treadmill or specific hot days outdoor overdressed
• Never letting Heat Adaptation Score get below 65%

Top-off session

• Last heat maintenance session 5 days before race
• Started race at 80% Heat Adaptation Score