Training hard and getting organised!

During April we have been stepping up the training to make sure we are is the best possible shape for Alaska. Alongside working as IFMGA mountain guides and having plenty of big days out in the mountains, we try and fit in at least 20 hours/week of specific training:
1) Endurance - running/road cycling
2) Resistance- circuit training/weights/hill reps
3) Climbing specific- bouldering/dry tooling

Yesterday we went for a climb together on the North face of Les Courtes in the Argentiere basin, which was great fun and it really helps with mental preparation to be climbing together in the weeks proceeding an expedition. We soloed the Swiss route in 1hr42mins going at a steady pace (av. heart rate for Jon 150bpm) and then down-climbed the NE face back to our skis.
We also had a day rock climbing in the sun at Balme this week. We used the day to practice different hauling systems as we may end up taking a haul bag on Mount Hunter due to the sustained technical difficulties we foresee.
Recent evenings have been spent getting all our logistics sorted, and we have also received some good news from the British Mountaineering Council in that they have offered us an expedition grant.

 Matt Helliker on the Swiss Route, Les Courtes N face

Jon Bracey descending the East ridge of Les Courtes