Michele Boscacci: “Summer training means everything”
Ski mountaineering has been part of my life since I was a child. Later it developed into a passion and fortunately, I was able to make it my profession as a sponsored athlete for La-Sportiva.
But my training is not limited to the winter. If I can achieve maximum performance in winter, it is only because I pay a lot of attention to my preparation, which usually starts around mid-June.
The summer programme of La Sportiva athlete Michele Boscacci
In the summer I alternate between cycling and running, with running playing a more substantial role – especially to refine the technical preparation and less to cover as many kilometres as possible. I focus on running uphill on short trails in the mountains of my home country. I like trail running because, compared to cycling, it gives me the opportunity to get more in tune with my surroundings. A similar feeling to skiing in winter. That’s why I try to take only the bare essentials with me when I train: light shoes like the Helios SR, the La Sportiva Tempo Shorts, and the La Sportiva Limitless T-shirt to feel free and at peace with myself.
Running is fundamental to my preparation: I learn to move lightly uphill and to develop movement sequences that are automated by my body and which I can recall months later when I go ski mountaineering. That is why I divide my running training into classic running and mountain running with poles. In September and October, I also take part in some competitions, but more for fun and laughs than to pursue personal goals. Winter is when I become serious! I like to run some verticals where I can go to my limits and reach the maximum of my performance as if it were a dress rehearsal to test my fitness before the skiing season.
Running: for everybody and professional athletes alike
Running makes up most of my training. However, we shouldn’t forget that stress and recovery times have to be adapted, not only to the time available but above all to the goals you set yourself for winter. For hobby and competitive athletes, running is a particularly suitable training method in all seasons. Running is less time-consuming and less costly, which is very practical when there is not much time left over for sport after everyday activities. Running also allows you to reach high intensities and improve your fitness in a very short time.
Are you also an enthusiastic ski mountaineer and trail runner and are you looking for suitable equipment? Then take a look at our La Sportiva brand shop: