Running up a 14,000 foot Mountain (1) - Seth James DeMoor

Aug 13, 2025

Intro

This is a quick summary of Running up a 14,000 foot Mountain (1) from Seth James DeMoor. It’s an inspiring watch — we’re breaking it down so you can try the workout today. Be sure to check out the full video for all the details.

Key Points

Altitude training on a 14,000‑ft Colorado “fourteener” is Seth’s “secret sauce” for improving lung capacity and overall speed.
A typical ascent is about 6 mi up with ~4,000 ft of vertical gain (total 12 mi round‑trip).
He uses the mountain run as a specific endurance session that translates to faster half‑marathon times.
Practical gear tip: choose shoes with good traction for ice/snow (e.g., Salomon Gator or Speedcross) and dress for cold, wet conditions.
Set incremental time goals – his best to‑top time is 1:17, current run was 1:33; aim to shave minutes each outing.

Workout Example

Mountain Altitude Run – 6 mi Up, 6 mi Down (≈4,000 ft gain)

1️⃣ Warm‑up: 10‑15 min easy jog on flat ground.
2️⃣ Ascent: Run the 6 mi uphill at a steady, effort‑controlled pace (roughly 75‑80% of max HR). Focus on consistent effort rather than speed; ice/snow may slow you.
3️⃣ Turnaround at the summit.
4️⃣ Descent: 6 mi down, keep effort easy to recover (60‑65% HR). Stay mindful of footing on icy sections.
5️⃣ Cool‑down: 10‑15 min easy jog or walk.

Goal: Aim to reach the summit in **1:15–1:20** once you’re acclimated. Adjust the total time based on conditions and your fitness level.

Tip: Use the Pacing app to log your hill intervals and compare effort levels across runs.

Closing Note

Give this altitude‑gain workout a try on your next mountain or steep hill – it’s a fantastic way to build strength, stamina, and mental toughness. Customize the distances and paces to suit your current fitness, and track everything in the Pacing app. Happy climbing, and don’t forget to watch Seth’s full video for more inspiration!