In the challenging world of ultra running, where endurance and resilience are paramount, breath training is often the key to unlocking peak one’s potential. Isocapnic, led by founder and CEO Luke Way, brings a wealth of experience, making the Isocapnic Breathe Way Better (BWB) device the perfect training tool for ultra runners.
Luke’s extensive involvement in the renowned Badwater 135-mile race in Death Valley, both as a regular fixture on the safety and operations staff, and with his wife Stacey’s impressive two-time finish, highlights Isocapnic’s deep connection with the ultra running community. Stacey’s role as the assistant to the race director, collaborating with Chief Adventure Officer Chris Kostman, further exemplifies their commitment to understanding the unique demands of ultramarathon racing.
Endurance in ultra running is not just about leg muscles; the respiratory system plays a crucial role. One great example of this is the metaboreflex, where an untrained respiratory system can cause the diverting of resources away from the working leg muscles to protect the integrity of the lung. This highlights the interconnectedness of cardiovascular fitness and overall endurance. Isocapnic’s BWB device addresses this by providing targeted respiratory training, ensuring that runners are equipped to face the gruelling distances with optimized and unhindered performance.
Managing pain is a significant
aspect of ultra running, and the respiratory system’s role in this process is often underestimated. An increased respiration rate during moments of soreness and fatigue can be a telltale sign of the body’s attempt to cope. Isocapnic’s BWB not only conditions the respiratory system for endurance but also aids in effective pain management, preventing premature loss of performance.
Effective post-run recovery is paramount for ultra runners, and the BWB’s controlled hypercapnic sessions provide a distinctive edge. Hypercapnic refers to exposure to elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. It is critical for athletes to tolerate CO2, given that it is one of the major byproducts of energy production in the body. Beyond boosting recovery, these sessions play a pivotal role in improving overall respiratory health. They serve as a robust stimulus for respiratory fitness and contribute to conditioning the body’s ability to thrive in environments with higher-than-normal CO2 levels..
Many ultra races unfold in high-altitude environments, presenting an additional challenge for participants. The Isocapnic BWB becomes an invaluable tool in preconditioning the respiratory system, helping athletes cope and adapt to the reduced oxygen levels prevalent at higher altitudes. This strategic preparation can make a significant difference in an athlete’s ability to perform optimally under extreme conditions. Luke and the Isocapnic team have created specific protocols to follow to help with this.
The Badwater 135 ultra marathon, notorious
for its extreme heat, poses a distinctive set of challenges. Breath control becomes instrumental in regulating the body’s temperature during such races. Isocapnic’s BWB, with its focus on respiratory training, provides runners with a tool to enhance their breath control, contributing to more effective temperature regulation in high-temperature environments.
The Isocapnic Breathe Way Better device emerges as a comprehensive solution for ultra running athletes, addressing not only the physical demands of long-distance races but also the unique challenges presented by extreme conditions. Luke and the Isocapnic team’s deep involvement in the ultra running community underscores their commitment to providing athletes with a tool that can truly make a difference in their performance and overall well-being.
