SGPT interviews Sinister 7 Ultra finisher Steve Lamontagne

Sometimes things dont work out as you planned. We fail to reach our objective. But we learn lessons that we can apply to our next big goal.

Steve shows us first hand how he changed his training program and achieves success on his recent tough Ultra race in the mountains of Canada.

Check out this interview as Steve gives us the recipe to success and reaching your next big goal.

SGPT: Tell us about yourself? Where are you from and where do you train?

SL: I’m 50 years old with my wife of 30 years now. I also have 3 kids, 2 daughters and a son, between the ages of 19 to 25. I’m a heavy duty mechanic, working mainly with buses and shop foreman . I’m living in Airdrie, Alberta Canada but I originate from the east as a french canadian.

SGPT: Did you have an athletic background growing up?

SL: I’m a black belt in shaolin kung fu, level 2 CKM krav maga. I am a simple guy who likes to push myself to my limits and beyond. I began running a few years ago, starting with small distances of 5 or 10 km then switching to a 4/4/48 program; the David Goggins challenge. I am always striving to achieve longer distances.

SGPT: Tell us a little about the event? Where was it?

SL: The Sinister Sports is a series of ultra races, my first event this year was sinister 7 ultra with a 50 km race, but they also have 50 miles and 100 miles. It’s a trail run; 3 legs between 16,7 to 18,3 km with an elevation of around 2000 m up and down. The race took place at Crowsnest Pass in southwest Calgary, Alberta.

SGPT: How did you train for the Sinister 7 Ultra?

SL: Last year I tried the Canadian death race which is a 100 km with only run training , I didn’t make the cut after leg 3 82 km and over 12 hrs . Therefore, this year, I made changes to my training program.

I primarily changed my running routine but, in addition to my regular routine I added a SGPT 45 Day training and a SGPT Summer challenge.

Between the SGPT programs, I did some of 1% every day and it was my best training ever. I like the fact that I receive an email the day before, I never know what to expect and the community is awesome.

SGPT: What was the hardest part of the event?

SL: Climbing hills is my biggest struggle, as such, fixing this issue is my main focus. Some hills are very hard and challenging for me. Leg 2 was crazy. This year it was Reverso, so we ran right to the left on this picture.

SGPT: What kind of trail running shoes did you use for the event?

SL: I used 2 different kinds of trail running shoes. For some of the hardest parts, I use Salomon speed track and for the “easy” trails, I use Salomon Synapse.

SGPT: Did you use body glide on your feet to prevent blisters? Trail running specific socks?

SL: I use Vaseline and kt band for my calves and compress socks.

SGPT: Did you carry a running vest or small backpack/ruck? What kind of ruck did you use for training and the event?

SL: I got a running vest for the race with 2 L of water but for my training routine I like to use a 40 lbs vest or a backpack/ruck. However, I have to buy a proper ruck backpack for my next training 30 days ruck challenge.

SGPT: What is one thing you wish you would have done to get ready for a Sinister 7 Ultra event?

SL: I wish I had done more climb training and improved my performance on hills. Using stairs has been one of my most efficient ways to enhance my abilities on steep hills.

SGPT: Any tips for up and coming athletes that want to do an Ultra race or start training??

SL: I suggest finding a good running program with SGPT training.

Questions from our SGPT Athletes

Question: Coach; I want to train for a GORUCK light that is coming up in the spring. I am not in shape so how do I get started?

Answer: Good question. I would start by walking in your neighborhood and then slowly add a 10 lb weight vest. Check out this SGPT article: GORUCK Training Tips

About the Author:
Are you training for a SEALFIT 20X, GORUCK or Spartan Race? Want to climb a local peak or finish a long endurance trail run?