100 Miles of Wild: Explorer's Club Flag 112 Report

100 Miles of Wild: Explorer's Club Flag 112 Report

On April 22nd, 2013 (Earth Day), Adventure Science launched it’s eighth scientific field expedition. It was also given the honour of carrying The Explorers Club Flag 112 due to its uniqueness, and scientific merit. Between April 22 and May 02, three two-person teams trekked 270 miles (generally off-trail), and gained over 47,000 ft. of elevation through the rugged North Dakota Badlands to observe and document the state of wilderness, and the current effect the Bakken oil boom is having on this inspiring landscape. The results of this project were documented in an extensive report written for The Explorers Club, and the project findings were also included in a chapter of the 2016 edited volume, Bakken Goes Boom.

Click here to read the full report.

Blaze: The Niagara Escarpment Race: A study on the physiological effects of multi-day stage running on trained endurance athletes

Blaze: The Niagara Escarpment Race: A study on the physiological effects of multi-day stage running on trained endurance athletes

The Science Behind BLAZE: The Niagara Escarpment Race

To read the scientific paper, click here.

For more information on the scientific background and Q/A, click here.

Background: The race will test the mental and physical endurance of 20 elite male and female endurance athletes competing in a continuous relay over the length of the Niagara Escarpment UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve (894 km). This event provides a unique opportunity to complete a scientific study on the “real life” stresses of competing in the field including factors that cannot be recreated in the laboratory setting; elevation gain, rocky terrain, trips and falls, cuts and bruises, environmental changes (heat, rain, humidity), and the difficulties of transporting all food and fuel during the run.

Methods: All 20 athletes will record training and diet for 2 months prior to the race and will visit the Corkins/Lammert Neuromuscular and Mitochondrial Disease Clinic at McMaster University Medical Center to complete a VO2maxtest on a treadmill, a DEXA scan for body composition assessment, and leg strength assessment. In addition, subjects will perform a maximal oxygen uptake test (VO2max) test on a treadmill in the McMaster High Performance Laboratory located in the David Braley Athletic Centre*. We will be taking blood samples on the morning of the start and upon finishing the race for analysis of muscle damage (CK activity) and blood counts (hemoglobin, white blood cell counts and type). Urine will also be collected to determine oxidative stress (free radical damage). During the run we will collect diet records, heart rate, mood scales, and scales to indicate the perception of overall muscle pain and fatigue.

Results: That We Will Be Evaluating: From the above measurements we will be looking at interesting concepts including:

How much carbon dioxide is produced running the Niagara Escarpment (what is the carbon footprint for a runner vs a car)?

  • How many heart beats does it take to run the escarpment and how many liters of blood would be pumped?
  • What is the caloric cost of running the escarpment (how many hamburgers does it cost to run it)?
  • What will determine success (age, average hours of training before the race, nutritional intake during the run)?
  • Will women show less oxidative stress and muscle damage as compared to men?
  • How will the older team (Mitochondria) fare against the younger team (Muscle)?

Why Are We Doing This: We hope that the scientific results from this event will help athletes of all abilities train and compete more effectively, but our primary goals are:

  • To highlight a true natural wonder of the world – The Niagara Escarpment
  • To inspire people to get outdoors and start exercising in a manner that is respectful of the environment
  • Show that science and exploration are exciting, rewarding, and necessary
  • Raise awareness of common diseases that lead to impairments in muscle strength (muscular dystrophy) and energy provision (mitochondrial disease) that cause major suffering to hundreds of thousands of people in North America and yet are relatively “under the radar”.

* In addition to being used for research purposes, the McMaster High Performance Laboratory offers a range of commonly sought after fitness tests including VO2max and body composition on a fee-for-service basis. For additional information on this new state-of-the-art facility, click:
McMaster High Performance Laboratory

Gallery:

Team Muscles:

Muscular Dystrophy CanadaTeam Muscles is raising money for Muscular Dystrophy Canada. Click here to make a donation online.

Muscular Dystrophy Canada

Team Muscles is raising money for Muscular Dystrophy Canada. Click here to make a donation online.

Charlotte Vasarhelyi, 33Occupation: Engineering SpecialistAttackpoint Alias: n/aAthletics: Elite Ultra-RunnerOther: MSc., Environmental Researcher, Team Canada 24 Hour Ultra Running 2006-2009, McNaughton Park Trail 150 Mile Women's Course Record Hol…

Charlotte Vasarhelyi, 33
Occupation: Engineering Specialist
Attackpoint Alias: n/a
Athletics: Elite Ultra-Runner
Other: MSc., Environmental Researcher, Team Canada 24 Hour Ultra Running 2006-2009, McNaughton Park Trail 150 Mile Women's Course Record Holder, Funeral Run 50 Miler Women's Course Record Holder, HURT 100 Miler 2nd Female (2008), Podium finishes at 100 Milers 2005-2008

Derek Caveney, 32Occupation: EngineerAttackpoint Alias: d-moneyAthletics: Elite Runner, Elite Adventure Racer, Expert CyclistOther: PhD, Primal Quest, Search for Steve Fossett

Derek Caveney, 32
Occupation: Engineer
Attackpoint Alias: d-money
Athletics: Elite Runner, Elite Adventure Racer, Expert Cyclist
Other: PhD, Primal Quest, Search for Steve Fossett

Gary Hudson, 28Occupation: RMTAttackpoint Alias: RockAthletics: Elite Cyclist, Elite Runner, Elite DuathleteOther: Canadian Duathlon Team, Ontario Mountain Bike Team, World 24-Hours of Adrenaline, Search for Steve Fossett

Gary Hudson, 28

Occupation: RMT
Attackpoint Alias: Rock
Athletics: Elite Cyclist, Elite Runner, Elite Duathlete
Other: Canadian Duathlon Team, Ontario Mountain Bike Team, World 24-Hours of Adrenaline, Search for Steve Fossett

Hans Fransson, 37Occupation: TeacherAttackpoint Alias: SuddenAthletics: Elite Orienteerer and Ski-Orienteerer, Elite Runner, Elite Nordic SkierOther: Father of Two, World Orienteering Championships 2007

Hans Fransson, 37

Occupation: Teacher
Attackpoint Alias: Sudden
Athletics: Elite Orienteerer and Ski-Orienteerer, Elite Runner, Elite Nordic Skier
Other: Father of Two, World Orienteering Championships 2007

Jack Van Dorp, 25Occupation: Urban PlannerAttackpoint Alias: frankenjackAthletics: Elite Nordic Skier, Marathon Kayaker, Elite Runner, Triathlete, DuathleteOther: Two Time World Jr Quadrathlon Champion, Team Ontario Nordic Skiing…

Jack Van Dorp, 25

Occupation: Urban Planner
Attackpoint Alias: frankenjack
Athletics: Elite Nordic Skier, Marathon Kayaker, Elite Runner, Triathlete, Duathlete
Other: Two Time World Jr Quadrathlon Champion, Team Ontario Nordic Skiing 2001-2004, cycled across Canada

Jeff MacInnis, 45Occupation: Business Race CoachAttackpoint Alias: n/aAthletics: Elite Cyclist, Elite Adventure RacerOther: Father of Three Boys, Canadian Alpine Ski Team, Eco Challenge, Northwest Passage, Overland Challenge

Jeff MacInnis, 45

Occupation: Business Race Coach
Attackpoint Alias: n/a
Athletics: Elite Cyclist, Elite Adventure Racer
Other: Father of Three Boys, Canadian Alpine Ski Team, Eco Challenge, Northwest Passage, Overland Challenge

Kate MacNamara, 27Occupation: Registered Nurse, Pediatrics at McMaster Children's HospitalAttackpoint Alias: KatieMacAthletics: Elite Road Runner, Elite Hockey PlayerOther: Two Time Winner of Around the Bay Road Race, Second Plac…

Kate MacNamara, 27

Occupation: Registered Nurse, Pediatrics at McMaster Children's Hospital
Attackpoint Alias: KatieMac
Athletics: Elite Road Runner, Elite Hockey Player
Other: Two Time Winner of Around the Bay Road Race, Second Place Finisher in Both Toronto and Niagara International Marathons, Boston Marathon Elite Female Competitor

Scott Ford, 34Occupation: Development Manager, Bullfrog PowerAttackpoint Alias: HanselAthletics: Elite Adventure Racer, Elite Paddler, Elite Runner, Mountain BikerOther: New Father, Eco-Challenge 2000 – 2002, Primal Quest 2005, 2…

Scott Ford, 34

Occupation: Development Manager, Bullfrog Power
Attackpoint Alias: Hansel
Athletics: Elite Adventure Racer, Elite Paddler, Elite Runner, Mountain Biker
Other: New Father, Eco-Challenge 2000 – 2002, Primal Quest 2005, 2006, 2008

Wes Roberts, 33Occupation: eHealth Privacy AnalystAttackpoint Alias: Superwes1000Athletics: Elite Ultra-Runner, MarathonerOther: Father of Two

Wes Roberts, 33

Occupation: eHealth Privacy Analyst
Attackpoint Alias: Superwes1000
Athletics: Elite Ultra-Runner, Marathoner
Other: Father of Two

Team Mitochondria

United Mitochondrial Disease FoundationTeam Mitochondria is raising money for the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation. Click here to make a donation online.

United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation

Team Mitochondria is raising money for the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation. Click here to make a donation online.

David Rowlands, 36Occupation: Professor of Sport Science and NutritionAttackpoint Alias: n/aAthletics: Professional Duathlete, Elite Road and Mountain Biking, Mountain RunningOther: Duathlon World Championships

David Rowlands, 36

Occupation: Professor of Sport Science and Nutrition
Attackpoint Alias: n/a
Athletics: Professional Duathlete, Elite Road and Mountain Biking, Mountain Running
Other: Duathlon World Championships

Patrick Goeres, 24Occupation: Student, AthleteAttackpoint Alias: Mr.PitherAthletics: Elite Orienteerer, Elite Nordic Skier, Elite Trail RunnerOther: North American, Canadian, US Orienteering Champion

Patrick Goeres, 24

Occupation: Student, Athlete
Attackpoint Alias: Mr.Pither
Athletics: Elite Orienteerer, Elite Nordic Skier, Elite Trail Runner
Other: North American, Canadian, US Orienteering Champion

Mark Tarnopolsky, 46Occupation: MD, Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at McMaster UniversityAttackpoint Alias: n/aAthletics: Elite winter triathlete, Ski-Orienteering World Championships, 3-Time Ontario Trail Running Series Champio…

Mark Tarnopolsky, 46

Occupation: MD, Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at McMaster University
Attackpoint Alias: n/a
Athletics: Elite winter triathlete, Ski-Orienteering World Championships, 3-Time Ontario Trail Running Series Champion, Elite Duathlete, Elite Adventure Racer
Other: Father of Three Girls, Clinician and Researcher in Neuromuscular Diseases

Robyn Allen, 32Occupation: PhysiotherapistAttackpoint Alias: BirdAthletics: Elite Adventure Racer, Expert Trail Runner, Mountain BikerOther: Mother of Two Boys

Robyn Allen, 32

Occupation: Physiotherapist
Attackpoint Alias: Bird
Athletics: Elite Adventure Racer, Expert Trail Runner, Mountain Biker
Other: Mother of Two Boys

Bob McGrath, 37Occupation: Sales RepAttackpoint Alias: n/aAthletics: Ultrarunner, Adventure Racer, ClimberOther: Candian Death Race, Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, Podium Finishes OUS 50km Ultra Series

Bob McGrath, 37

Occupation: Sales Rep
Attackpoint Alias: n/a
Athletics: Ultrarunner, Adventure Racer, Climber
Other: Candian Death Race, Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, Podium Finishes OUS 50km Ultra Series

Allan Magi, 45Occupation: Civil Engineer/ExecutiveAttackpoint Alias: Rolling EstonianAthletics: Elite Nordic Skier, Elite Trail RunnerOther: MBA, P.Eng, Married Father of Two

Allan Magi, 45

Occupation: Civil Engineer/Executive
Attackpoint Alias: Rolling Estonian
Athletics: Elite Nordic Skier, Elite Trail Runner
Other: MBA, P.Eng, Married Father of Two

Martin Rydlo, 37Occupation: Director of Marketing, Campbell SoupAttackpoint Alias: AdventureMartyAthletics: Elite Triathlete, Elite Runner, Elite Adventure RacerOther: Father of One

Martin Rydlo, 37

Occupation: Director of Marketing, Campbell Soup
Attackpoint Alias: AdventureMarty
Athletics: Elite Triathlete, Elite Runner, Elite Adventure Racer
Other: Father of One

Mike Waddington, 41Occupation: Professor, Environmental Science McMaster UniversityAttackpoint Alias: HammerAthletics: Elite Orienteerer, Elite Trail Runner, Elite Adventure Racer, Nordic SkierOther: Father of One, Three Time Nor…

Mike Waddington, 41

Occupation: Professor, Environmental Science McMaster University
Attackpoint Alias: Hammer
Athletics: Elite Orienteerer, Elite Trail Runner, Elite Adventure Racer, Nordic Skier
Other: Father of One, Three Time North American Orienteering Champion, Six Time Canadian Orienteering Champion, World Orienteering Championships

Joany VerschuurenOccupation: Reimbursement Access ManagerAthletics: Elite Ultra-Runner, CyclingOther: Competitor in Many International Running Stage Races

Joany Verschuuren

Occupation: Reimbursement Access Manager
Athletics: Elite Ultra-Runner, Cycling
Other: Competitor in Many International Running Stage Races

Paul Trebilcock, 43Occupation: CarpenterAttackpoint Alias: TurboAthletics: Elite Ultra Runner, Expert Orienteerer, Elite Rock ClimberOther: Father of Two Girls, 2005 50 km Canadian Champion, 2006 50 mile Canadian Champion, 2006 O…

Paul Trebilcock, 43

Occupation: Carpenter
Attackpoint Alias: Turbo
Athletics: Elite Ultra Runner, Expert Orienteerer, Elite Rock Climber
Other: Father of Two Girls, 2005 50 km Canadian Champion, 2006 50 mile Canadian Champion, 2006 OUSER Series 50 km Cup, Search for Steve Fossett

Sponsors

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The Search for Steve Fossett: A Study on the Physical Response of Adventure Athletes

The Search for Steve Fossett: A Study on the Physical Response of Adventure Athletes

The Search for Steve Fossett: A Study on the Physical Response of Adventure Athletes

Alissa Aboud, Erin Pearce, Mark Tarnopolsky, Simon Donato

McMaster University

Goals of the Study

To understand how the body reacts to extreme conditions of exercise in highly trained athletes. Our main objective was to track the amount of calories burned (energy) while our group of 4 male adventure athletes searched for Steve Fossett’s plane in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.  These conditions were hot, dry, at a high altitude, and involved physically demanding activity for as much as 9-hours a day over the course of 6 days.  We also wanted to see how body composition changed over this strenuous time (body fat).

Methods of the Study:

Body Measurements – height and weight was determined at the beginning of the study

DEXA Scanning – using a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry machine, we did whole body scanning on the athletes before and after the search. This machine gave us their body fat and muscle percentages as well as their bone density (Figures 1, 2, and 3).

 
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Figure 1. DEXA Scanner bed

 

V02 Max Testing – we wanted to see what the maximum ability for the athlete’s body was to use oxygen during a graded (increasingly difficult) exercise test. V02 testing is a good indicator of fitness levels in athletes. To do this we measured how they were breathing while doing a bike ride. This bike ride kept getting harder and harder until they couldn’t ride anymore. The higher the V02

Max, the more conditioned the athlete is. We also measured their heart rates all the time.

Heart Rate Monitoring – using sophisticated Suunto heart rate monitors, the athletes were tracked every minute of their expedition.  This allowed us to calculate the amount of calories they burned during exercise (see calculations).

Results:

Fossett Results

Calculations:

We know that the amount of oxygen (LO2) we consume along with the calories (kcal) that we burn are connected, we can determine how many calories they were burning per hour with this calculation:

 4.85 kcal / LO2 = 5.23 kcal/min x 60

 Conclusions:

 By doing all these tests we determined that the athletes looking for Steve Fossett burned an average of 582 calories an hour while searching. In eight hours of the search alone they would have burned on average 4656 calories. Also, the fact that the athletes even while burning almost

5000 calories a day didn’t loose any fat can be attributed to proper nutrition. It is very important to make sure the same amount of calories are coming in by eating properly during extreme sports. Improper nutrition can lead to a variety of physical problems including fatigue, cramping, fainting, shock and even death. In summary, it is fair to say that the athletes replaced the energy they burned during the day through eating and drinking regularly. This study is useful because it will be used for future Adventure Science projects to help predict how much energy the athletes will be using and plan for the nutrition accordingly.

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Figure 2. DEXA-scan results for Simon Donato. Bone density results displayed as BMD (grams/cm3)

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Figure 3. Gary Hudson's BMI results from DEXA-scan place him in the normal and healthy category for his height and weight.