Penticton... continued

Without a doubt the week of July 17th- July 23rd was the single most successful, challenging and hottest week of my athletic career. OK so my athletic career, at least in triathlon, is still young, nonetheless that statement stands true. The week started off with a 4:45am wake-up for the Peach Sprint followed by a 90 min lake swim later that day. Monday was another 4:45am wake up to cycle the iron man bike course, I started in Osoyoos and rode the rest of the route. Then capped off the day's workout with a 30 min run off the bike. Tuesday I got to sleep in until 6:15 (latest that week). A 90 min swim to begin the day then at noon was (wahoo!) long run! Right from the get go I knew that the day's run was going to be solid. I took off from the group and lead the entire way from Penticton to OK falls. At 40 min in I did some tempo pace work, and cruised the remainder of the run.

I think around this point in the camp I began to lose track of time and days. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday were so successful for me, that looking back, it was only natural that Wednesday would be low. Terrible swim in the morning, but I brushed it off and enjoyed some wine-tasting and delicious lunch. I felt light-headed off my 4 or 5 tastes of wine and fell asleep in the car. The afternoon's ride was the worst ride I have ever had. There was not much time to stew on poor performance because I was up at 5:45am the next morning. The work-out was a hill ride. I was able to work with 2 other guys from the camp for the majority of the hills, but they could gain time on me on the descents... I blame my lack of technique descending and body mass. It was an amazing 3 hour ride, I felt awesome! Then a 50 min run along Skaha Lake to end it. Friday morning was 5:50 wake up and I was prepared to give it my all on the last run of the camp. Hill run was the work-out of choice. I gave it 100%, and my legs felt about 100lbs each by the end.

It was a tough week and I had a lot of fun, but I am happy to be back home on the island. My bed has been kind to me; I believe within the past 3 days I have slept about 33 hours, at least.



Next race is Kelowna on August 21st, my birthday weekend! This race will also be my first Olympic distance.
A tough 3 weeks awaits! Happy training.