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Colorado Training Camps: June and August

For ten years now, I have been doing 2-3 week long "Epic Camps" out of my home base in Snowmass (Aspen) CO. I usually do these within the context of IM prep training. This year, I will be there during the month of June, which for me will be weeks 8 >> 4 before IM Lake Placid. I'll also be there August 15th thru Sept 5th (just before Labor Day), again about 8 >> 4 weeks before IM Hawaii.

I'm always looking for training partners. I offer simply three things: a "free" (actually, $10/ night per person to cover utility and other expenses  - the same as I charge myself and all other family) place to stay, with a killer view; the opportunity to "live high/train low-ish"(my house is @ 2600 meter elevation) in one of the most beautiful and sport-friendly environments on the planet; and all the local knowledge and triathlon training and racing experience you can coax out of me.

Added opportunities this year:

  • June 6/7, the local Ragnar Trail relay, which requires a minimum of 4 on a team, running non-stop (one at a time) for about 30 hours on trails which go right by my house.
  • The chance to acclimate during the week before Rich's Crucible Colorado camp June 25-28. I've done that Double Triple Bypass course over 2 days, and its no joke - gets up to 12,000 feet, most of the time between 8/10,000. Spend the week before with me, and you won't be sucking air while sucking Rich's wheels.
  • In August, ride as many of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge Routes as we want to, Aug 17-23; the race stops in Aspen overnight Aug 18/19.

Endless off road paved and unpaved running trails in forest and along rivers; the same roads or trails as Lance Armstrong, Tejay Van Garderen and other local pros use for high altitude training;  & a 70 F reservoir or one of three local pools.

 

Comments

  • Huh ... you're giving me something to think about. The August camp could be a neat block if I have a slot secured by then.
  • Al, What are your dates after Labor Day?

  • Posted By tim cronk on 08 Mar 2015 06:52 AM


    Al, What are your dates after Labor Day?

    I need to leave no later than the 17th, as I'm doing the ITU WC in Chicago on the 19th. So Aug 15-Sep 15/6/7 is the target.

  • Thanks Al ....That could work...I'd really like to do that! Have to iron it out closer .
  • @Al: Are you still accepting "applications" for a week of training in mid-to-end of August? In Sept, I will attempt to race IMLT 70.3 again (if there are no wildfires this year) before IMAZ and this would be a good training week at altitude if we can get away from work. Thanks in advance.
  • Bob, no problem, glad to have you there. Two of you, or more?
  • Maybe. I have 3 possibilities for late summer:

    1. Austria if I can snag a roll down slot this spring.
    2. Rat Race Man vs Mountain in Wales on Sep 5th. Sort of like a 20 mile adventure run over Snowdon and then the race goes tough mudder in the last couple of miles. There is even some rappelling required. Might catch a midweek fell run too. I always wanted to do one but I was living on the wrong side of the UK.
    3. Do the Pikes Peak ascent then head to your place for a week of oxygen suck.
  • Paul - here's hoping you get to Austria, but if you don't,  and want to come spend two days recuperating and a few more cycling, etc, you'd be in town to see the US Pro Cycling Challenge roll thru, Aug 18/9.

  • @Al: If we can make it, it will be Christi (2014 Best Sherpa of the Year winner) and myself.
  • All, you are too kind but I got my slot today. My oldest son will be 35 that day and is going to be my wingman...then we will celebrate his birthday with some German food and beer.
  • @Al: Looking at my schedule for visiting Aspen in August. Is there a 4-5 day period that is better for your schedule during the last 2 weeks of August? Thanks again.
  • Bob...the more interesting week is Aug 17-21, when the Pro Cycling Tour rolls thru Colorado. On the 19th and 20th, they will be coming into, then leaving Aspen, which usually makes for a couple of days of spectator cycling opportunities. Riding on closed roads, watching the tour go by, then going back with 100s-1000s of other cyclists. A good bet one of those days will feature Independence Pass, an iconic climb of 4000'/20 miles, awesome to do on a closed road.

    But really, any time is fine, I'll just be doing my IM training thing, including probably a Race Rehearsal @the end of the month. The house has three bedrooms in addition to my master suite, so there should be room no matter what. FWIW, the later it is in summer, the less chance of afternoon rain storms ... Usually this "monsoon season" winds down mid-end of August.
  • Great. Thanks, Al. Right now looking at August the week of the 17th through about the 22nd or so. Will let you know as soon as I can make the arrangements.
  • I reserve the right to drop in if my summer works out as planned...but for now I'll lurk!
  • @Al: It turns out with the girls going back to school in mid-August and the rest of my schedule, the dates of 8/24-31 will be best for us to visit. (Plus, Southwest is currently having a sale on flights during those dates to Denver.) Are those dates still available? I plan to do a BBW.
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