By Brad Culp
March 16, 2007 -- When I’m at home, an easy day of training involves a short swim and maybe a yoga class if I’m feeling ambitious. Today, I learned that an “easy” day at Coach Troy Jacobson’s camp involves a little more.
“At least we’re not climbing any mountains today.” That’s what I told myself as I set out on a 90-minute ride this morning. In Troy’s defense, the ride was optional. He is willing to give us one day off of riding during his week-long training camp, in Oro Valley, Arizona.
I opted to go for the ride. No because I really wanted to, but because I was already wide-awake and I couldn’t find a good excuse not to go (aside from the fact that I haven’t been able to feel my legs since Friday).
After 30 smooth miles in the saddle, it was time to run. Under normal circumstances, I hate running. However, after the last couple day’s rides, I was actually looking forward to liberating my legs from spinning in circles.
The group of campers set off for an hour-long run along one of the local pathways. We quickly broke into smaller clans, as everyone was allowed to set their own pace. My body was so happy to be out of the saddle that I hardly noticed the fact that the mercury was North of 90 degrees.
An hour later, the group reconvened around the Gatorade for a 10-minute hydration session. We then jumped in the van and hurried to the pool to squeeze in an afternoon swim.
Keeping in the spirit of an easy day, no one took the swim too seriously. We did a few minutes of stroke work before we all gave into our hunger pains. Upon leaving the pool, we all went our separate ways in search of the nearest carbohydrate.
Myself and one of the other campers, Ross, found carbs in the form of a six-pack of wheat beer. We enjoyed our treat poolside while trying to even out some of the most epic cycling tans you’ll ever witness.
Tomorrow’s schedule calls for a four-hour ride with a quick transition run. I better load up on another six-pack.
To find out more about Troy and his camps, visit www.coachtroy.com
p.s – If you need some motivation to get going this season, look no further than one of my fellow campers, Catherine LaCrosse. She just celebrated her 40th birthday with us, but she doesn’t look a day older than 25. Proof that triathlon is the greatest sport on earth. Go train – stay young.