I've been in Flagstaff training with my squadmates for the past month and on Wednesday morning Joe and I will fly from Phoenix to Barcelona. Before I continue, I want to make sure everyone is aware of my awesome sponsors, who give me the support I need to be able to train full time and travel to races around the world. Please give them your business and support if you ever get the chance!
This was my second experience with altitude training, the first being last year at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. This was a bit longer trip and actually gave me a chance to get some acclimation and go through the process of feeling ok, then terrible, and then back to normal. We took on a pretty high training load for our time in Flag, working out for 30 hours per week. This didn't leave time for much more than laying around in between sessions, and I've been struggling to get something on paper for quite a while.
I thought maybe I would just jot down some thoughts rather than go full-on paragraph style.
-The sky in Flagstaff is bigger than anywhere else. There is just more of it somehow.
-"Digging yourself in a hole" by overreaching at altitude works the same as at sea level, except you have a backhoe instead of a shovel. It takes longer to recover from dick measuring contests.
-When it rains in Flagstaff, it REALLY rains! Thunder and lighting are regular occurances as well.
-Flagstaff has endless running trails but only 3 roads to ride on and they were all under construction while we were in town.
-WIND
-Gasping for air in the pool is worse than on the run or bike.
-Be in the moment. Thinking one or two workouts ahead can be overwhelming at times.
-The Grand Canyon doesn't look real. It is so mind blowing it looks like a painting.
-Horseflies are my new least favorite living thing. There is no way their contribution to the food chain can be worth the incessant buzzing. The butterfly effect does not apply to horseflies.
-I am a fan of the "international dark city" status. I really missed seeing the stars in California.
-I really miss Portland and all of my friends and family there. I'll be coming home for a week after my Europe trip and I can't wait to see everyone and get a refill of Northwest love!
