Training Traction

Monday morning it is, two weeks after arriving at my mile high summer base of Boulder, Colorado. For the better part of 10days the expected altitude affect was colourful dread as I limped with bruised confidence from one session to the next. That permanent cloud of fatigue started to lift by day 10, and I’m feeling closer to neutral with some momentum building.

It’s not the first start at altitude, with three summers in Truckee and two in Boulder, but every time it’s surprising how big an impact the thinner air makes, and then equally surprising to feel the bodily systems adapt to the stimulus.

I’ve had good company from the three lads in picture, Fraser Cartmell, Richie Cunningham and Joe Gambles. If not for their wheel to follow I’d be a few days delayed on the breakout. Conversation and a committed start time from the coffee shop is most valued when feeling low as an athlete. I’ve dug a hole up here before, something that happens easily when over eager. It sneaks up with a deferred attack, two or three days after doing the damage. Trying to learn from the past can be difficult in an example like this, since it is never a pure science. You’re trying to gauge rest vs fatigue, second guessing efforts. Anyhow, many thanks for the lads for allowing me to tag on the back with a moan and groan.

Snapped these over the weekend before a morning run at the Tellar Farms Trail Head off of Arapahoe. The trail is my favourite run in Boulder. Great surface, slight undulations to start, rollers near the turn. And since its some ways East the view of the Flatirons and Rockies is to a different perspective than when up against them. Really magical with a fresh snow cover too.

Gambles looking more moody than he should. He’s bouncing well after some post-Ironman niggle. Usually more upbeat than the rest of us he is.

So in all, getting there, one block at a time.