Tri camp report / first mini under my belt

[alpinerabbit]

I'm back from my girlie tri camp in spain!!

This was a week-long women only (beginner) training camp coached by a lady who had won IM Switzerland (before it was an Mdot race) and for swimming a former top male triathlete.

We were only 4 women, plus 1 who sort of joined but was way beyond us with an IM done and in training for inferno triathlon. None of the 4 had ever done a tri, one was a former marathoner and one used to be a junior ski racer. #4 was arguably insane, but that’s a different story.

We had swim lessons with video analysis (I hope to procure mine), 4 bike tours (up to 75km for me*), a running drill session that I believe killed me for the rest of the week, and were encouraged to do a brick. Plus by request a wetsuit test swim that was a lot of fun…

We also did a mini triathlon (0.3/7/2km) with the swim in the pool.
We got excellent instruction on setting up transition.
The swim was over in a flash – I did breast stroke a couple times to catch some air. I survived the rest well, including the bike-run transition where I rapidly managed to get my HR and breathing down to something comfortable. Of course legs were heavy from all the exercise the previous days. Bike average was mediocre - probably around 25 kph
I got first place (with a water belt - something I have been wanting to buy for ages - as the prize) but would probably have been 4th out of 5 given that

• the IM athlete crashed
• the marathoner assisted her so lost one lap on the bike
• the former skier DNFed because she was nauseous on the run
• the last lady could not freestyle at all

So, knowing that my sprint in a month will be a bit tougher, I am nevertheless in good spirits.

Now to recover from the 15 hour bus ride (could have taken the plane or train but the bus lets you take your own bike for free).

Pictures are only available week after next so I will update. We had a lot of fun during off-time because there were about 30 other cyclists (including husbands) enjoying an excellent hotel&cycling area.

*I expected to be up to more, but the mountains were not to be underestimated – sad but true

[eclectic]

That sounds like it was awesome - what a great experience - I like the idea of doing a mini tri just to test everything out - that would be good for me to do this week sometime.

Oh so much to learn so little time big sigh

[Wahine]

I love your report. Very good wording to create a specific image.

I'm glad you had fun and I'm glad you got your water belt. You'll do great in your first race, just wait and see.

[alpinerabbit]

Here you go for pix... the whole set is here

me in the foreground

off onto the bike

full combat mode off onto the run... so oh yeah: you CAN race in this!


Here's some real legs


dinner after the race

and

my favorite. from the wetsuit test but I like myself in it.

[eclectic]

Great pics alpine rabbit !!! Everyone in the swim looks so fast

the locale is phenomenally beautiful.

What a wonderful experience thanks so much for sending them along and you look GREAT in full combat

[luv'nAustin]

Great report! The pics were a nice addition too. What a fun idea for a trip and such a nice location too.

Good luck on your sprint. I'm sure that you are going to do great!