OK, it wasn't a training camp per se, it was an eagerly anticipated visit with my sister and her family in the tranquil western suburbs along Lake Erie. But why not capitalize on a change of venue to swim/bike/run in a different place? At age 22, my nephew Evan has completed two respectable iron-distance races and I've longed for the opportunity to bike with him. Things just fell into place for this trip, all the kids would be around, and the weather was perfect!
Friday - Speedwork
Prior to leaving, I knocked out a track workout, hitting a few quarters in 1:18/9. I don't sit still well in the car for long periods so some nice hard running was just what I needed before the 400 mile trip. In the car I listened to my favorite podcasts - Competitor Radio, Endurance Planet, the Moth, this American Life, Whadya Know. The kids did their thing on various electronic devices.
Saturday - Long Aerobic Ride
Evan and I took to the roads of the Rocky River Cleveland Metro Park for a 45 mile ride. It's a narrow park that snakes around the outskirts of the city and provides a running path, bridle trails, and great views of the Rocky River. We started west and went south!
Evan explained that it was pretty much one road through the park. Thanks to my bad habit of preferring to ride at the front, as I'd approach an intersection I'd look back for confirmation....and he'd say "straight". This went on for a while - I'd look back, he'd say "straight" - before I finally caught on. Straight. OK, this I can do. Evan was in DC on an internship all spring and didn't ride much but youthfulness can overcome lack of training to a point. I had fun on the flat course, but I will say the Ohio road surface was pretty rough in places and it took some vigilance to avoid the potholes and tire-eating crevices.
Crosstraining Training camp called for some additional cross-training. I swam with these monkeys and even spent a little time working on turning off the wall in my "off" direction. But mostly I played!
There were also some trampoline-assisted "plyometrics". Talk about an great calf workout..wow! The kids put me to shame with their flips and flops and games of "crack the egg".
Sunday: Aerobic Run
I got a nice early morning 9 mile run in on Lake Road along Lake Erie. A lot of houses had their sprinklers going and I took advantage, it was already very humid! One downside I thought about with all the manicured lawns and gardens (and security signs and gates) was one would have very limited options should "nature call" mid-run. That's certainly not an issue where I live.
Monday - Off
Monday was the 400 mile drive back home. Of course "off" for us moms means driving, unloading the car (with reluctant help), running to the grocery store, starting laundry, going through the mail....and a quick trip to the gym. Then Tuesday was right back at it!