Arizona--Escape the Cold--Training Camp, 2009

March always brings my training camp for those in colder climates, where I partner with accomplished athlete and coach Eric Hodska from Connecticut. Eric brings a few of his athletes, we bring some of ours, and a few find us online. It’s always a good mix of great weather, beautiful scenery, and challenging training.

This year’s camp brings a few veterans and a nice share of rookies.

Gus, Jim, Jeff M., and Chicago Mike are a few of Eric’s boys and are veterans of at least one Tucson case camp. Mike brings colorful stories, Jim is good for at least a couple of good, solid bonks, and Jeff is just steady from day 1 through day 7. Gus is fun to poke fun at, mainly due to his innate ability to eat about everything in sight. Eric also brought Ann Marie, a relatively new but powerful athlete from New England, and Dan, a Navy man from Cali. Dan and I have a lot in common. It takes a lot for me to say that about a Navy guy!

Then we have the northern contingent: Cyndie and Rick are in from Anchorage enjoying the 90 degree temps we are having (yes, in March). They are a very cool couple—I caught them holding hands while stretching. Very cool. Carla and Steve come from Canada--Steve from Penticton, home of Ironman Canada, and Carla from Calgary—home of more rodeo than triathlon.

Jeff D.V. is here from Missouri. Jeff’s enjoying this weather immensely—he’s just happy to not be on his trainer. I don’t blame him…that’s why I live in Tucson. Kerri is from Maryland and is a duathlon studette moving into the IM distance game and is as strong as I’ve seen. Huge potential in her. Lastly, Leo is one of my athletes and is enjoying a camp in his hometown. Leo is bumming with Plantar Fasciitis but his attitude so far and not being able to run with the group is commendable.

With weather nearing perfect, a great group of athletes, and workouts planned on Mt Lemmon and Saguaro National Park, this is going to be a great camp. Stay tuned for daily briefs by the daily MVPs as well as by Eric and me.

Thanks to Hammer Nutrition, Trisports.com, Genuine Innovations, Michelin, CycleOps, and Zoot for making this camp World Class!