Well, just when I think it can't get any better it does. This morning there was an "optional" ride up Flagstaff Mountain. Of course to a group of Type A triathletes optional means mandatory. They warned us that it was a bit steep at the start. Holy crap they weren't kidding. This ride rolled out from downtown Boulder, and immediately starts multiple switchbacks, and we quickly gained altitude above the city. Eventually the grade levels out from "holy shit" to "damn tough". Then we get to the turnoff for the Amphitheater after which we climb the Super- Flag section. Now that I am acquainted with the local slang any climb that has "super" in front of it is VERY tough. Super flag didn't disappoint. This was the first climb when I wasn't sure that I could (or should) make it to the top. Altitude plus very steep grades made it quite a challenge. I was very satisfied to make it to the top!!!
Next on the agenda was a pool swim led by Jane Scott (Dave Scott's sister). She is a fulltime swim coach. She shortly had us sorted out into appropriate lanes and into a nice workout. She quickly learned most of our names, and nailed all of us for any of our bad swim habits. She had an awesome way of explaining proper triathlon swim form. Really good workout. Matty Reid and Chrissie Wellington were seen on the pool deck at during our session. Cool.
Later in the day we had a 1.5 hour talk with Chrissie. What an awesome ambassador for our sport. We all got a lot out of the session. She is as tough as she is nice, which is an interesting combination. Gordo told a story of how Chrissie showed up for a Dave Scott swim workout 4 days after a breaking a rib. She completed the 5km workout and kept her normal position in the "elite" swim lane. Gordo was talking to her but she ignored him until after the workout. Apparently in the mental state that she was in to deal with the pain, she basically blocked off all of the world and was effectively deaf to the world.
"Super" Olympic race tomorrow. 1.5km swim, 50km bike, 10km run. We'll see how the Anti taper goes. I am hoping that I can generate many more red blood cells overnight.....
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