Eric's Blogs
Day 6 in Tucson
Hope the video didn't make anyone motion sick. I decided that we would do our last run of this camp the same we started the first run of this camp – in Sabino Canyon traversing the telephone line trail. I described this trail in an earlier post, and how we’d run up the mountain and along the route until we descended and ended up at the trail end on a road approximately one hour later. read more
Tucson 08' Day Five
Once again, the day started with a run, this time in Saguaro National Park. Once again, we were running as the sun came up over the mountains. It's hard to have a bad day when you start it this way. Everyone here is hooked on Jamba Juice which, combined with some Brueggers bagels, has become our standard breakfast. After this, it was back to the hotel and change for the big part of the day - Lemmon. To ride Mt. Lemmon is a great accomplishment. To ride it the day after Kitt Peak, with more riding plus two 90 minute runs first thing in the morning is huge. read more
Tucson Day 5 Photos
see them here
Tucson 08' Day Four
We once again began the day with a run. We went back over to Sabino Canyon, but this time to run the Seven Falls trail. It was a cool morning - perfect for running. The sun here is strong and as soon as it pops up over the mountains, you can feel the warmth. It would later heat up towards 80 degrees by the afternoon. read more
Tucson 08' Day Tres
Today was a big day. I am in the process of turning Jeff into a Starbuck's addict. He placed his own order there today. This can be quite intimidating, but he handled it well. He was a bit nervous at first. I could see the beads of sweat accumulating as he rehearsed his order while in line. But he focused and came through, which was quite empowering for him. read more
Tucson - Day Two
I'll post some more pictures and maybe some more video later today. We're in full training camp mode now and free time is scarce. We're having a blast here, even though it's been cold, but today it's going to be sunny and 70, and tomorrow through Friday it's going to be 80. read more
Tucson - Day One
Many times you'll hear people comment that it takes them a few days to relax and adjust when traveling. For me, it takes one workout. I was up this morning at 3:45am. My internal clock, although never quite right, was reading 6:45am. I did some computer work, adjusted my bike for the 40th time since being here, and soon enough it was 6:15 - time to round up the troops and head to Starbucks, then to Sabino Canyon. read more
I'm in Tucson!
Tell the average person that you are paying money to go to a location where you will be pushed hard, where you will run countless strides, pedal for hours on end and swim back and forth and back and forth and back and forth, ... I'm sure many that have attended a training camp have done so with their friends and family. They've tried to explain what they were about to participate in only to get the typical responses of "Are you nuts???" and "You're paying for that???" No worries - these people will never get it. And let's be honest, most of us like when people react that way. read more
First Day of Tucson Camp
Hate to rub it in to everyone back it east, but it was 90 degrees here today and not a cloud in the sky! We started the day with a swim at the outdoor pool at 7am. We put the campers through a nice 90 minute session while simultaneously working with each person on their form/stroke... read more
Camp MVPs and Blogs
RUBS- MVP Day 3
I need to clarify something first – my bike fall on day 1 had nothing to do with the 3 layers of clothing I was wearing (Gus had 6 layers and a ski cap, Eric had a tank top). Rounding a corner, I pulled up on the crank and lifted my foot right out of the clip. It took 2 seconds to go down. If one ever needs convincing about the importance of wearing a helmet, just experience your head bouncing off the tarmac once. Enough said. As silly as I felt going down within ¼ mile of our start on my first outdoor ride of the year, we had a great ride. And I sure as heck made sure I was clipped in after each stoplite on the way out of and back into town! read more
Wed., March 19th- Corresponding Secretary “RUBS” (aka Bruce)
After the 6:15 Starbucks workout, the boys headed over to Sabino Canyon Recreation Area for a 90 minute run up Bear Canyon/ Seven Falls trail. After the early week downpour, the streams are running full. 4 creek crossings each way assured cold wet shoes. Eric, with his new Zoot beauties with the holes in the bottom, had great drainage. Others enjoyed that “sloshing” feel…. The sunrise over the Santa Catalina Mtns. was stunning. The trail was rocky and challenging. The scenery was desert lush. This is the southwest desert equivalent to running in the High Peaks region in the Adirondacks. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it. read more
