Arizona Camp 2009- MVP Reports

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Gus Ellison's MVP ReportHodska / Grasky Arizona Camp 2009

4 hours of swimming
15.5 to 18.5 hours of biking (1 trip up Mt. Lemmon)
6 to 7.5 hours of running
Daily smoothies, coffee, and gelato

Mt. Lemmon (Take Two)
On my last day in Tucson, I rode a solo ascent of Mt. Lemmon. The sun was shining, and there was not a cloud in the sky. The air was cold though, and I put on a hat and arm warmers to start the ride. The weather was in contrast to the 95 degree day of the group ascent on Day 2 of camp. I was nervous actually. I get excited about going up the Mt. Lemmon, but I was nervous about the descent and about going solo. With a forecast of 70s in town, the summit was likely to be closer to low 40s by noon. Feeling both anxious and amped, I started up the mountain.

The "Mile 0" sign is intimidating at the base of the mountain. The switchbacks disappear quickly as you look up the face. I started my Mt. Lemmon playlist and hit the pedals. No turning back now. The "Mile 1" marker arrives quickly and then the guard station around 5 miles. I was going conservative after completely bonking on the first trip earlier in the week. Turning up the volume, I notched up my power slightly and locked in the zone. In now time, I got to mile 9 and could not have been more psyched. Have you ever had those moments when you feel "so alive"? When time seems to pass in slow motion? When movement is effortless? When you feel teary from the experience? When you feel inspired? I hope others have can have the same experience whether it is through triathlon or through your passions in life. The next couple of hours were far from effortless, but they were inspired. These are the days that teach you about life, about perseverance, and about yourself. These are the days that highlight the importance of traithlon in my life. As I have trained this year, a few themes have become recurring for me.

Inspiration. What inspires you? For me, this year is defined by inspiration. A spark has turned into a fire recently. I have been feeling alive and pushed by an unknown force to go harder and to go farther both physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Go Higher. Have you ever been dissappointed by the view from top of a mountain? I find that if you push a little higher, you will not be disappointed by the outcome. This camp was all about going higher on the trail, on the bike, and even in the pool. Whether we were running up a switchback or riding up Mt. Lemmon, this camp was about pushing your limits.

Perspective. During the ride up Lemmon, I found myself focused on the road in front of me. Not a few miles ahead, but a few feet ahead. I was breathing hard and hurting. Then I looked up an gained some perspective. The mountain and valleys and landscape spread into view. My legs did not hurt anymore. I feel so fortunate to have this opporunity and to have a gift that I have been given. I feel so fortunate to have the life that I do. I can certainly hurt for a few more minutes or hours. The world is a big place full of opportunity.

Ski Mountain & Ice Cream. I reached the ski mountain in less than 2 and a half hours -- not bad after a week of solid training and "going easy". As expected, the temperature was cold, and the wind was blowing. I was shiveirng already and put on all of my winter gear. There were only two bikes parked next to the pie shop. (Who would eat that pie???) One woman said she was impressed that I had ridden all the way from Tucson. Her expression asked a different question, "Why would you ride 28 miles up a mountain?" To her question, I was polite and chatted for a minute. To her implicit question, I answered, "Why not?" in my mind. I deserved some ice cream and hot chocolate.

Turning Point. As I descended, inspiration was growing again. When I got to the "Mile 0" marker, I did something that I did not expect. I turned around. I turned around and started riding higher. Go higher. Knowing that I would not make it far with one bottle of water and no calories, I decided to ride another mile or two. Eight miles later, I turned around at Seven Cataracts and headed down again.

Back to reality. The hardest part of camp for me is reaching the end. We have all returned to our normail daily lives filled with work and errands and family and friends. I am personally going though cmap withdrawal. Swim, bike, run, eat, sleep, and repeat. I miss the training. I miss the daily trips to Starbucks and Jamba Juice. I miss a great group of people. And, I miss the new experiences.

Thanks to Eric, the Brian(s), and Jill who make this camp possible. You go above and beyond for the benefit of every camper's experience. Having done three AZ camps, each one has been an extraordinary start to the season and full of unique experiences each year. I can't compare this training with other camps because I don't need to try any others! Thanks to the new Arizona Camp graduates. Every group comes develops their own dynamic and this crew was no different. We had some exceptional training and some great experiences! Good luck to all in their training and racing goals!