enjoying the morning long run winding through the BX final bbq after a weekend of fun

A group of Endurance Health and Fitness Athletes came up to my neck of the woods to play this BC long weekend.  When I first moved to Vernon last year I thought to myself, yes, Penticton has the Ironman course but Vernon has some great riding too.  So I put together a small training camp for Endurance Health and Fitness Athletes this weekend to share my part of the world with them.  Of course I am biased, but I believe that this part of the world boasts some of the best cycling in the region, not to mention great country roads for running and pristine clean lakes for swimming.  Ahhh.....yes welcome to one of the best places on earth.

The weekend started with a bbq on friday night to fuel us up for a great weekend of activity.  It was sort of ironic throughout the whole weekend that Mike Lotz came from Phoenix to escape the heat and Michael Carson came up from the Vancouver area for some good pre-IM heat training.  Yes, the relative nature of understanding what is the norm.  I will admit though we had perfect weather for the entire weekend but hey it is the long weekend in the Okanagan and would you expect any different!

Saturday morning was the 160k ride that allowed the athletes to explore the back roads of Vernon, to Armstrong to Salmon Arm and back to Vernon.  Did I mention that we have some good hills in this part of the world.  Thanks to Michael Carson and technology we now know that the Okanagan Ave Hill out of Salmon arm is 2.1km with an average grade of 7.8%.  The ride ended with a quick little t-run and then a good recovery protien shake to ensure good recovery for the days to come.  Dinner was at the Italian Kitchen, a Vernon local favorite and food was eaten!

Sunday was the long run and I had found a great 20k point-to-point run that took the athletes along the picturesque country roads of the BX area and ended at Kal Lake in some great trails - and of course the lake for a quick dip to revitalize those legs. Off it was for brunch at Friesens for a great buffet!  The afternoon was dedicated to core!!! Yes the new buzz word I know, but we were so fortunate to have the expertise of Wendy Epp, my dear friend and sports physio dyanamo.  Wendy's credentials are far too many to list but even more than her knowledge and experience is her ability to communicate with athletes and take a move and apply it to the function of your individual body and sport is beyond words.  A great session and thanks to Mark and Michelle for the use of their pool and home - check out the photos that will soon be posted.

Monday was all about the swim, and Tracey Shelley, equipped with kayak and her knowledge took the athletes through a great open water swim clinic that was held at Juniper Bay at Kal Lake Provincial Park.  With crystal clear water and perfect swimming conditions a great time was had. 

So with a couple more miles in their legs I believe all athletes went home with something that they can apply to their next event, and discovered a little something new about themselves.

You have to love the journey we are on.  Stay posted on more clinics to come and information on Spring training in Arizona 2008, Vernon camp June 2008 and of course the ultimate wine and triathlon camp to take place in July 2008.

More fun times ahead so what are you waiting for - get out there and move!