Hello Community!
As Simon put it, the priority of the camp in Coeur D’Alene was to take advantage of the low elevation for speed as well as to allow time for team bonding. I think it is a huge priority for a skier like me, from high altitude, to train at low elevation. I defiantly struggle more going lower for a couple of reasons. The best way for me to get better is to work on my speed at low elevation as well as my lactate tolerance. This camp really allowed for me target both those spots.
Following the first intensity DP session we hit another intensity session with a 12.5 km flat then uphill TT. I think it was nice for all of us to remember what “racing” is. Besides that, the road was great; we had the first half or so being flat rolling terrain and then it transitioned into primarily V1 uphill. This course allowed us to hit a variety of techniques at high speed for a sustained amount of time.
The best part of the camp for me was to connect with my team. Growing up racing I think we all know each other pretty well, but only Logan and I had been on a team together (Previously at the University of Utah). It is so fun being on a new team and learning more about everyone. One thing for me that is particularly cool about BSF Pro is I have spent the last 4 years with a primarily Norwegian team, hearing a lot of Norwegian and how much better it is there, so its nice to be back with some english speaking people. I really like everyone on the team and I think we have a great potential to really grow as friends, but also push each other a lot and improve together. This is the best way to success in my eyes. I am so thankful we had the opportunity to be able to have a camp together as a team during a pandemic.
On the second to last day we had our final interval session which was 5x5 striding on a perfect grade hill. It is rare to find good roads with no cars and a sustained grade. The plan originally was for a bounding session but with such good pavement we had to take advantage, and do some classic intervals. It was so nice to get into a good, fast rhythm and work on some things I’ve been working toward all summer.
On the last day we ripped out for a final skate roll on good pavement, rolling terrain, and almost no cars. It was sweet and a good way to finish! Along with the warm lake, many other great sessions, and team bonding, it was a successful trip! We even made it back smoothly!!
Most of us recovered Friday and started a volume block that will lead us through the 23rd of August. I think everyone is looking forward to recover and to enjoy a change of pace. For me, I’m back in Utah to finish up some classes for my degree. We start Monday the 24th. Who knows how long it will last in person.. I think I will soon be returning to Bozeman!
Hope you all are playing in the mountains and enjoying every day!
Leah
