Well about about 6 months prior to my departure for Tucson I made the decision that to become an elite athlete I had to live and train like one. Setting aside all of the distractions and only concentration on training to better myself. So from this I made the decision to book a month and a half training camp in Tucson, Arizona. Really had no idea where to go, but from reading all of the magazines it was pretty clear that Tucson was the place of choice for PRO triathletes. From there I started my search to figure out when I would stay. I was lucky enough to stumble upon one of the most wonderful person I have ever met in my life. Her name is Alicia and she rents a room in her house to those who travel to Tucson. Honestly the trip would have been as good as it was without her hospitality and generosity. I cant even imagine what it would have been like without her, for that I am soo thankful and owe her big-time!
The six months prior to my departure went by pretty quick as I was still in racing season and also training for my first marathon. I have always competed in Duathlons, but this summer will be switching over to Tri’s. Working on the swim J The marathon I was training for was the Disney Marathon and was held on January 9, 2011. My dad and I made a vacation out of it and also ran the 5k together on the Friday before the race. Good times! The Marathon went to plan, even though it was my first one, I didn’t really know what to expect. Ended up with a time of 2:54:06. A couple weeks back at work then I was on a pl
ane heading for Tucson. Was difficult leaving my girlfriend, family and friends but I knew this was something that I needed to provide to myself.
And so the training began as soon as I set foot on the desert floor!! Swim, bike, run was all I had on my mind, oh and also food!! Love eating! The first week was used to get back into the groove of things of training outdoors, but the mileage was already high considering that I never really had a break. Everything was at my disposal, amazing places to cycle and run. A public pool was also very close by where I had my lane every time I would go. The second week I attended the Cliff English Miles Madness camp which was great. The two main coaches were Cliff and Paul Cross. Both of them were awesome and provided some great tips and help. We were lucky enough to have Bobby McGee grace us with his presence for him to provide running tips and mental talks. He spotted something in my running mechanics that I have fixed and has helped me in a huge way since. Kiss your right heel he said! Thanks Bobby!
From the third week to the day I left it was intense training. Rides to Madera Canyon, Colossal Caves, McCain Loop, Gates Pass and of course Mt-Lemmon where they had amazing cookies the size of my head waiting at the top at the Cookie Cabin!!
Runs along the Phoneline Trail and Cactus Forest, along with speed sessions at Reid Park were key to improving my running. Swimming at an outdoor pool was something I wasn’t used to but it was great cause I got rid of my farmers tan!! Tucson was truly awesome especially when you get to meet a bunch of pro’s and ride up Lemmon with Linsey Corbin and Matt Lieto! My training would also not have been as successful without the amazing schedule that my Coach, Philippe Bertrand, put together for me.
The trip went by very quick which was a bummer but was absolutely worth it. I know that this will be a yearly thing to prep for the season, and also to get away from work!! Really want to thank my girlfriend and family for being so supportive of this trip and cant thank them enough. Again a huge thanks to Alicia for being the best host ever and to Coach Phil for really pushing me and getting me to a new level.
Cheers
Lou
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