Training out West: Sun Valley, ID

I arrived in Sun Valley, ID about 16 days ago. Before driving across the country training in Burlington in the morning and working in the afternoon was getting a little repetitive. Not that I couldn't have continued to do that all summer, but I decided to take the opportunity to move west with my brother (Ben) and a bunch of other Middlebury skiers. Together, Ben and I went from VT onto Interstate 80 and from there continued on the same road at the same 75 mph for three days. With only one "slip up" near Chicago the drive went very smoothly. Turns out you can't get a hotel if you're under 21. Pretty frustrating as I am pretty close to that age. No big deal the Honda Element sleeps two comfortably.

On arrival Ben and I promptly looked around town and fell asleep in our new home. The next morning was a 1.5 hour double pole with the other Sun Valley ski teamers.... at 8 AM. I don't think I have ever had such a hard time moving on roller skis. I've been at altitude before this, at JNs this past spring. But I was really feeling it coming off a tiring car ride. Anyway it took a while to get used to the lack of oxygen here. It really hit me at the 10 km race that I signed up for without really knowing what it was. Turns out you run up a mountain twice. Uphill running has never been a strong point in my training so this was an experience. Overall, it was a good effort but I was really feeling the altitude.

Since then, Ben and I have had some amazing experiences, seeing a friend's cabin on Lake Pettit, running through the Sawtooth Mountain range, mountain biking up Bald Mountain, rafting down the Salmon River, and hiking over 11,000 ft at Mount Glassford. I do find it a little difficult to do anything but adventure out here. Workouts like strength in a stuffy gym and the Canadian Strength Test, while crucial, are frustrating with mountains all around me. Nonetheless, I am excited for future workouts and future adventures. 

I'll post some photos of the trip so far.


Also, I'd love to hear from some other teammate's summers so feel free to add!

Eric

 Saying goodbye to Burlington

 Ben chillen in the Honda Element Lounge

 Next time we'll will fly over Nebraska

 First glimpse of mountains after Nebraska. This is either Colorado or Wyoming, can't remember

 Bike up Bald Mountain

 Working our way up Glassford

 Ben @ Glassford

Cant say no to these mountains