Ugh. Altitude gets to me on the second day. After a solid 4 hours of training yesterday I woke up this morning with the groggy head, dry throat and sore muscles which always compliment a trip to higher elevations. I opted to classic ski this morning and took the straight route to the top of the mountain where I got some great views of the surrounding hills/mountains.
Being up there also reminded me of what I can’t wait to do after my final long ski at the end of this week – slice some pristine powder on the yet-unopened alpine runs.
This morning I met with Guy Paulsen, Silver Star’s new Nordic Director. He was great to talk with and generously granted me privileges to the N.A.T.C. (National Altitude Training Center) gym facilities, and a reduced-rate trail pass. He was immediately understanding of the financial strain of traveling athletes and was quick to put his influence to work.
In the same socializing vein, tonight I had David Bonn, MOD benefactor and Methow local, up for a dinner of burritos. David’s been up here since Friday getting first tracks so we caught up on happenings over huge piles of beans, rice and chicken. He’s a tech guy so I got to find out about all the new sweet perks of the IPhone 4 and such. I still think I’d break one within a day.
Speedwork is scheduled for tomorrow morning – hill sprints and flat sprints. Then a distance workout in the afternoon, and harder aerobic intervals on Thursday. More photos as I get ’em, but here’s a parting shot:
