Ready to kick off Mountain Camp!
The dust is still settling from this one, as I try to think of ways to wrap up an incredibly awesome training camp in a concise way! I have been a part of many training camps over the years, and this one may have been the best: nothing brings a team together like living under one roof, training hard, and experiencing a new place. We were incredibly fortunate that the Supple family allowed us use of their large camp right in the heart of the White Mountains, and for 4 days we got lots of serious training and not-so-serious fun.
With perfect weather on our side, we began the trip with an ascent of Starr King mountain, and a strength workout on the lawn. The next day, we took a scenic ride down Crawford Notch and over to the Kancamagus Highway for an uphill rollerski…incredible views, tough climbs and a rewarding swim were on tap.
Amy nearing the top!
Scenic overlook at the top
After a swim and picnic lunch, we saddled up for what ended up being the toughest workout ever for some! We paid a visit to Attitash, a relatively small but quite steep alpine area in Bartlett, for some ski walking and bounding intervals. The sun was hot and the mountain was dusty…perfect for a hard effort. Things started off simple, with 6-, 5-, 4-, and 3-minute intervals ascending the gravel service road. But then things turned brutal, and after everyone got fired up we pushed the limits with hard 2-minute bounding straight up the steep black diamond slopes.
Even through the collapses and dry-heaving, we rallied for more sprints done among the group for moral support. What was most impressive was how everyone still fought their way to the top, even when they thought they had gone too far and tasted the iron and blood of a truly epic workout. A memorable one for sure…
We were just getting started though, as an early wake-up call the next morning led us to an ascent of Mount Washington in a long circle, for a total of 6 hours of hiking. A cloudless sky and bright sun once again led to amazing 360-degree views of the lunar landscape above treeline. We barely stayed awake for mini golf on the way home.
Lunar landscape on the approach to Mt Washington
One of my favorites: staged but very impromptu…saving Aidan!
That night (Saturday) we presented Ben L with his birthday song and his much-coveted Finding Dory balloon…and Oreo cake, of course. Happy Birthday Ben!
Our final morning was kicked off with a nice leisurely rollerski on nearby back roads, followed by a cleaning of the house and loading of the vehicles…tough challenge in itself! Everyone made it home safe and sound.
Rolling near Lancaster on the last day. That tall peak in the background is Starr King, which we climbed on day 1
I’ll probably keep saying it for a while, but this camp was the best thing that could’ve happened to keep bringing our group together. We all know each other a little better, we all can support each other more than ever, and little tidbits like inside jokes and fun memories are definitely going to permeate our training for the rest of the summer. I can’t stop daydreaming about next year already!
Sparkler action. Strong team, great times
For more photos, please view the Flickr album HERE
Also, for the record, the combined elevation gain from our first 3 days (all workout except the final easy rollerski) is 10,464 feet!
Starr King hike: 2,526 ft
Kancamagus rollerski: 1,888 ft
Attitash bounding: 1,750 ft
Mount Washington hike: 4,300 ft
