Epic Camp Oz 05

I have now had a week to reflect on my experiences at Epic Camp and I have many different feelings. I certainly am glad that I had the opportunity to go on the camp and I thank Gordo for that. It was an experience I will always remember and treasure.

My overriding objective going into Epic Camp was not to fall apart and threaten the integrity of Epic Camp! I knew that I would be one of the slower athletes with one of the youngest 'training ages' and that I would be doing far more training that I have ever done before. I couldn't quite reconcile in my head how my maximum weekly bike volume of 415km (done a few times) could prepare me for 800-1000km in the first week of EC. Similarly, my maximum number of total weekly hours of 25 (done three times) was clearly going to be exceeded by a long way. What made me think I could do it? I comforted myself with the thought that I had been training consistently since April after 4 weeks rest from IMNZ and 7 solid months of training previous to that. Maybe that counted for something. Maybe if I suck wheel like there was no tomorrow, took it easy whenever I had the opportunity and slept more than I do at home, it would be possibe. As you can see there was a little bit of fear behind my thinking as Epic Camp
approached but, as it turned out, I met my objectives.

There are probably two ways to view Epic Camp. You could view it as part of the preparation for a specific race or you could view it as an experience in its own right. I know Scott intended it to be the latter but, to be honest, I went into it thinking of it as a key part of my preparation for IMNZ where I hope to qualify for Kona. Looking back on it now I can see what Scott means - it certainly is a unique experience and I am pretty chuffed that I have been one of the lucky few to have done it regardless of what happens at IMNZ.

I did 47 hours of training in the first week and about 20 in the second (5 days). The two weeks had quite distinctive flavours for me. The first was point-to-point, head down, bum up, just do it (JFT) feeling whereas the second included some down time, some time to reflect plus a little intensity. I must say I preferred the first week but I guess it couldn't last much longer than a week anyway. I did need a recovery day on the second Monday when I slept for 5 hours in the middle of the day. The second week also included more optional days/sessions and I don't think I'm good when I have a choice and I am tired. I usually chose the soft option and felt guilty afterwards. By the Friday I felt well and truly ready for another long ride and, fortunately, I got it despite puncturing early and nearly missing the time cut-offs. Strange but I would have felt underdone had I missed out on a long ride that day. So I was happy with my first week (16km, 954km, 84km) but not so happy with my last 5 days (10.25km, 391km, 29km). Going the wrong way in the triathlon (costing 4.5 mins) and puncturing in the duathlon (DNF) didn't help but c'est la vie.

I much prefer the point-to-point rides (as opposed to loops or out-and-backs) because it so rare that I get the chance to do them and they give me a sense of getting somewhere. I understand that they present a logistical nightmare for the support staff but they are easier for me mentally. I am sure they are also very rare for most athletes so this is one of the highlights of Epic Camp and if I were Gordo or Scott I would try to think of how to keep as many point-to-point rides as possible without driving the support crew into the ground. There must be a way. Maybe one van stays overnight at the destination and sets up then does the late support while the other does lunch. I would be prepared to forgo the first drinks stop (and replace it with a visit to a shop) than lose the point-to-point characteristic. Assuming one or two easier days were provided it would have been interesting to see how we (I) fared on one or two more point-to-point rides in the second week where there is a bit more of an imperative to get your butt into gear. I would have been prepared to give them a go and get in the van rather than have the option of doing an easy ride or no ride. Anyway - maybe I am alone in that.

I didn't lose any weight on the camp which is not surprising given the 3kg of peanut butter I ate. I think when we became stretched we were vulnerable and few of us were strong enough to resist the rubbish that seeped its way into the kitchen (at the request of the athletes). I know we are all adults but I don't think a few restrictions around food (not quantity!) is too outrageous to contemplate - to help us weak ones (although I did largely resist the crisps and corn chips). Maybe that is something that can be agreed up front with the athletes' buy-in before the training starts!

The point system was well thought out and it was interesting to see how much the point system actually influenced behaviour. I was torn between going for points and doing what I thought was an appropriate amount of training given the risks of blowing up.

Scott had a quick chat to me about my lack of power on the bike after the triathlon. I know I usually avoid 'discomfort' while training on the bike and in the pool and I think I need to address it. Gordo gave me a good structured plan for the lead up to IMNZ which includes some specific prep work so we'll see how that goes. Next year though, I think I must include more structure in my rides. I am not unhappy with this season's training as it is only my third and I am laying down a pretty solid foundation to build upon. But next year I should be ready to be a bit more focused on my rides while keeping the volume pretty much the same.

I have a nagging feeling of disappoiuntment after Epic Camp for some reason which I cannot pinpoint. I learnt a huge amount about many things but I don't feel as if I learnt much new about myself. Or more likley, I didn't like what I learnt about myself. If you look at Peter H, he came away with a HUGE amount. He found out (to his surprise) just how fast he was and I am sure that knowledge will help take him to a whole new level. Similarly, Dr J and Mike P probably surprised themselves. There were no such 'pleasant surprises' for me. I am exactly where I thought I'd be. I suppose that's important information in itself but I'm envious of some of the others!

Would I do it again? I'd love to. I very much doubt my wife will grant me another 12-day leave pass during school holidays but you never know.

My hat goes off to the support staff of Peter, Mark, Dave, Michaela and Darren who were saints. Thanks to the other athletes who were a pleasure to be around and with whom I feel a special bond now. And of course, thanks to Gordo and Scott for a million things including periodically providing a two man comedic routine.

Thanks for reading!

Cheers
Vernon