My race schedule so far at that time of year is April 21 and May 5, so that works for me!

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DFL > DNF > DNS

...always during tax season... bummer!

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Hillary Trout
San Luis Obispo, CA

Your trip is short. Make the most of it.
https://www.slogoing.net/

Pretty much the rest of April is already booked up and May is starting to get to be too late. Sorry!

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

Is this open to anyone?

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To breathe, to feel, to know I'm alive.

I would so love to come to this one of these years.... Being in Maine is not conducive. I assume one flies into LAX?

Or Burbank or Ontario. And yes, open to all womens.

Do you have a proposed schedule or one from a previous camp? I'm interested and those dates work for me.

I was just starting to look at camps after attending was suggested to me and I'd love to stay "local."

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(Formerly SoCalTricurious, now in the PNW).

Womens camp is uncoached and freeform, with everyone finding time, space, and company to meet their training needs. Other local but coached options include Andy Potts camp next week at the Olympic training center in Chula Vista and the LATriClub wildflower camp in April, both open to anyone.

Thanks Gee -- unstructured sounds more my style, please keep me on the list of interested Womens.

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(Formerly SoCalTricurious, now in the PNW).

Of course! And people shouldn't feel like they need to be at a certain fitness level to attend. You can do as much or as little as you want, or even nothing if that is on your agenda.
We usually have a couple of different levels of rides and go as a group to the pool in town, then others will go run or hike while those of us who cannot run anymore hang at the house and take pictures of the horses.

Monty cooks breakfast and dinner and lunch is a make-your-own affair (which a totally stocked frig). Unlimited beer, wine, Diet Pepsi and always Monty-ritas on Saturday night.

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

I am interested. What's the cost and where do we stay? I'm familair with all those airports, in which town is camp? Wondering if I'd need a car rental or I might leverage So Cal friends for transport.

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To breathe, to feel, to know I'm alive.

I think I can make this work!!!

And with big racing goals this season, I will be all in at camp. I would love company for long rides and runs!

Bring your wetsuit, because I owe you a swim!

We say at Monty's place (which is adjacent to Dan's). The compound is loving names Xantusia. Its in Valyermo, CA which is about a 90 minute drive from LAX, 60 min from Burbank, and 50 min from Ontario. The cost is usually very reasonable but I will let Cathy or Monty confirm what fees are for this year. And as Cathy mentioned, the fees include lodging and meals.

You will need a rental car so we usually try to organize flights so that we can carpool and save some money. Plus, we will sometime drive to various starting points for runs and swims. You can also ship your bike to Xantusia if you don't want to drag it on the plane. Dan has a great garage with all the tools in the world that we can use for assembly.

Its always a fun weekend. Even when it snows and we get trapped in the house.


This posting highlights Xantusia: http://www.slowtwitch.com/...ops/Xantusia_46.html

I've posted photos every year I've gone ... find me on FB and I'll share. Always an excellent time.

Really great to see this many so early in a good spot now to attend. As for car rentals that used to be the norm, but with Uber/Lyft around now some people are choosing those options. There are usually enough cars of locals there for pool or trail shuttles. A lot of our FIST campers are going that route now too, so just some options.

And yes if you are flying in you have a lot of options for airports. Ontario( CA of course, actually had someone book Ontario Canada once!) is best, Burbank is next, and LAX is 3rd farthest. But they are all pretty close, so if you get a good deal on a direct flight, take whatever is best in that regard, at least that is what I would do.

And all the food, drinks, snacks, and adult beverages are provided by me. Of course if you have a favorite of something bring it along, but the food is 5 star if I say so myself!! Cathy has your rates, but suffice it to say you do not pay my kids college funds, or even buy their shoes! But you womens are so much fun to have around, and having a few toe heads around doesn't bother you at all..

Thus far it has been an extremely warm winter up here with very little rain, so I expect April to be the perfect time of year. Not too hot, not too cold, and just the right amount of altitude to get you some legal red blood cells to crush the dreams of your competitors. And keep in mind that you can come a little early if you want, especially to those flying long distances. Cathy usually does, but not sure what her schedule is this year.

Let me know if you have any other questions about the place, the experts here are the ones that have been to one or two( or 10 or 11 Cathy). And I have noticed some really cheap flights lately to this area, so a good time to lock it in.

Well I'm definitely interested. The timing is perfect for me. Years past I'd have had a planned schedule of trips / events by now with almost all of my vacation time dog-eared but as it's gone I haven't signed up for much and my biggest race is a carry over from a cancellation last year. The not too strick schedule sounds just right for my current level of comeback and the venue sounds 100% perfect for rekindling my love affair with hills. Hopefully Gee can conclude I'm not a serial killer after perusing my IRL FB persona. :-)

I have already checked flights since my experience has only been to fly with my bike vs ship it, ergo I wanted to see what was available on Southwest. If I were to ship my bike instead, does UPS or someone come out to the site to pick the bikes back up? I assume said company only transports boxed bikes vs bagged ones (e.g. Pika or RHH)?

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To breathe, to feel, to know I'm alive.

You want hills? You’ll get them for sure.
The cost is $65/night.

We used that bike 🚲 shipping company- bikeflights.com. No problem with picking up the bikes. The UPS and FedEx men are very very very familiar with Xantusia!

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

Holy moley - that's a steal!

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To breathe, to feel, to know I'm alive.

OK - it's a go - April 4-8. I'm crossing my fingers for 80F and sunshine all that week!
And, I have to be in LA for a meeting on that Monday, so yea me!! Bought my airplane tickets today.

Here are some pictures from the 2008 camp. Should be public.

https://www.facebook.com/...e=1&l=d3669e54a6

The first camp was in 2006. Here's the report.

http://ironclm.typepad.com/...d/2006/03/index.html

First post here: http://ironclm.typepad.com/...006/03/xantusia.html

Longer report here: http://ironclm.typepad.com/...st_gals_weekend.html

And Monty doesn't look any different!

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

We'll have to agree to disagree on that. There is more "snow on the roof" now ;-)

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DFL > DNF > DNS

We'll have to agree to disagree on that. There is more "snow on the roof" now ;-) //

But at least there is still a roof!!!! Is there any scenario where I have 3 kids and a wife that doesn't turn me gray?? You see that look on my face, it is called ignorant bliss, and looks like I need another beer to boot!!!

My plan is to fly into LAX on Wednesday morning arriving around 10:30 and leaving on Sunday evening around 6pm. If anyone wants to/from LAX, let me know.

Monty- any idea on what the uber/lyft fees are? Trying to decide if I will go this route or a rental.

You would have to look it up but I think around $70 to $100 each way?

Thanks. I am not a current uber/lyft user but I will check it out. I will just likely end up renting a car since I already know how to do that....

I'm a go! Flying into/from Ontario on Southwest (read: flying with bike). I assume I'll be renting a car, unless I luck out and my friend's mom has a spare car, or someone wants to carpool via the scenic route?

Giddy-up!

Oh - pay on arrival, or...?

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To breathe, to feel, to know I'm alive.

Great news, just post up your arrival time and airport here and others can chime in if there is a pick up possible. And yes I get all your $$ once you get here...

I'm actually arriving on Apr 3 and departing on Apr 9, in order to enjoy a visit with my friends mom. She'll get me from the airport, but as for a carpool opportunity, I'll be in Upland, which is right off the 10 (I-10, I know it's spoken as "the ten" but that looks weird in print).

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To breathe, to feel, to know I'm alive.

Starting the list!

ironclm - driving from LA/leave Mon. ONT
Sally - driving from Vegas
Gail - driving over the mountain
Tsunami - ONT
Instigator - LAX/Wed-Sun PM
SDCali - driving

SoCalTriCurious?

Monty, Ashley, Wyatt, Morgan and Jessie
Marty?

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

I’m in, don’t have exact dates yet, but will drive up.

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check out my blog http://theswimmingtriathlete.com

I'm in, driving, and would be happy to pick up someone flying into an LA area airport (and their bike). Tsunami? Instigator?

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(Formerly SoCalTricurious, now in the PNW).

I will be shipping my bike to Xantusia as I am not a good traveler with it. My flights are as follows:

Arrive LAX at 10:10am on Wednesday, April 4.
Leave LAX at 6:15pm on Sunday, April 8.

I would love to catch a ride with you if those times work. Otherwise my plan is to rent a car.

Sure thing, let's PM to sort out the details.

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(Formerly SoCalTricurious, now in the PNW).

Less than 1 month till Women's Camp! I can't wait.

Looks like I am probably gong to miss most or all of Camp 2018. I started a new job and am not sure I should be taking time off yet, and I am running my local 5k on Saturday morning (it's on the Santa Anita racetrack, starts in the actual starting gates and ends down the homestretch led by the horses/jockeys, so if anyone likes horses you might want to drive over the hill for it). I am going to try to come Sat afternoon/night for Montyritas, especially if I can persuade Dan or Monty to pull out the SwitchIt and help me pick a new saddle.

Boo!! but congratulations on the new job!!!

I do hope you can make it for Saturday. It would be great to see you.

Two and a half weeks!

ironclm - driving from LA/leave Mon. ONT
Sally - driving from Vegas
Tsunami - ONT
Instigator - LAX/Wed-Sun PM
SDCali - driving
SoCalTriCurious - driving

Monty, Ashley, Wyatt, Morgan and Jessie
Marty?

Gail - driving over the mountain hopefully on Saturday

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

One week! Bike has been dropped off with Fed Ex and weather checking has begun (so far so good with highs in the low 70s and NO rain or snow). Can't wait to see you all!!

Ditto!!

I'm flying to LA for work on Sunday. Can't wait.

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

Gosh, guess it's time to get a car.

Does any one have a recommended packing list? Can anyone say how many times we do s, b, r? Two workouts a day? I assume I can leave the wetsuit at home. I need to get my things together! It's just occurred to me my flat kit holder wasn't fitting since I changed my saddle and I don't have a new plan for that yet. Hmmm.

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To breathe, to feel, to know I'm alive.

I haven’t been to Camp in a few years buts it’s really unstructured and it’s up to you on how much you want to do and when. You can usually convince someone to join. But to actually answer your question, based on my past experiences, we usually ride each day. There are routes of various lengths and grades in all directions. There will be one that meet your cycling needs :). At least once we head over to the punchbowl for a long run. Some of us do bricks or shorter runs on the trails form the house. And there is the margarita mile on Saturday. The pool is in town and takes a bit to get there so we usually head there 1-2 times. It’s an amazing outdoor venue. So beautiful.

I haven’t gotten my workouts for next week but I expect it to be very bike heavy. I’m hoping I can convince someone to join me for hours in the saddle.

And laundry facilities are available. We usually do a load each day or so if that helps freeing up packing space.

Let me know when you are coming in ... if I can meet you, I will drive you over the hill even if I have to go home and go to work the next day. You won't need a car once you get there!

Keep me informed about the schedule, too, and I will try to come Saturday early enough to do something, but I already committed to run Sat am at the racetrack. At minimum I need to play MonTrivia and drink some MontyRitas, but I'd love to swim or ride or visit the Punchbowl Sat afternoon or Sunday.

OK thanks, this is helpful. Is the punchbowl trail running? I love trail running but haven't tried it since that fateful day when I worsened my labrum tear. Anyway, I'm debating packing my trail shoes, vs my road Newtons. Hmmm, and pool toys; never flown with those before. Hopefully no one will make fun of me if I bring a snorkel?

I would love to get in on the saddle swapping deal-e-oh. I'm not convinced I'm on the right one, yet. And biking daily sounds **fantastic**. I'm unsure I've been outside on a bike since Aug/Sept. Certainly not on my TT bike, at any rate.

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To breathe, to feel, to know I'm alive.

Yes. The punchbowl is trail running but all of the roads are perfect for running if that's more up your alley. I am a huge fan of trails and don't have many around me so I seek them out when I travel. I can't seem to remember what shoes I brought the last time I was out there. I will likely pack my trail Hokas but they are more of a cross trail/road shoes so they should be ideal for whatever we find out at Xantusia. And no one will make fun of you for bringing a snorkel. Just don't make fun of my fins :)

Being trapped in the Midwest, I am not sure when the last time I was actually trained outside on a bike. I've puttered around on a mountain bike a few times but I am pretty sure the tri bike hasn't been on the road since very later summer/early fall. At least this year my first outdoor ride won't be at a race which has been the case the last 3 years.

I am getting so excited. My bike arrives on Friday. I wish I was too.....

Gee, I come in at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, but my friend's mom will get me; I'm staying at her house for the evening. I'd be happy to accept a ride to camp if it works with your schedule. My biggest hurry upon arrival, aside from proper hello's and such, is to assemble my bicycle (which I'm flying with). So maybe you could let me know your thoughts for Wednesday and if I need to get a car, so be it.

Return trip I'm also going to my friend's mom's house, where I'll stay Sunday evening. I fly out Monday morning and she'll take me to the airport.

The house is in Upland, off 13th street between Mountain and Benson. If a ride only works one way (like on Sunday for example), I could see whether she'd be game for driving me out to Valyermo.

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To breathe, to feel, to know I'm alive.

Here's the weather forecast. Two things to note - 1) the wind and 2) lows at night.

https://weather.com/...nday/l/USCA1189:1:US

Like instigator said - most people try to ride every day. Whomever wants to swim can drive to town and swim. You can run from the house, or do a Punchbowl run/hike.
Everything is very casual. I plan to swim, bike and walk (since I can't run). Can't wait!!

clm

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

Well, it occurs to me that I can’t fit a bike box into my car! But everyone keep me apprised of the schedule and I will see if I can make it over the hill at least once.

This shows temps about 5 deg higher than weatherunderground, on which I didn't notice the wind.

I assumed it would be windy, partly b/c I don't know Valyermo and envision high desert with little to block wind, and partly b/c my super power (or villian power, depending on how you look at it) is bringing headwinds. Never tailwinds, unfortunately.

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To breathe, to feel, to know I'm alive.

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DFL > DNF > DNS

http://www.slowtwitch.com/...ops/Xantusia_46.html

Bjorn is there now and has posted some photos: https://www.instagram.com/bacoaching/

Monty - kidnap him and keep him for another week!

You're coming from Ontario right? You might want to print this out. If you're coming from the west side - see the link above about coming from the #14.

FROM THE #15

About halfway up the Cajon Pass on #15 you'll come to an offroamp for highway #138. You'll take this road west (left turn off the freeway). You'll spend about 25 minutes on the #138, and after spending most of this time traveling through the flattish Antelope Valley you'll eventually come to 165th street (there will be signs alerting you that this is the turn-off for Crystalaire and Valyermo).

FROM THE INTERSECTION OF #138 AND 165TH

You'll turn "uphill" from here, toward the mountains. That's "left" if you're coming from the #15, and it's "right" if you're coming down from the #14. It is a good idea to set your trip odometer to zero at this point. After ascending almost exactly 5.0 miles, STAYING ON THE PAVED ROAD, you'll reach the top of the grade. There's a green wrought iron gate on the left, it's always open. You'll go through here and onto a dirt road. Travel 3/10 of a mile, do not turn anywhere, and you'll see a second black wrought iron gate. You're here (sort of). Turn left and follow the fence line, keeping the fence on your right shoulder. After several hundred yards, you'll see a yellow house on the left. That belongs to Mark Montgomery and is likely where you're staying. The property on the right, inside the fence, is where you'll attend the workshop.

Most important: Do not Mapquest! If you do, you're liable to take a very scenic route that will lead you high in the mountains, and to both seasonal and permanent road closures. Use the directions we provide above.

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend...got some bad news when I attempted to do my taxes, and it is not in the budget for me this year.

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check out my blog http://theswimmingtriathlete.com

First of all you don't use Valyermo to search for weather around here, that station is way up the mountain. For best results put in pear blossom or even Palmdale, usually 5 degrees warmer than what you are looking at..

And there is "NO" predicting the wind around here. It just blows about 5 days a month on a random basis. Every time they predict strong Santa Ana winds, it is dead calm here usually. Predictions are pointless when you are this close to the mountains. And the rain storm of the year that hit a week ago, we got about 3/4 of an inch or so here..It was cold for a few days though, but that seems to be pretty much gone now, hit high 70's this past week..

Heck, even the weather for Valyermo looks amazing to me. Especially since it was 25 here this morning.

Thanks for this.

I hope my post-it note version will do the trick:


I-15 N to exit 131
138 West
~25 min to turn-off for Valyermo / Crystalaire
Left / S at 165th St E
Travel 5 mi on paved road
L through green iron gate, onto dirt road
Travel 3/10 mi
L at black iron gate
“several hundred yds” to yellow house on left

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To breathe, to feel, to know I'm alive.

I've gotten lost in the shuffle. Is there a schedule developing? Any Womens interested in say a 2-5 hour hilly ride on Sunday? I'm flexible.

I'm an "easy" drive away and could also return someone to the airport. Instigator?

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(Formerly SoCalTricurious, now in the PNW).

I am up for a 4-5 hour ride on Friday and 3 or so on Saturday. Along with shorter rides on Wed and Thurs. Since I’m flying home on a Sunday, I plan on running long so I have time to pack the bike and drive back to LAX.

I ended up getting a great deal on a rental car so i am all set for transportation.

Can’t wait! Less than 48 hours.

I was wondering if we'd have a white board that we could put workouts on? So we can see how our plans stack up?

My bike rides look like: 1.5 h (for today, not going to happen), 3.5 h, 1 h, 3 h, 1 h.
Swims: 70 min, 75 min
Runs: 80 min (gah!), 20 min t-run, 20 min t-run

My swims are scheduled to coincide with the shorter bike rides, but I don't need to stick to that like glue.

I'm targeting a 10:30-11 a.m. arrival tomorrow.

ps - Answer to "what is that?", when I checked in for my flight, "exercise equipment for my hip; I had surgery a few months ago".
It might have helped that I feel trashed following my swim this morning, so was a bit downtrodden at the counter.
baggage dude: "Good luck with your recovery".
me: "Thanks, it's been interesting so far."

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To breathe, to feel, to know I'm alive.

Great, glad that's sorted. If there's someone who wants to ride, I'll roll out Sunday. Safe travels y'all!

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(Formerly SoCalTricurious, now in the PNW).

Assuming i get there, i will bring my bike only if someone wants to ride Sunday ... which often sounds like a great idea until the Montyritas come out! Pool in Palmdale is usually closed Sunday iirc, but I am likely to hit the Rose Bowl in the afternoon if no ride.

“several hundred yds” to yellow house on left ///

Just an update, I have painted my house bright white, so dont drive all around looking for a yellow house...

excellent.. thanks for the heads up!

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To breathe, to feel, to know I'm alive.

which often sounds like a great idea until the Montyritas come out! Pool in Palmdale is usually closed Sunday iirc, but I am likely to hit the Rose Bowl in the afternoon if no ride. //

I believe that the Santa Clarita pool is now open on Sundays as well as Saturdays, 10;30 to 1;30. That could be a good option for any who want to swim on the way home or LAX airport that day..

guess I'm later to get out than I thought, leaving Upland now, @10:30 a.m.

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To breathe, to feel, to know I'm alive.

 A little more detail on directions

Once you turn off the main road at the Xantusia sign -

Go up the dirt road and you will have to take a left. Follow the fence and at the end of the fence turn right. Been a few hundred yards on your left you will see the house. The gravel driveway up to the house you can park and unload your stuff but then park your car down below. It will make sense once you see it.

If you don’t turn right at the end of the fence and keep going, you’ll end up at the neighbors. Or if you do turn right at the fence but don’t turn left at the first house and keep going over the hill, you’ll end up at the other neighbors. The good news is that everybody knows Dan and Monty.

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

 https://instagram.com/p/BhH7uTmDJ6a/

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

I suspect I'm here, but no answer at door. House # 17114?

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To breathe, to feel, to know I'm alive.

If there are big lizards on the walls (unless monty didn’t put them back up after painting) or bikes in front, you are there!

When are you arriving?

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

[/img]

Why we really come; Montyritas![/img]

We brake on bike rides to feed hungry donkeys! If you don't know how, please ask Dan to teach you. These critters could eat your fingers by mistake ;-)[/img]

The natural beauty once you're done training is outside your window!

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DFL > DNF > DNS

So, Monty and I were already discussing next year. Can't wait!!

All of my pictures are here: https://www.instagram.com/ironclm/

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

Who left their water bottle holder in my rental car? It’s at Monty’s so you can get it next year.

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

Proof of life, as requested.

At 4 a.m. (when I arrived at the airport this morning) I wasn't up for being obtuse - I admitted carrying a b-word and was charged an oversize fee. Otherwise my trip through check in and security was w/o issue.

In flight I occupied myself by tallying my climbing - just over 11,000 feet of gain. Next time, I'm hitting 15!

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To breathe, to feel, to know I'm alive.

Your training was really impressive! I was in awe watching you go and climb in the bike that much!

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DFL > DNF > DNS

Great pics. Looks like so much fun. Wish I could get out there.

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No coasting in running and no crying in baseball

The race I'm signed up for (American Zofingen duathlon, not sure I can handle the running volume just yet) climbs 9000 feet on the bike, in 84 mi. I went to camp unsure I could do 1/3 of the climbing needed for that race, and left feeling maybe 2/3 of it actually is in my wheel house. I'm taking a trip to the couse today, hoping to come away with a decision - drop to a shorter distance of the event, or just go for the whole thing despite a potential or probability for DNF'ing run 2. It's a delicate balance of: not in shape to race my best, clearly don't want to hurt myself, and F you hip - I'm making my comeback (from surgery last year). You know, inner demons and all.

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To breathe, to feel, to know I'm alive.

If it was black nylon and went around the waist, then it's mine. I have been looking for it everywhere and I can't find mine...

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DFL > DNF > DNS

I’m pretty sure that was it.

https://quik.gopro.com/v/9CUFDQgMo7/

A little taste of the entire time there.

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

cool video!

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maybe she's born with it, maybe it's chlorine
If you're injured and need some sympathy, PM me and I'm very happy to write back.
disclaimer: PhD not MD