I’m heading to Boulder in a week for a few days and have always heard about the Flatirons swim sessions. Anybody on the forum attend these on the reg? Are there lanes available during the sessions for “normal” swimmers? I can leave on the 1:20-1:25 for 100/scy for multiple sets.
You should be fine. Dave and Jane Scott coach there, and both will give you a hell of a workout. Be prepared, there are a lot of hammers in the pool and a lot of pro triathletes. Act normal (don’t gush over the pros and try to introduce yourself to all - huge Boulder no-no…), work hard and you’ll fit right in.
There are a lot of other options for swimming in Boulder as well. Rally Sport has a more mellow pool/masters program with equally great coaches. Colorado Athletetic Club is the home of Mad Monica - a great coach - but be ready to work, she didn’t get the nickname Mad Monica for nothing. And, of course there’s the City/BAM where you can do sets with the DeBooms and your baby can hang out with their baby in the nursey/kids room.
All in all, Boulder is a damn fine place for any training you might want to do. Be sure to stop in at Colorado MultiSport (a couple friends of mine own it, it is a truly great Tri shop).
And, for coffee, visit the Boulder Brewers Market next to McGuckins (and darn close to CMS) or Ozo on the west end of the Pearl Street mall.
If you need any other recommendations just say the word…
you’ll be in the medium speed lane with me! … though if you’re coming from sea level you might be hurting trying to leave on your normal intervals.
I really like all of the coaches at FAC, can’t go wrong hopping into any of the master’s sessions.
Schedule here: http://www.flatironathleticclub.com/pdf/All%20lanes%20Outdoor-2012.pdf
If your coming from speed level expect a shock to the system.
Two days before I left I was swimming 20x100LCM on a 1:30 Cycle hitting 1:21-3, first week at Boulder in a 25m pool I couldn’t even hold 1:30 (let alone tumble turn, went hypoxic so easily).
I was afraid of the altitude change as I am coming from sea level. I was there a few weeks ago and rode up to Ward on Lefthand Canyon without issue until the very end where it makes that right hand turn up that nasty grade. I felt fine running around town but that of course was because my face wasn’t submerged in water. Looking forward to it, thanks for the info.
Take a look at the schedule on the BAM (Boulder Aquatic Masters) web site:
Sometimes you can find Wolfgang Dittrich coaching a workout.