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My Epic Camp (EC)

Well, many people are asking, “What is Epic Camp”. To tell them is a long and drawn out story that I bypass by sending them to www.epiccamp.com.

My story began in February 2003 when I ran across an article (actually two articles) in online magazines, one by 2002 Ultraman winner Gordo Byrn and the other by World Triathlon Champion and icon Scott Molina. Each article described a seemingly insurmountable and unreal amount of pain and suffering that was termed training and went by the name “Epic Camp”. After reading these articles I had an epiphany that this sort of push could make or break me for my upcoming race Ironman Florida in November 2003. Of course, there just happened to be a camp planned for July-August 2003 that was billed as a primer for the late summer and fall IM races. With little thought, I joined in on a search for that elusive piece of training that would give me the edge.

My first e-mail was to Scott Molina who referred me on to Gordo. Gordo graciously accepted my application (sub 10:30 IM shape) and welcomed me on board. Of course, all of this comes with a cost, but one that I was willing to pay. Months went by and I began to anticipate EC as if it were a race itself. In fact, I trained for EC specifically. With the input of Gordo I had a plan to get me to Colorado healthy, strong, and ready to go. Long rides, run training, swimming, and nutrition were part of the strategic build. Not one question was left unanswered. Correction, I had all of the answers but one, “Can you make it through Epic Camp?”.

By mid July I was primed and ready to go. The day for departure came quickly and before I knew it I was in Boulder, Colorado shoulder to shoulder with some of the finest Ironman triathletes in the world. Four mortals, myself included, had accepted the call to become Epic Campers; my roommate Joe from Canada, and, Roger and Kevin from San Diego. All in all, a bunch of flatlanders from sea level terrain in for the time of their lives.

EC proved to be an experience for me that opened my mind to a new level of training and performance. Day in and day out, training is stressful on the body and mind, but I learned that when you take away external variables it is possible to handle the overload of training that we achieved. The confidence and fitness that I came away with from EC served as a building block for my season and boost for my IM training in general.

Training along side Gordo and Scott as well as other talented athletes was a great experience in my mind. I learned more from them in 12 days than I have in the past 4 years about IM training. Doing the training was far more valuable than reading any book or hearing any lecture. I think that there are many athletes out there that can benefit from EC training. The philosophy of an elite athlete is one that you can only appreciate once you experience it. Gordo and Scott are two of the best at teaching you how to train and you live it at EC.

Prologue:

I arrived in Boulder fresh and ready to go. Unsure of what was ahead of me over the next 12 days, I was nervous as well. I unpacked my bike, greeted the lads (other campers), and tried to ready myself for the unknown. At dinner the first night we talked and tried to gauge our level of accomplishment. Meeting Gordo and Scott was definitely a highlight for me. Other great athletes that came by were Chuckie V and Eric Schwartz.

Day 1:

To begin with, I had no idea what to expect with this sort of training and it was an adventure from the beginning.

An early morning swim in the long course pool started the day. OK, 75 minutes of swimming down and not so bad, even at 5400 feet. Then, it was back to Gordo’s for morning chow and on to the bikes for our ride to Ward and Brainard Lake (10,000 ft). One thing about eating: when you train massive amounts, you must learn to eat. I am not talking leisure eating. I mean eating that would rival that of your favorite four-legged pooch. Back to the ride. On the way up it rained, then hailed, then the temperature dropped to 48 degrees. A 30-minute stop at Ward (9000 ft) had us all doubting if we would make it to the top. It was cold, wet, and there was lots of lightning. A little Espresso and the passing of the storm allowed us to continue, but at the top, Molina and three of us mortals packed it in. Besides, I was cooked after climbing for nearly an hour. (I discovered what heart rate zone I could manage while at altitude) At the top it was apparent that none of us had the right clothing to descend in this weather. Later, at home in Boulder, we managed an hour run near the reservoir. A nice way to end the day.

Day 2:

Like Day 1 we began with a trip to the pool for 3800 yards. I tried to swim with Molina, but discovered quickly that his interval pace was too fast for my oxygen-starved arms. Next was a short weight workout and then off for breakfast, pack, and on to the bikes. A mandatory jacket rule was instated and then we rolled through the flatlands behind the G train before the 30K of climbing came to end the day at Estes Park. Good thing that we had jackets as it rained like hell. It rained so much that small rocks were crossing the road as we ascended Big Thompson Canyon up to Drake making the road even harder to navigate. Finally we made it to Estes Park for a beautiful sunset, massage, and dinner. A small note: Chuckie V rode along with us and was caught in the bad weather unprepared. So, he ended up in Estes Park where we clothed him with enough winter gear to make it back to Boulder without freezing.

After dinner, Scott showed me the town and I enjoyed a sinful piece of pizza and a beer. I think Scott went for a chocolate chip cookie and a beer.

Day 3:

The morning came quickly after a night of poor sleep. A quick bite of food, some coffee, and then off to the pool at Estes Park. Swimming at 7200 ft is challenging to say the least. Finished with a nice even 3000 yards.

We are starting to gel a bit more as the group feels the efforts of the past two days work. Being the lone Southerner I am always sensitive to how others react to my openness and enthusiasm (call it charm if you want). Anyway, by this time, another interesting change has taken place with our bodies. Suffice it to say that we all have excessive noxious emissions that are noteworthy if not downright offensive. I guess that this comes with the increased food intake and training. Hard to believe after only two days of EC.

On to the bikes after breakfast for a classic Colorado ride from Estes Park over the Continental Divide via Trial Ridge Road. This is a 60 mile ride or so with a 12,000 ft peak summit (20 miles +/- of climbing). The ride will take us through the Rocky Mountain National Forest and to its western edge where we will spend the night at a real Colorado town, Grand Lake. I summit first among the mortals and earn a few coveted points. I am amassing good KOM (king of the mountain) points early although there are many more to come. We bundle up for the descent and scream downhill for nearly 20 miles.

Our run off the bike takes us into mountain trails that are beautiful and cool. Molina and Canadian Joe lose me going up some path although their gaseous trail lingers in the air as I plod along. Eventually, I find them and we finish in about an hour.

We stay out on the edge of town in a ranch. Very tranquil and picturesque. Dinner is in town tonight at a great steakhouse. Most meals, by the way, are catered by three wonderful ladies, Wy, Wendy, and Betty. They do an exceptional job and also porter our heavy luggage around. Their job was the hardest by far. Sleep comes easy after today, with the exception of Scott's MSN farts. (He's not the only one. Roger, KP, and Joe are trying to kill me at this point.)

Day 4:

Today we rolled out after a delightful breakfast at the ranch served to us by three little girls that must help out their moms as part of the daily chores. Molina got up early to wander the trails (his ultra running days are apparent to me by now) and just made it to eat before we packed up to go.

Fired up by the promise of a flatter ride today the five of us started out towards Steamboat Springs. Gordo and Clas had returned yesterday to Estes Park from the peak and today would ride at first light up over Trail Ridge again and catch up with us somewhere down the road. Scott was the leader and he pulled us along at a brisk pace until he hit the rumble strips on the side of the road. Helpful to cars, rumble strips are hell on the bike and your crotch when you hit them. Unfortunately, they are hard to see until you are on them and then, it's too late. We made good time until we hit a pass that was advertised to be about 700 feet over a few miles. Yeah, right! Much to everyone's surprise, we climbed a good 2000 feet or so over six miles. Molina was especially surprised as he big ringed the climb. Needless to say he was a bit less frisky the rest of the day. I think that his goal for the day was to make it to lunch before G and Clas caught us. We did. After a long lunch we started the final push to Steamboat. It was a nice ride with only a few small climbs. We ran off the bike again for 30 minutes. Today's total was 106 miles ride time and 30 minutes run. About 6 + hours total. (Gordo and the Baron got in 155 miles or so)

The condo in Steamboat was sweet.

Day 5:

Rest Day.....Yeah right!

After today I know better than to call a rest day anything but rest. We all gathered for an absurd 7:30 AM departure to run up Steamboat Mountain (Mt Werner). Armed with my Camel Back and water I followed the lads from the condo to the trail leading up the lifts. It was nearly 10,000 feet at the summit, but I was only headed to the top of the first section (9,000 ft) and, hopefully, a ride down on the ski lift. After an hour and change of winding uphill I was there. I had lost contact with everyone and even made my way to the top by some unknown trails. Nevertheless, I met Joe and KP at the prescribed meeting area.

Now, what happened next is beyond my comprehension. Apparently, I agreed to descend with these two fools back to the condo. No problem? Wrong! The pounding on the quads for an hour nearly did us in. We hobbled back to the condo only to find that everyone else rode the lift down the mountain. With a quick breakfast I decided to go with Scott and Clas on a ride towards Steamboat Lake and an ice cream stop that Scott remembered from his early years of training. It was well worth remembering. After the ride I rallied for lunch and then a massage. I finished off the day with a "short" swim. A nice five hour "rest day".

After dinner, Scott chaperoned me as we hit a pub or two for a beer. Good training break!

Day 6:

Today was the first day that I really hurt. Yesterday's downhill running crushed my legs and even a massage did little for me. Our day began with the traditional swim, but there was one catch. We ran to the pool. I made the mostly downhill run to the pool and I even added on a bit with KP there to keep me company. We had decided to go for the 45 minute stand alone run to get the run points for the day and avoid the return run from the pool back to the condo after our swim. This way, we got in our run without another excruciating uphill climb. I made it through the swim and finished with 3,000 yards. Roger, having some lower leg problems, drove us back for a big breakfast.

Our ride today was a big one going from Steamboat to Vail and covering 100 + miles and 3 passes. I think that Scott was feeling good today as he went off the front early on the first climb to take it. Gordo was looking flat and I tried to attack, but as a true champion, he rebounded to keep me humble. It turned out to be quite the day with a bit more heat and more climbing than I thought. I managed to keep up with Gordo, Scott, and Clas for a while and then, on the second climb Clas put the hammer down. I managed to stay in contact with them through this part of the ride until we regrouped at a local store near Bond, CO. Following this stop I think that I witnessed the finest save in cycling that I have ever seen. Coming down from the third and final climb into Wolcott there was a 10 meter ditch on the side of the right lane and at greater than 50KPH Gordo plowed through nearly losing control and managing to make the save after a wicked speed wobble. I thought that he was a goner for sure, but he pulled it out.

Lunch at Wolcott was a nice break and were all very tired. Joe was especially tired as he missed us at our first stop in Bond and managed to make it all the way to lunch with no stop. After fueling up we made our way the last 30K into Vail. This was a slight uphill with a tail wind. Feeling good all day, the Baron (Clas) pulled us up to the condos there.

Another day down. Later, we (Scott, Joe and I) managed to walk down to the local market for a little bite of ice cream and chocolate.

Day 7:

Another rest day filled with yet another swim, bike, run, weights, and massage. Hard to believe, but I awoke this morning ready to go. After a small breakfast I joined Gordo, Scott, and Clas for a very memorable ride over Vail Pass through Copper Mountain and into Frisco (40K each way) for a coffee stop. We rode bike trails the entire way. It really impressed me that a state would build such a fine public access trail for only bikes and pedestrians. In fact, this trail went all the way over to Breckenridge, another 30 or more miles past Frisco. By the way, I need to mention that I nearly froze my kester off on the way over to Frisco. It was a great ride. Later that day I managed a massage, nap, swim (3K), and run (45 min). Ahh, the good life!

Tonight's entertainment was a short trip into Vail Village with Scott (our cultural representative and educator) and KP (who had had enough of no night life). We found a nice Bistro and sat at the bar for a drink. Scott and I had a brew, while KP abstained in better judgment. We all had a dessert called something like "Chocolate Sin". It was!!! Likely, I will never have a dessert as good as that one. What a memory.

Day 8:

Although today loomed as another 100+ mile day it was going to be a relatively flat ride for most of the way. Again, we started with a morning swim and weights. Weights during EC are fairly minimalist for me. Just doing something qualifies, especially on a long ride day. A gourmet breakfast before our ride set us up for another great day.

About the most impressive and awesome thing of the day (besides the training) was the scenery. We rode up Glenwood Canyon today along the Colorado River and it was breathtaking. Absolutely stunning. We stopped for lunch in Glenwood Springs and then headed up towards Aspen.

The ride was uneventful until after lunch. Then, the infamous red light affair happened. Gordo had announced earlier that he was going to do a few tempo sessions on the way up to Aspen. On the first, the group split. After a series of good pulls, Scott was gapped along with Joe and myself. As an onlooker I just sat in until Scott looked over and said, "Come on, pull me up there, you've been sitting in all day!”. At that point I did what I was told and pulled through. We closed the gap on Gordo and Clas slowly. (Clas, by the way, was on fire today and riding well.) Then, as we were just on them, we came to an intersection with a stoplight. As the light changed to yellow, Gordo and Clas slowed to stop, but Scott seemed only to get faster and before I knew it we were through the light and off. I seem to remember a few choice words being emitted by Gordo (and a few motorists too). The next thing I know, Scott and I are on a 40K time trial to Aspen. We had a blast as we rode off the front of the peloton in search of the day’s victory. It really did feel like Le Tour.

Aspen. What can I say but Wow! We rode right to the hotel in Aspen Square. Then, off the bike for a 30 minute run. I ran with Gordo, Clas, and Scott. That was tough, but I was treated to a great experience. Scott literally pushed me up to the group (with his hand in my low back) when I began to fall off pace. It was interesting, but not a totally unusual technique used to help slower runners feel a faster pace.

Toasted, I retired to the condo for a smoothie, shower, and rest. After dinner, we walked through Aspen searching for ice cream and cookies.

Following today's attack and the accumulation of points, I was informed of my ascension to Yellow. Stunned, I realized that today was an historic event in EC history. I was the first camper ever to wear the leader's Yellow Jersey. Really though, I knew that my days were numbered and that a bull's eye was painted across my back. It was only a matter of time before El G put the hammer down.

Day 9:

Oh what a feeling! TIRED! After yesterday's overextension, I was worried, but we all managed decent swims at a stunningly beautiful complex in Aspen to begin the day. Another great breakfast and then off to Leadville . We rolled out through our "neutral zone" and then G let 'er rip. Off the front he put time into everyone. I think that the general feeling among the lads at this point was to ride without getting nuked. We were all weary and we rode our own pace. I hung on to Molina and the Baron until the climbing got serious and then it was "bye, bye dudes". I soloed up the 12,000 ft climb and was followed by Roger, Joe and KP. A quick stop at the summit (Independence Pass) and then down the mountain.

The descent was COLD as usual and we regrouped at some point just in time to have Baron pull us up to Leadville. The day was nearly perfect except for a small wipe out that G had in a corner not more than 5 miles outside of the town. With no real damage done except for road rash, we continued on to some beautiful lake for a rest and then eased our way up to our final destination. Off the bike, Joe and I followed Molina up from the hotel to a paved trail system above town for a 35-minute run. Of course, being the adventurous runner that he is, Molina went on while we returned to the hotel. Note: the air at 10,000 + feet is very thin and it is hard to breath up there.

We stayed in the Delaware Hotel, very Western and antiqued. Dinner was a feast at a local steak restaurant (Quincy's) where the menu consisted of only one main course, a 15-ounce filet. A picture of me at the restaurant makes me look like I have found the Holy Grail as I drool over the steak on my plate. After dinner, the mandatory town walk, and an ice cream cone top off the evening. One other note. There was this wandering man in the town that we ran across earlier on our run. He kept popping up that night. Very strange. I slept that night not so well with a bright light outside the window, street noise below, and no oxygen on top of that.

Day 10:

This morning was heavenly because we were treated to a big buffet style breakfast at the hotel. It was going to be a long day (90+ miles) with three passes to climb. After packing quickly and getting a day bag ready, we were off on the bikes. Thank God there was no pool in Leadville! The first pass was Loveland (I think). It was a sneaky climb and the fact that Roger knew how far it was to the summit did not help my cause. I was tired as well and kept thinking that the KOM points did not matter to me. That said, I hung on to Roger's wheel until the last 100 meters before I went for it. I guess I wanted the points more than I thought. We paused at the top for a group photo and then we carried on to the big climb of the day, Berthoud Pass.

After cruising for a while, we regrouped at the bottom of the Berthoud for a coke or whatever recharged us for the 4000-foot climb. Coke and a snickers did it for me. I decided that I would pull for a while after our stop even though I did not know what it would leave me for the rest of the day. By this time we were all very tired. I kept an even steady pace over the first 5-10K of false flats. I never looked back as I assumed that everyone was there. Finally, I pulled off and there was Baron and Gordo, no Molina and no other lads. Surprised, I eased up, but G let me know that we were NOT waiting around for them. I hung on for a long time, but the surges that Baron put in were too much for my already climbing heart rate. I wanted to stay right where I was, so I let them go. I was alone on the climb, third behind G and Baron, but I was waiting to see Molina coming up behind me soon. Near the top I could see that I was going to make it without being caught by Scott. (I am sure he could have caught me if he wanted to. I am amazed by his fitness and can hardly imagine how fit he was 10-15 years ago!)

We stopped again briefly to put on warm clothes and then dropped down 10 miles or so into Winter Park. Descending is fun, but can be sketchy at speeds of 40-50 mph. I arrived with Baron at the condo and immediately changed into run clothes. I decided that a trail run was out for obvious reasons and I chose to run a flatter route along the river (30 min). I returned to relax and watch a summer storm come in. That night was quiet as we all went to bed early. The next day was a rest day, and, the day before the last big ride.

Day 11:

Rest. That's a foolish thing to say during EC. Perhaps it is better just to say less volume. I awoke today with the intention of doing a longer run. KP and I ventured out of the condo and up an access trail toward the ski area. I would never have made it without his encouragement. I think that the camaraderie that has been established really made this experience what it was. Very good people with like goals and the desire to succeed plus a little ass kicking to humble us made for a great mix.

Back at the condo, the group had dispersed. Several went for a 50K ride, a few went to swim, and then there was me. I wanted to hang out and rest. I knew that tomorrow was the last and biggest day of the trip. I ended up getting a great massage that day and I made it to the condo’s weight room for a very short weight session. I have to admit that I knew how close the points race for the Yellow Jersey was and that the extra points from a ride and swim were tempting, but I was too beat to make it out the door. Also, I knew that the last climb, Mt. Evans, was going to be a weighted climb. In other words, the lightest guy, namely me, would have to get up the mountain the fastest in order to win. In fact, I think I was going to have to beat everyone, including Gordo, up the climb. HA!

Day 11 ended with rain again and cool weather. We ventured into Winter Park and found no ice cream shops open. An ominous sign for me. Instead, we hit the local 7-Eleven freezer section. I think that Joe went for Ben and Jerry’s while Molina went for a candy bar. I had an ice cream sandwich.

Day 12:

There was some concern that today might end up being rainy and cold. It was cool, but we were starting early and the sun had not even risen to warm us up. No matter, because after getting all of our bags to the car we started out from the condo back up over Berthoud Pass. Another 12,000 ft pass to begin the day. We had about 100 + mile to go and one very hard climb.

Baron must have thought that today he was going to take the Yellow Jersey because he started out hard. Before I knew it, Baron, Gordo, and Joe had escaped off of the front. I hung back with Molina and we stayed together throughout the entire climb up Berthoud Pass only catching up to Joe near the middle of the climb. I think that we viewed it as a warm up. I am glad that I did.

After regrouping and descending on an interstate (very hairy when eighteen-wheelers are whizzing by at 70 mph and you are doing 50 mph) we ended up in Idaho Springs for the beginning of the ascent to Mt. Evans. The mandatory weigh in consisted of standing on the scale with bike, helmet, shoes, and everything else that you wanted for the climb/descent. The rules for the climb were : 1. no dumping of equipment on the way up to get lighter, 2. the heaviest guy got the most time (handicap) to ascend. In other words, the lightest guy (me) had to ascend the fastest and beat the heaviest guy (KP) by a calculated time (it just happened to be 30 minutes). Also, I had to beat everyone else as well in order to win. It was at this point that I realized I was going to lose the Yellow Jersey to someone, and that someone was going to be Gordo. Baron was out already, but Scott had a chance. Even though he had eased up the first climb with me and lost points to G, Molina still could win.

We started at the sign to Mt Evans. It was 28 miles, all of it up, and we ended at 14,000 feet. Right from the start I knew that I could not hang with G, Baron, and Molina. Joe and I managed to stay together up through the entry to the park at Mirror Lake (I think) and then I decided to go it alone. It was a long, long way to go alone. The air got thinner and thinner while I got more and more light headed. Fortunately, it was a nice day and despite getting cooler, we saw no rain or snow. After an excruciatingly long climb I made it to the top after 2 hours and 38 minutes. I was a good 10 minutes behind Molina and even further behind G and the Baron. Roger followed me and then came KP and Joe. We were all glad to be finished.

I felt as if I was on the moon up there at the summit. The cold, wind, and little oxygen made my stay brief. I put on everything that I carried up with me and then a few more things that the girls had brought in our day bags for the descent. I froze! I was shaking so badly that I could hardly steer. Also, I was nervous as the edge of the road dropped off for what seemed like a mile. After forever going down I started to warm up. We regrouped at Mirror Lake and then headed back towards Boulder. It was a great ending to an Epic Camp.

I'll never forget riding in Colorado. The beauty and the weather were unforgetable. More important, however, was the fact that I could train 35 to 40 hours per week and enjoy it. There is so much that is unspoken about EC and that would be impossible to explain. It was a chance of a lifetime and I took it. I will never regret that.

Rob Allison - Epic Camp Colorado 2003 Attendee

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