Epic Camp NZ 2010 Epilogue Tara

Epilogue

I am now back home in Toronto and am pretty wiped! Not only did I cycle the length of New Zealand (like that isn't enough), and bike and run some, but I have also just had 30 hours of travel, an 18 hour time change to deal with and a full day of massage clients my first day back! Phew!

It is hard to believe it is all over. It is strange to go from such huge intensity to recovery but important so our bodies can benefit from all the mileage in a positive way. It is amazing to think back to the 15 days of experiences and "good times" we all shared together.

I feel lucky because I plan to coach EPIC WOMAN in Arizona in April (10-17), hopefully with Scott too so I get to do it all over again in a few months. I hope that the interest from other strong female campers will be there and we can make this dream come true. Let me know if you are interested!

Here are some of my thoughts that come to mind post Epic:

Epic is a great place to meet new and reunite with amazing friends.

Epic Camp week is a great time to learn from others.

Epic is a great way to train with like-minded crazies who help you to push your limits to a whole new level.

Epic Camp is unique in that you can focus solely on eating, sleeping and training.

When you think you can't do it, you can and will.

It is important to know your body and listen to it to prevent injury.

NZ is an beautiful country but has a lot of chip seal/bumpy roads.

NZ can be hot, cold, and wet and windy. Don't forget booties and options for all weather conditions! Don't forget to put on your sunscreen.

You will never go hungry at Epic. You will probably gain weight!

At Epic you will see some great competition and impressive results from great athletes.

I will be surprised if I don't have any cavities at the dentist next week from eating so many jelly beans.

Epic support crew rock. Epic wouldn't be possible without them and words can't express just how amazing they were!

I can't wait to see the movie about Epic Camp New Zealand 2010 by Stormy Dog Productions!!

It will be hard to top the feeling of accomplishment from cycling the length of NZ in 15 days!

Scott Molina, my coach, has so much experience and stories to share, keeps me laughing, and is one hell of an athlete!

Gordo is also a wealth of information and offers deep insight that makes you think. He can also find that one last surge and finish strong even when he says he is a 20min hard effort away from complete collapse!

Johnny N has the best organization and leadership skills of anyone I know! He sure can climb too.

Steven Lord isn't human - not only has he won 3 for 3 yellow jerseys but he does so with a smile on his face at all times, no matter what!

Jo C is a fighter and is going to kick butt in her first year racing as a pro.

Clas is the strongest climber I have ever seen. And to think running is his strength!!!!!

Petro is so determined that when he decides to go for something, never gives up.

Dave C is one strong dude with no body fat. Despite running a million miles every day, he was still strong on the bike and able to pull day after day after day.

Dave L and Charlsey are my protectors. They are both very thoughtful and amazing athletes!

Pete made me work hard on the KOMs and gives a good massage!

Rob H has the steadiest wheel! He looks like a roadie.

Rob Q drinks a lot of coke :) and seemed to get stronger as the camp progressed - I can't wait to see his result at IM Lanzarote.

Russ has a great hairdo and swam 6K for the first time at Epic (he has done three)!

Douglas is one of the greatest and funniest guys I know. He makes me laugh and you would never know the speedster is going to turn 50!

Big E is just a little guy (not!). He sure can climb on BOTH the bike (with broken cranks to boot) AND on the run despite being 6 feet 8 inches tall!

Rip would take the shirt off his back for you because he is a great guy and he finished Epic strong once he learned how the game worked and got rid of his aero wheels that were a bit challenging in the winds of NZ.

Daniel can descend at a sick pace and pull you up to a pack when you need a bridge!

Roger is tough and may have the best strength to weight ratio!

Lee knows his limits but when he wants to, can give it to you!

Nick showed us his power with his million watt reading.

Blanco is one fit dude with great bike mechanic skills and protects Jordan sweetly and impressively.

Jordan never gives up! Love it!

Randy, we missed you!

THANKS FELLOW EPIC-ers for the great memories!
Tara