I am thrilled to write about my experience at the GPP Fitness Ironman St. George training camp which was held in St. George, Utah from February 18-21. I first learned about the camp via the Ironman St. Group Facebook Group which I started in December to connect with other racers and supporters. Lizz and Wes let the group know about the camp and I knew it would be a great way to preview the course and meet other racers for the event. I also recruited one of my spinning class participants, Fatema, to attend the camp with me because she is also signed up for the race in May.
We made an early start on Thursday for the long drive down to St. George. It took us about 11 hours from Redwood City -> St. George with minimal stops. Upon our arrival, we met up with Coach and Camp Leaders, Lizz Bennett and Wes Johnson as well as some other camp participants at the Red Brick Pizza. It was a long day of driving and I was very excited to start Friday with lots of training.
Marlene & Lizz Post first bike ride
Each day of our camp itinerary was jam packed with swim, bike and run activities as well as GPP Fitness conditioning workouts. Every morning except for Sunday started with swim workout between 60 min - 120 min at Sand Hollow Aquatic Center. We completed the 44 mile looped portion of the Ironman St. George bike course twice, once on Friday and again on Monday. I saw a great improvement on my second round at the loop which I credit to attitude acclimation as well as familiarity with the course. On Saturday, despite raining, cold weather, we complete the one full loop for the marathon course, so 13.1 miles.
Group pic prior to half marathon run
On Sunday, we have some unpleasant weather which lead to our long scheduled bike ride to be cancelled but we did manage to get in around 25 miles on the bike course covering the portion which goes from T1 to the town of St. George to begin the loop.
Partner carry drill: Yes, it's that tough.
On Monday, following the second time through on the bike loop, we did around an hour brick run on the Red Cliffs Parkway which is a major part of the marathon course. We also did a 45 minute brick run halfway through the bike loop at the town of Veyo. It was a great opportunities to practice running off the bike and at attitude, Veyo is around 4500 ft. above sea level.
Bike Loop Round Two: Snow on the ground!
Overall, I give this training camp 5 stars for execution, course preparation and value. The camp registration fee was very competitve as compared to other camps. Lodging and most meals were not provided but there was plenty of options to satisfy those items on your own, which almost always ends up being more affordable for the attendees. Coaches Lizz and Wes were very professional and the support team, especially on the long bike and runs, were amazing. I felt very supported in a very unknown training environment.
Everything that people have been said about the race being super challenging due to the hills was definitely confirmed by me as a result of this camp. I now have the advantage and confidence in knowing exactly what is waiting for me when I debark on the mission to complete this event. As I said in my TV video with the Spectrum, I can not imagine showing up on race day and experience this course for the first time. I know that this is a reality for some Ironman participants when travel to the race course is not available but if it is ever possible, I would highly recommend anyone to attempt to make the effort to preview the course via a training camp. The ability to connect with other participants from around the world and bond over the shared experience on learning the race course is invaluable. Through this camp, I have formed relationships with my fellow racers which will hopefully span and continue over the upcoming years of training and racing. On May 7th, 2011, I know that I will have a group of people cheering for me as I will be for them and it is truly the shared experience which drives and motivates us to all compete in this sport we love.
CAMP 4-DAY TOTALS:
Overall: 18:30
SWIM: 4:20
BIKE: 7:20
RUN: 4:50
STRENGTH: 2:00
Thursday
- Drive to St. George, Utah! Arrive at 5:30PM MST.
Friday
- SWIM: 70 min. 3100 yrd. Sand Hollow Aquatic Center
- 400 warmup
- 6 x 75 (kick, drill, swim)
- 200 easy
- 1000 for time
- 200 easy
- 9 x 100 (easy, med, hard) +:20
- 200 easy
- BIKE: Ironman St. George One Loop
- RUN: St. George Triathlon Training Trail Run.
Saturday
- SWIM: 2 hours. 3800 yrd
- Warmup
- Body position, catch and stroke count drills
- Cooldown
- RUN: 13.1 miles. 2:09. IRONMAN St. George Run Course.
- STRENGTH: 60 min. GPP Fitness workout
Sunday
- BIKE: Ironman St. George Training Camp: Day 3 Trainer Workout
- BIKE: Ironman St. George - Portion of Bike Course
Monday
- SWIM: 70 min. 3000 yrd.
- BIKE: IRONMAN St. George Bike Course: One Loop
- RUN 1: Brick Run on Ironman St. George Bike Course
- RUN 2: Brick Run after Ironman St. George Bike Course Loop
- DRIVE HOME: 11.5 hours. Arrive in Redwood City at 2:30AM!
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