Lake Placid Training Weekend
A week after traveling to Ithaca, New York to train with friends, Solis moved further north to train on the rugged course that makes up Ironman Lake Placid. We have participated in camps in the past and decided to merely work with our athletes this weekend instead. This was sort of the inaugural Solis Lake Placid Training Camp.
We rented a small but comfortable home with lake access for the group. A total of 8 Solis Athletes came up for the weekend, and ranged from racers participating in sprints to Iron Distance this year. Having the house really promoted some great team building that can be lost in a hotel. We shared common space, cooked together, ate together, and really got to know a great deal more about each other as both athletes and people.
While each person’s schedule was somewhat unique, we generally started the day armed with our Xterra Wetsuits for an early morning swim before breakfast. On Thursday after a long travel to Lake Placid, I was able to get about a mile in Mirror Lake with Solis Athlete Molly. Then met up with our friend Jim, and did some trail running, which worked out to be about 7 miles. 
Friday, was a bit of a longer swim, using the complete length of the lake for a down and back. Then we all completed a loop of the bike course (including the out-and-back) followed by another transition and run through the trails. Some chose to just loop around the lake too. By the days end, we were very thankful for all the hydration provided by Infinit. Additionally the sunscreen products from Scape Labs worked incredibly well in the changing climates.
Saturday was a longer day on the bike. We started without a swim, and many of us went for two loops. We were able to meet up with friends from the JSTC, and BPC Triathlon. I got 90 in, before the rain, and a mechanical problem on the bike forced me to bow out. In hindsight, I am glad I did, as the damage to my frame and cranks could have been serious. We then followed up with a short run off the bike, in the cooling rains.
Sunday was a long run day, and we started the morning with a 10 mile loop, using River Road. The group then did a loop swim, and transitioned to a relaxed bike ride to “wake up” our legs again. Following an hour and a half on the bike, we returned to the run. We explored some new routes and crushed stone roads, and trails, that made the last 9 miles bearable.
There were many groups of friends from our area in Placid for the weekend, and we had a great time with them, both training and unwinding. Doug from the Sandy Hookers had several friends in a near by home, and we spent some time relaxing with them as well. All who attended the weekend, disliked only the idea that we all had to leave. However, we will return in just a few short weeks, to enjoy the adventure which is Ironman. Happy Training!
