Question:what place in the US do you suggest for a training camp in April, maybe
early May ? Sp far, I've always gone to Tuscany, but as I move to the US
in Jan, I have to find another 'sunny' spot to get in shape...
I heard a lot about Bolder, CO, Flagstaff, AZ, and San Diego. Any
suggestions, recommendations ? Hotels etc...
Answer:
For my money you can't beat training in central Florida any time of year
but particular;y April and May. The town of Clermont, which is close to
Orlando, has excellent training facilities and is the triathlon center
of Florida. Clermont will also be the home of USA Triathlon our national
governing body. the area has numerous rural roads with challenging hills
for cycling and running and one of the cleanest lakes in the state for
swimming. By April the water will generally be warm enough for swim
training without wetsuits. In addition, starting in March our
competitive race season starts with several races in the Clermont area.
If I had my pick of places in the US to go for tri training, I wouldn't
hesitate a moment to pick San Diego. Next to Kona itself, San Diego has
got to be triathlon mecca. All the big guns train there, so there must be
something to it. I'd say Boulder is a second choice, but I've heard too
many stories about various pros going there to train and subsequently
burning out. Besides, in April you still might get a snowstorm or two in
Boulder.
This is all just speculation, however, since I haven't been to Boulder in
about 10 years, and I've never been to San Diego!
You should try New York City. I train around the metro area, and the
combination of big potholes, rude drivers, 18 wheeler semis, and the
environs of the world's largest garbage dump can really get you going.
That's right good old fear can surge you to a PR over here! That is if you
don't suffer from a heart attack.
In my opinion, without a doubt, San Diego is the place to be. Central
Florida is a close second, except that they don't have the mountains. Sure,
I know they have Sugarloaf Mountain, but its not really much compared to
riding anything in north San Diego, those are real mountains. It also
depends a lot on what your goals are. If you want to race well in hot
weather races, I would say come here to Mobile Alabama. From June thru mid
September, it is usually between 90 to 100 degrees, and about 70% or higher
humidity. Remember back when Christian Bustos finished 2nd at Ironman, that
was after he had spent a couple of years training on the coast, in Baton Rouge.
I've gotta' agree with TriBaby on this one...I vote extreme Southern
California.
But in addition to the reasons she gives, (both stated and implied) one
of the really fascinating things I find when I am there is that no
matter where you go, you find fitness minded people.
I travel a good deal for work; the last time I was in San Diego, I took
particular notice of the people out and about. One thing that struck me
was an older couple in their late 60's or earlly 70's rollerblading with
what appeared to be three of their grandchildren.
And, because of this mindset, I tend to believe that people there can
more easily accept the endurance athlete lifestyle. Here (Western NY)
we are regarded as lunatic fringe.
Everyone seems to think that their hometown is the best ! well, i am on
that bandwagon- Tucson offers GREAT training...lots of great trails to run
on, mega bike lanes, flat rides, 12-26 mile climbs, and the weather cant be
beat. okay, its hot in the summer, but what better way to prepare for
hawaii? :)
