C26 Triathlon has different kinds of camps.  The one that I am attending, is the “Volume and Intensity” camp.  Day three was definitely a volume day.

We all met at the Natchez Trace at 6.00am for our long ride.  Everyone did a three and half hour ride as an ‘out and back’ along the Trace.  This meant we went further than yesterday, and it also meant more hills. 

The group that I was in decided we would go steady on the way out, and then ‘drop the hammer’ on the way back.  The hard effort coming back was tough, but a lot of fun, because we were going quite fast.  We also got quite lucky with the weather.  The forecasted rain stayed away, and the cloud cover kept away the baking sun.

After a break for a little bit of recovery and some breakfast, we headed over to Percy Warner Park for a 90 minute run session.  Running for an hour and a half after an intense bike session, would be tough enough on its own, but Percy Warner Park in very hilly, so it was especially tough. 

Our run took us up to the top of the largest hill, and back down again.  It was about three miles to the top with an elevation gain of about 550 feet.  By now, it was also very hot and humid.  We were all very grateful for the Coke and Snickers bars, that coach had waiting for us at the end of the run.

The whole day was very challenging. It did however make for great conversation at our camp dinner this evening.  Camp ends tomorrow morning, with one final open water swim session.  The whole thing has been amazing…