Training in the Portland, OR winter is not the easiest thing to do. It is cold and rainy, and it gets dark very early. With low circulation in my right hand, cold weather causes me a lot of pain when I’ve been out on the bike for more than an hour. Solution? Move to a warmer climate during the winter. Two years ago I was in Phoenix 5 days a week for about 3 months. During that time I learned all the training locations, made friends with the local athletes and had a blast. So I’ve moved back for a few months. I told my grandfather that I was becoming a snow bird and he queried (or you could say “said”), “Son aren’t you a little young for that?”
I’ve been in Phoenix for a few days and been enjoying the sun and warmer weather immensely. On Saturday Allan and Alison were in town for a Challenged Athletes Foundation swim clinic and they helped look at my swim stroke. I’m in the middle of a rather large swim block and have made some fairly major changes to my swim mechanics, swimming out doors in the sun versus inside is so, so much more enjoyable. I’m working on my tan and stroke at the same time.
I’ve been in Phoenix for a few days and been enjoying the sun and warmer weather immensely. On Saturday Allan and Alison were in town for a Challenged Athletes Foundation swim clinic and they helped look at my swim stroke. I’m in the middle of a rather large swim block and have made some fairly major changes to my swim mechanics, swimming out doors in the sun versus inside is so, so much more enjoyable. I’m working on my tan and stroke at the same time.
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| Allan and Alison |
I still have to take my first bike ride here in Phoenix. This year I’ll be racing on a Specialized Shiv TT. When I got the bike late last year it was like getting on a rocket ship. Super Super Fast! I’m still adjusting to the more aggressive positioning that Russell at Upper Echelon Fitness put me into. On longer rides its not super comfortable, however since I race short course triathlon its worth sacrificing a bit of long term comfort for a lot of speed. I love it!
Less than 7 mins from my winter house there are some great off-pavement trails for running. Monday afternoon I was up there for some light trail running. It’s a bit different running on trails in Arizona; everything is rocky and hard. This time of year in Oregon trails are pretty muddy and slick. I think I might miss that while I’m here. Compare and contrast below:
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| Portland Vs Phoenix |
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