This week I have taken a week away from the unpredictable weather of Boulder to partake in a week of very consistent training in Clermont, Florida.  I have joined a very eclectic posse with a ridiculously wide range of talent.  What I have learned over the couple years is not what your training partners are able to do talent-wise, but what they are going to do consistently.  I am currently hangin’ with JZ, Brandon Del Campo, and Carole Sharpless, my normal gym and swim crew.

-JZ- no need for an intro, she dicatates the swim workouts and overall schedule.  She and I have the same coach, so this is working pretty well. My intervals are faster for biking and running, but we can often roll the w/u’s and c/d’s at a pretty level rate.

–Brandon- aka BDC- All-American age grouper who could/should race on the pro-line, and like myself is a former collegiate runner.  He and I have that long history of running during virtually the same time period, only he was on the left coast at UCLA and I was on the right coast at USNA (left and right here are political statements, as well).  He resides in Boulder, and can bring the hammer on the bike.

-Carole- The crew clown who is coming back from nasty injuries. She moved to Boulder last year and works for TRAKKERS. With a history in swimming (key word history), she has turned herself into an all-around tough chick who has a hard time listening to those who hold her back.

Goals for the week are simple, hit each workout, especially since there are even less distractions than I would find in Boulder.  Swim every day, even if it is just a 2k after a long day in the saddle.  Finally, get ready for camp/spring break here in March with the midshipman. 

Thus far, I am hitting all the marks and having a dam good time doing so.  Frankly, my only concern is with Bogart back in Boulder.  Lara is going to work every day and taking Bogart to doggy daycare.  That means the young puppy is playing hard for about six to seven hours a day and apparently sleeping as well as I am (like a rock for nine to ten hours a night).  Bogart can barely climb the stairs at night to get to his bed/crate.  We are both working out and building strength and fitness. However, I am a bit worried that Bogart’s fitness curve is looking exponential and that I am going to have a task exercising that little dog into exhaustion when I get home in five days.