Summer training is in full swing!

Annnnd we’re back! I simply cannot believe that it’s nearly July, and that we’re already more than 1/4 of the way through the prep period for this upcoming winter of racing. Here’s a rundown of how things have gone since the end of last season…

After the season ended, I met up with my Dad in Tx to visit some friends, hunt, and take a short post-season break. The trip was a blast, and it was quite a shock going from 30-95 degrees. It was all I needed to feel ready to get back into things in AK.   From Tx, I went back up to AK, had just under 3 weeks to finish up school, move out of the place I had lived for 6 years, find a new place to live, work, train, etc. A busy few weeks. Needless to say, I walked at the end of April with degrees in both Sports Science and behavioral Science, found a new place to live, and made the most of the snow and skiing that was left after a sub-par winter in Anchorage.

Despite being in heavy training since the beginning of April, I somehow managed to pack on a number of pounds of muscle in a short period (which I have neve been able to do), and I've ran with it since. It's been interesting to see how it has changed my characteristics as a skier so far. I certainly have more power; however, my uphill running (which I used to consider a strength) has some catching up to do, haha. We did some testing at the beginning of June, and the results suggested that base performance was just as good as last fall, and top speed had significantly improved. Both are good things. Interestingly, though, despite my uphill running performance being worse than I would say it has been historically, my performance on ski-specific terrain is better (as can be seen via the test results), and I’m quite curious to continue watching how the adaptations unfold in the months to come. 

But, what was undoubtedly the training highlight of the first 2 periods was the grand re-opening of Eagle Glacier. It was marvelous. The first day, we spent 13 hours waiting for an opening in the weather to permit us to go up (it did not), and the second day, when we did get up, the visibility was about 3 inches. The next 6 days, however, made it all worthwhile. Bluebird, sunshine, and fresh tracks were incredible, and it seems likely to go down as one of the nicest, best camps to date. A dream, sleep, eat, train scenario. I’m already stoked for the next camp. 

The week after the glacier camp was a recovery week, which was much needed, and was also an all-time week. On Tuesday we headed out to set net salmon, spent the night on the beach, fished all day Wednesday and Thursday morning whilst camping on the beach with a great group of folks, and ended up filling many peoples fishing quotas which resulted in about 200 fish total. We then spent 8 hours filleting and packaging fish on Friday. The weather, the company, and the fishing were incredible, and we were truly blessed with an incredible catch, which has provided a year's worth of fish for many!

In other life news, I have officially launched my online coaching business! If you’re training for an event, or looking to get fit and need some personalized, affordable help, I’ve got you covered! All sports, all levels. Let's make your goals a reality! Get in touch today so we can get to work! Likewise, if you could help spread the word, I would greatly appreciate it! :)

That's the gist of the major happenings in my life in the past couple of months. I’m currently back in CO, visiting family, putting in a training block at altitude, and ultimately doing my best to Colossians 3:23 and 1 Corinthians 9:24 every day. Running the race of life to win, working heartily to serve the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Until next time, and every time after that, that’s what I’ll be doing. ;)

Cheers,

Garrett