Training Camp

January 1 Pat and I flew to Australia to train for the winter.  We spent one day relaxing at the beach in Wollongong, before heading to Falls Creek in Victoria, Australia for training camp.  It’s my first time at altitude, so we are cautious.  I’m working out often, but without much intensity.

It’s been quite hot in Australia (http://www.theatlanticwire.com/global/2013/01/its-so-hot-australia-they-added-new-colors-weather-map/60701/ ), however, because we are at altitude, the temperatures are more moderate.  This morning it was quite cool, about 1°C.

Four days a week we drive down the mountain to Mt Beauty.  We swim and go to the shops.  I feel bad about all the complaining I previously did about the prices of food in Australia – it doesn’t seem to be as bad as I remembered.  The shops in Mt Beauty are small-town shops I enjoy.  There is a fruit market with good deals on fruits/veggies, a supermarket, and a local butcher.  It’s fun to shop for food four times a week and get to know the local shop owners.

It’s beautiful in Falls Creek.  The ski resort we are staying at costs over $8000/week in the winter.  Although it’s not peak season in Falls, there are still a lot of people here.  It seems as though all of the Australia athletes (runners, cyclists, triathletes, race walkers, etc.) are present.  Everyone knows who I am as soon as I open my mouth.  My American accent is apparently strong.