Day 3 was the real thing, the reason everyone comes to Spain, well that and the sun. Todays options included 125 km to 165km ride with ~20 km of climbing up to 35km.. These come at you in 5 to 14 km portions so riders are climbing for upwards of ~75+ minutes for 1 climb. Todays highlights were ascents and descents up Col do Soller, Puig de Major and SaCalobra (check out the pictures of the cement snake).

WOW, We introduced everyone to Spain with our famous Petra ride, its a shorter ride, a good way to start everyones outdoor riding but it offers everything in a short ~65 km ride. Small europeon towns, rolling hills, stone wall lined roads and beautifully paved amazing  "time trial" style roads. Straight, and Fast!!

The group did really well, we had 3 solid groups, each group working really well together socially and cycling abilities. The groups regroup in Preta where we enjoy the europeon square (plaza) eating cake and drinking cafe con lattes. Dont worry this is not club med, on the bikes everyone works very hard and they did start their day with a 2500 to 3000m swim workout in a beautiful outdoor pool under the sun, or sunrise I guess at 7 am. Following the ride the group changed into their workout gear and went through a intensive 25 minute stretch session and then a 25 minute core workout, some felt it this morning.

Off to enjoy day 2......................

Most have arrived safely, although there was some interesting travel stories, with planes turning around, passenger heart attacks(not our riders), and major delays with snow storms in eastern US. Once here though I think everyone agrees it was worth the hassle. Upon arrival it seemed greener then past years. That and wicked cycling tan lines on riders already here training with other camps makes it look like the weather has been very cycling friendly. Today it was sunny and 21 degree with no snow in the forecast. In our camp there is a nice number of new faces combined with some veterans who can add a component of stability within the rides groups. Our guides are fantastic and the plan has been developed, its gonna be awesome!! During the weeks to come I will keep everyone updated with stories and great pics.

4 Photos  of the same brand of shoes but one pair was worn following the other. This runner complained of lateral left foot pain. First pic and third pic from the bottom were the shoes worn through much of the agony. Pics 2 and 4 have the same volume in them but without the pain. Note how the wear patterns have changed on the lateral side of the left shoe. One key area of focus can be the 3 white lugs which show much more wear on the shoes worn during injury. Check out Photo Album "Shoe Wear"

One of my biggest pet peeves is the label, " they are lucky to be so talented" . The individuals who make this remark have not been alongside them when they have been putting in hour after hour of training and deliberate practice. Others who do feel they put in the time may get frusterated when they do not achieve the same level of results and wonder why. Possibly one of the missing components can be the idea of "deliberate practice".  

Read more: Certain Practice "Makes Perfect"