One of the things I love about this sport is that from time to time you have the opportunity to rub elbows with some of the best athletes in the world. Over the last couple of days I've been lucky enough to do some "Epic" training with two of the toughest guys in the Ironman business who also happen to be incredibly nice guys.

Just in case you haven't seen the results from Ironman New Zealand, Clas Bjorling aka "The Baron" finished 2nd with a blistering 2:42:01 marathon. Gordo Bryn was 4th with an 8:46. Spending time with Gordo was a real treat for me not only because he's a fantastic athlete, but I also agree with his coaching and training philosophies.   

Bill and I met up with Gordo, The Baron, Wy, Barry, and Sam down in Palm Springs. Ben and Lori hosted G and his crew and convinced them that it just wouldn't be right if they stayed in Palm Spring and didn't do the Idyllwild loop. I think even Gordo considers this one epic with over 8000 ft of climbing in 108 miles. To give you an idea of the magnitude of these climbs, the first of the four main ascents takes an hour and twenty minutes. Along the way you'll notice the 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 and 4,000 ft elevation signs.

The only somewhat "easy" section of the ride is a slightly rolling, modestly downhill stretch that had a slight headwind and some guy nicknamed The Baron with a 56 tooth chainring riding over 30 mph! It took everything I had just to stay on his wheel. The remaining climbs were steady and by the time we got to Pine Cove at over 6,000ft everyone was glad to be headed downhill for a while. The descents on this ride are spectacular and Gordo with his extra 13lbs of post IMNZ celebration still hanging around used gravity to its fullest.  

The next day we met in 29 Palms for a late afternoon swim workout on the Base.  Everyone seemed to be happy to be in a 50 meter outdoor pool even if it was only about 76 degrees. We did 4k with a main set of 600, 2x 300, 3x 200, 6x 100 all on a 1:35 send off.

12 hours later, and with much colder water we cranked out another 5k. Gordo called the main set of 800, 4x 50, 2x 400, 4x 50, 4x 200, 4x 50 8x 100 on a slightly easier sendoff but a slightly faster pace as Gordo, Clas and Berry opted to wear wetsuits. Cheaters!

So there it is, seven hours of riding and 9k of swimming (ok, Bill and I also did a 2 hr run yesterday and 1 hr today) in about 36 hours. It really has been an Epic time.

Thanks Gordo & Clas. Be safe as you head East. And yes, just in case you're wondering, we did make the G-man an honorary Marine and sent him on his way in a U.S. Marine cycling jersey.

Mitch is a CpC coach and can be reached at Mitch@counterpartcoaching.com