Chamonix training camp day 4

Climb to Lac d'Emosson

Two panoramic shots of hairpins on the way up

Another two shots from the top, Lac d'Emosson on the right, French Alps on the left in the distance

Any another training video :)

Col-de-la-forclaz

Beautiful mornings training in Switzerland :)

Morning number 1

What can I say,

Of all the places I could have come for a summer training camp I don't think any could have suited my personality more than Chamonix. I arrived yesterday to a hoard of Ultramarathon runners getting ready to run the 42.2km "Mont-Blanc Marathon" route this morning from Chamonix - La Tour - Planpraz, an incredible 8,200 feet of vertical gain. Nuts. But it's nice to have a few hundred guys running around town in compression socks, makes me a feel a little more normal.

It's only 7.40am but I had to get up early to cheer the runners off, going to be a stunning day, below are some pictures of the view from my window...

Mont-Blanc getting early sunlight...at 4810m it's understandable!

The start of the marathon

Up close and personal...never enjoy watching other people race when I'm not but today I think I'll leave them to it.

Day 1 of altitude camp so don't want to overdo it, big ride planned though, hopefully will get some good pictures and maybe a video or two...will be up later!

Mike

In transit

Sitting in Geneva airport waiting for my transfer through to Chamonix, almost at the final destination.

Can't wait to arrive, get settled in and start to train and explore the part of the alps famous for its challenging terrain, not to mention beautiful scenery.

Hopefully by the time I'm back in Geneva airport in 5 weeks time I'll be a little leaner, a little faster and hopefully a little better at French too :)

Un peu plus, chaque jour.

Packing up

Been a little ill since getting back from Windsor last week, the price you pay for swimming in the Thames. Feeling much better now and have still been ticking over with training, though all hell breaks loose on Saturday.

Flying out to the alps for 5 weeks of altitude training, staying in Chamonix, one of the most famous all round mountain resorts in the world and I can't wait.

Last summer my mid season training break was spent in Gerardmer, France which was a great place to swim/bike/run. This year though will be a little higher and a little tougher as well.

Once I get out on Saturday I'll start taking pictures and keep everyone up to date with training and any other adventures.

Today is also my last day at home for quite a while, after Chamonix it's off to London, Vancouver, Whistler, Kelowna, Penticton, LA and Dallas before winding down the years racing. Will be a long time out of a suitcase :)

EXCITED

mike