Epic training camp in Spain
A good friend of mine, John William Simpson from Shetland, has been going to enjoy holidays in Spain for the best part of 8 years. He goes with Cycling Holidays Spain who are based near Callosa on the East coast. With access to many mountains, spectacular sea views and close to many iconic routes from La Vuelta it’s a cyclists paradise. I won’t repost all the photos and videos here, but you can check out my Instagram feed and the links on this website to see the fun I had over a week. Cycling (obvs), trail runs, sea swims and pool swims to fill out a cracking training week 7/8 weeks out from Solo Point Five, my second event of 4 this year to raise money for my charities. Again see the links on the website for donations.
But the camp!
Incredible.
Day 1
I had organised a flight directly from Glasgow to Alicante and took my bike in a bike box which I aquired from Bike Box Alan on recommendations from friends. It was brilliant and did the job perfectly. I drove from Inverness to Glasgow at 3 in the morning on empty roads. Parked up. Straight onto the flight. Had a snooze and arrived in Alicante. I was picked up by Noz and whisked back to their villa just outside of Callosa. Had lunch, set up the bike and settled into my room b4 dinner. Met Dave from Shetland who I hadn’t met before and of course the Beast!! Sorry John, who had organised it all. Great to see him as always :) As you will seen from my photos the bedroom looked over the pool, the sauna and the mountains. Just dreamy. The weather forecast for the next day wasn't great so we decided to do a pool swim about 20minutes away.
Day 2
So after a super healthy and nutritious breakfast at 830 (which was provided every day and was perfect for cycling and training) we headed to the pool. It was part of a leisure centre so had a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and hot stones to walk over. All in a all a perfect way to spend a rainy day. It had cleared a little when we got back to the Villa so I went for a quick (hilly) 5 k. Well, I am allegedly a triathlete!!! haha Then a massage provided by Dianne a sauna and a wee dip in the pool b4 dinner. This was going to be a familiar, and awesome routine :) We had a three course dinner at 730 prepared by Jubi (Noz’ brother) and then settled down to watch a Movie on Netflix, have a couple of beers and a few games of pool in the living area of the Villa. It was so relaxing it was just like being in your own house, but better as you were getting waited on more or less hand and foot. The weather was looking better for the next day….well the rest of the week …so cycling was planned.
Day 3
We had planned a route (to be known as the mushroom) due to its appearance on Strava ;) which included a climb out of Callosa to Tarbena, a descent down Castelles de Castelles ( which we’d climb another day) a climb of the Coll de Rates and then a loop back to Callosa. Noz was supporting in the car to provide water, rice cakes, video and photo shots ( some of which you will have seen on my social channels). Like being a pro athlete!!! First cycle was 70km with 1500m of climbing. It was amazing. The climbs were long but not super steep (well a few ramps) and the descents were like being in a video game :):). So sunny, the colours so vivid, the cars so courteous and the roads so smooth and in great condition with not getting savaged by the Scottish weather. And some climbs we did our own think with effort, some we rode together and always regrouped at the top before descending. We got in our own efforts whilst staying together and crucially stopping for coffee or beer when required :):) Later in the week Robin and Shane from Shetland were joining us and as Robin was keen to do some longer rides Noz downloaded some GPX files onto his Garmin and off he went.
Day 4
As above but a little longer and a different route. We went west out of Callosa and through Guadalest, Confridies, Gorga, up the aforementioned Castelles and back to base. This time 90km and 1900m of climbing. And I have mentioned it before but there is a cheeky wee kicker back from Callosa to the Villa. All good '“training” as I like to stay. And remarkably with the good food, good sleep, daily massages and sauna, riding 2 big days back to back had been no problem at all. Something I was a little concerned about in advance of going. If anything I was getting stronger.
Day 5
Robin and Shane were arriving on Day 6 so we decided to take a “rest” day before more cycling would ensue. We decided on Noz’ guidance to do a super technical and steep trail run. It was 7k with 326m of climbing. Stunning views and sunshine. Straight out of the front door of the Villa.
Following that we drove into Altea for a look around, a delicious lunch in a seafront cafe and a wee dip in the med. It would have been rude not too right ;)
Day 6
Robin and Shane had arrived overnight so we were ready to ride out again. After the usual morning routine, which for me also included a bit of yoga and meditation, we were on the road by 10. East this time and 100km and 2000m of climbing. The weather was getting better every day. And another wee blast up the Coll de Rates. As incredibly were the legs :)
Day 7
We had on Noz’ suggestion decided to do the local Cat 1 called Aitana today. So after a coffee stop at the bottom we headed up. Beautiful, if hard and long climb. And the descent!!! Wow, wow, wow. 87km today and 1800m of climbing.
Day 8
Last cycling day today and people were dropping like flies….sorry having a rest. Robin and I headed out on different routes (his much longer….and faster;)) I decided to do the Mushroom from the first day again and had a fabulous ride on my own. With a wee beer and coffee at the cafe at the top of the Coll de Rates. Felt like I was in a dream. Just wonderful.
Day 9
The Beast and I decided to go out and do the trail run again in the morning b4 breakfast as a great way to send off the week. My transfer back to the Airport was at 11. Loved the week and thank you JW for encouraging me to go. I will be back for absolute certain.
Reflections on the week
you can do quality training day after day with proper recovery. This would include nutritious healthy food, massage, sleep, yoga, sauna, lots of hydration and stretching
the set up at CHS is fabulous. The conditions are perfect to allow all of the above to be taken care of
the roads and conditions in Spain are conducive to lots of great cycling
The trail running and swimming opportunities were also superb
sunshine and warmth are wonderful :)
A training camp is a great way to give you a chance to focus entirely on training and give yourself a boost in performance
