Afghanistan = High Altitude Training
In case you didn’t know, I am currently deployed to Afghanistan and have been here since August of 2008. Originally, I had feared that this would put a damper on my training plans, however I realized that I’d never have a better opportunity to fine tune my training than I would here. Thanks to the high altitude (approximately 5500 ft above sea level) and the poor air quality, I have had a chance to hit peaks in my training I’ve never been able to reach before this year.
I’ve been fortunate as a soldier to have more time than I should to devote to my triathlon training. I’ve been able to afford approximately 10-14 workouts of 30 minutes to 1.5 hours each week and as a result I have been able to devote time to running, swimming, biking, and weight training.
I honestly believe that I am in the best shape of my life and I cannot wait to get back to the states and test my PR’s on the same routes I used to run. We found out that we’d be coming back early (In April as opposed to August), so not only will I get more training in early in the year, but I will be back in time to hit the beginning legs of the North Carolina Triathlon Series.
Keep an eye out for some videos and runcasts where I will try to chronicle my journey for you to see how I train and prepare for my 2009 triathlon season. I’ve got goals to carry the momentum from my high altitude sessions here in Afghanistan back to the US and place in the top 5 overall in the NCTS. I’m planning on Augusta Ironman 70.3 later in the year and believe me when I say this: I am going to race with a vengeance.
I may be a soldier, but I plan on earning my mantle of “The Triathlon Man,” so don’t be surprised when you see me on the cover of Triathlete magazine soon.
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Hey, I clicked here through the BeginnerTriathlete forum, and it turns out we share a home town and have been competing in the same races: Dogwood 10K, Woodlake, Army 10-miler. I also raced the Wilmington YMCA Sprint this year. It’s a great course. You’ll enjoy it.
Anyway, it’s cool to have found you. When you return in April, you should consider joining up with the triathlon club I train with. A lot of talented and knowledgeable people who are happy to teach and train with anyone.
[...] of Kona. However, just having a few solid months of training under my belt since my return from Afghanistan has proven to be the medicine I need to cleanse myself of the dreadful REV3 [...]
I’m thinking about going there to work, I have asthma. Do you think that would present a problem.
Thank you
Eve,
The air quality is really bad there and although I think you’ll be able to manage, I’m not qualified enough to give you an answer with 100% certainty. It’s going to be rough at first, but you do get used to it over time.