Part of the Lloyds TSB Training Squad are in Font Romeu at an altitude training camp. Font Romeu is situated in the Pyrenees at 1,800 metres. The squad have now been there 7 days and spent the first 5 days easy running twice a day to acclimatise to the rarefied air that taxes the lungs, even walking up the stairs in their apartment.
The training has gone well so far with the first hard session taking place after 6 days at Lac Matemale on soft pine forest trails.
The area is well renowned with international endurance runners from around the world. Currently there are squads from Morrocco, Portugal, France and Algeria. France’s Olympic 3,000 metre steeplechase silver medalist is staying in the same apartment block as the squad.
The squad are using the camp to prepare for the summer season with Jenny Knass, Steve Vernon, Elle Baker, Andy Nixon and Dean Matkin all racing the Mow Cop Killer Mile and the 3,000 metres at the Trafford BMC in the week after they return.
Coach Dave Turnbull says: “the benefits of altitude training are huge. As well as the altitude producing many physiological benefits the 100% focus on training and recovery will ensure the athletes get the maximum benefit from the 3 week training camp. The local sports masseur Michel Riff who works with Paula Radcliffe here has been treating the athletes and also been very helpful and ensured we have exclusive use of the Collett Besson Training Centre for weights and strength training and information on the best trails and forest tracks.”
Snow has been falling occasionally but the intense sunshine has been melting it away each day so training hasn’t been affected.
Ross sets a new best
Over in the USA another Lloyds TSB squad athlete Ross Millington has also been benefitting from his altitude base at the University of New Mexico in Albuerquerque running a 1,500 metre personal best and Club record with 3-45.04 in the Puma Mt. Sac Relays in California.
Ross’s training partner and fellow Britain Lee Emmanuel ran a British leading time of 3-37.99 in the 1,500 metre A-race. Ross hopes his next race will qualify him for the NCAA’s and European Under-23 Championships.
He needs to run at least 3:43, so we wish him luck!