Out of Office: Vol. 1 - Training Camp in Font Romeu
Chasing new heights in high altitude
Ever wondered what it's like to be on a high-altitude training camp? With breathtaking scenery and elite athletes training next to you?
Our SAYSKY colleagues, Bastien and Toni, did just that. Working remotely for two weeks in Font Romeu, France, a renowned hub for endurance athletes. This camp offered the perfect blend of challenging terrain and high altitudes, providing the ideal environment to prepare for the upcoming race season.
Putting in the work from am to pm
The days were packed with cool morning runs before clocking in for work, followed by afternoon sessions in the sun. Enjoying good vibes and camaraderie alongside the other athletes.
In this blog post, we'll delve deeper into Bastien and Toni's incredible adventure. We'll explore how they balanced intense training with their full-time work commitments, the inspiring people they met, and the valuable lessons they learned along the way.
“This was my first time at altitude so I had no clue what I was walking into. The first few kilometers felt really easy at first, but as soon as we hit the first hill I knew something was not right…” - Toni
Why Font Romeu?
Font Romeu is well known as a training haven for athletes worldwide. Its high altitude, combined with stunning natural landscape, makes it an ideal location for endurance athletes. The SAYSKY colleagues were drawn to Font Romeu because of its reputation for producing exceptional results and its ability to challenge the body in new ways.
During their stay, they were thrilled to share the experience with a diverse group of seven athletes from various backgrounds. The camp offered a unique chance to connect with fellow runners, exchange training tips, and learn from each other's experiences in previous camps. They also had the opportunity to meet several famous international athletes, including many SAYSKY athletes, which was incredibly inspiring and motivating.
A Typical Training Week - How Was Their Weekly Training Routine Structured?Upon arriving at altitude, they were advised to be cautious during the first few days but to otherwise maintain a routine similar to what they followed at home, with adjustments to the speed and duration of the runs.
Each week included a mix of easy runs, tempo runs, long runs, and track workouts, roughly structured as follows:
- Easy Runs: These low-intensity runs helped them recover from harder workouts and build a strong aerobic base. They enjoyed exploring the scenic trails around Bolquère and La Calme, taking in the mountain views (and the multitude of animals around).
- Tempo Runs: Tempo runs are a type of interval training that helps improve the lactate threshold and running economy. They pushed themselves to maintain a steady, challenging pace during these sessions, adapting the speed to the rolling terrain.
- Long Runs: Long runs are essential for building endurance and mental toughness. They took on the challenge of running long distances around Lac Matemale, testing other aspects of long distance racing, such as nutrition and hydration.
- Track Workouts: Track workouts are great for improving speed and form. They focused on specific, shorter intervals to refine technique and increase cadence.
“This is the second time I've been to Font Romeu, and being French it's a real pleasure to be here. In the end, the routine doesn't change too much from Copenhagen, you train early in the morning, work during the day, and then do a second session at the end of the afternoon. The only difference is that at any moment you can bump into an Olympian here.” - Bastien
What Did They Learn from Observing Elite Athletes?
Beyond the physical training, the Font Romeu adventure provided invaluable insights into the world of elite athletics. Observing how top athletes prepare for their biggest goals was incredibly inspiring and motivating. They learned about the training strategies, mental approach to the sport, and unwavering dedication that elite athletes bring to their craft.
They also had the opportunity to brainstorm new ideas for SAYSKY, drawing inspiration from the unique experiences and perspectives they encountered. Interacting with athletes from different backgrounds and cultures broadened their horizons and helped them think outside the box.
“Everyone here is just so friendly. Like, if you come across another runner in the trails, they will turn around and ask if they can join you on your run. They will also ask you about what your training looks in the coming weeks, so you end up having a big group of friends to run with by the end of the trip” - Toni
Training Camps: For Everyone - How Has the Accessibility of Training Camps Changed Over Time?
In the past, training camps were often exclusive to professional athletes. However, the trend has shifted toward making these experiences more accessible to runners of all levels. The Font Romeu trip was a testament to this, as they shared the camp with athletes from various backgrounds and abilities.
Training camps offer a unique opportunity to focus solely on training, free from the distractions of daily life. They provide a supportive and motivating environment where athletes can push themselves to new limits and achieve their goals.
What Were Their Overall Impressions of the Font Romeu Training Camp?
The Font Romeu training camp was an unforgettable experience. From the breathtaking scenery to the inspiring camaraderie, every moment was filled with adventure and growth. Both Bastien and Toni returned to their daily lives in Copenhagen with renewed energy, motivation, and a deeper appreciation for the sport they love.
The camp not only improved their physical performance but also enriched their lives in countless ways. They made lasting friendships, gained valuable insights, and discovered a newfound passion for running. They are grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this incredible camp and hope that more people get to experience it in the future.
