This is my first camp experience, and I was not really sure what to expect.  I was nervous and excited, not knowing what was in store except that I was probably going to be challenged in ways I have never experienced before.  Having been here for two full days now, I have never trained like this in the four years I have been competing in the sport of triathlon.  I have learned something new about myself in every workout we have done.  Today, we did testing on the bike.  We had to ride all out for three miles on the compu-trainer.  I have never pushed myself that hard before, and it was an amazing feeling.  I came away from that workout with a new confidence about what my body is capable of.  Even more than the great workouts and all the things I am learning about myself, the most amazing thing about the camp for me has been the people.  I am here with a group of people that two days ago I did not know, and now I feel as though we have been friends for years.  The support and camaraderie is unbelievable, and it is the most important thing I am going to take away from this experience. 

I can’t wait to see what’s in store tomorrow.
Mike Mariano

In my third year attending camp, I am always surprised by the quality of the group of friends, acquaintances, and strangers.  In only a day, people that have never met start to become lasting friends.  I guess I should not be surprised – triathlon tends to attract ambitious, humorous, friendly, and just "good" people.  We have a great group of people and athletes at camp this year.

Friday was bike testing day.  After a run in the morning followed by a moderate swim workout, the bike test is one of the harder elements of camp.  A three mile time trial does not sound hard, but is one of the toughest workouts that one experiences.  For minutes out of your life, you are pushing until you have nothing left.  Legs are burning, lungs are tight.  Given the choice of a four hour ride versus this time trial, I would take the former any day.  Everyone today gave their absolute all to test their body and their limits.

I am entering into my fourth year with Eric as a coach.  He has been an inspiration to meeting my goals – in sport and in life.  Camp, in particular, is a time when we can disconnect from our day-to-day responsibilities and focus on training and relaxing in a beautiful corner of Connecticut.  I have some personal athletic goals this year and Eric is going to help me reach them – camp is an incredible way to kick off the season.
Gus Ellison

After only doing triathlons for three years I was extremely intimidated to attend camp,   However, I was pleasantly surprised and my experience here has been amazing.  The workouts are very challenging and allow everyone to push themselves to their highest capability.  The staff offers advice and education about every area in this sport.  It is a positive atmosphere with other athletes constantly cheering you on, noting your effort for the day.  Eric makes the camp fun and surprising.  He takes the time with each individual athlete so that he/she achieves the most from this experience.  I will leave this camp with a list of things to improve on, new higher goals and great anticipation to return next year.
Teresa Statkevich