I’ve gotten in 7 good days of training so far here in Costa Rica, almost anywhere I go is up or down a hill, not very many flats here in the town of San Ramon, Alajuela, Costa Rica. In 7 days I have done almost 710 kilometers and about 35.000 feet of elevation gain. I have always wanted to improve my climbing skills, and I think this may be the trick that will make me a better climber. There is a 2-kilometer area in town called El Plano, and if you need to do a recovery ride then you have to do it here. It takes about 5 minutes per lap and if you have to do 90 minutes . . . . . well you do the math, that is a lot of laps. I just head over to somewhere else to see the scenery and not get dizzy by the endless circles.

I must admit that today's ride from San Ramon to Bajo Rodriguez was one of the best ones, despite the 6000+ Feet elevation gain in only 50miles, but the scenery made it all worth it. On the way back a colorful Toucan flew right in front of me as I was going up the hill on the way

home.

I did not bring any gels somehow, but each day I stop at the local fruit stand or at the small Soda as they call them here, they are like small little restaurants. I get a fruit salad or sometimes a Chorreada, this will cost me about the same as a GU, I just hope it will be a better choice for me.

Well that is it, legs are sore but I know I’m making good progress. The food is awesome, and I have plenty more training to do! I’m looking forward to it, and enjoying the time back in Costa Rica.

Feliz Navidad!

Manuel Prado