This week was quite interesting in that we were able to pass through Falls Creek where as I'm sure you know, a number of athletes go for altitude training during the Australian summer.  We were only able to stay for two nights, but considering I have never done any altitude training before or used an altitude tent, I was keen to see how the altitude affected me.  

To be honest, I can't say I noticed much different.  Falls Creek is only moderate altitude at around 5000ft but I still expected to feel a difference.  Because of the way my training fell, I did only do steady running in Falls Creek and no reps or tempo, so perhaps it affects you more when doing the higher intensity stuff.  I absolutely loved Falls Creek though and would definitely consider coming back here for altitude training in the future if funds/situations allow.  It is a bit hilly as you might expect, but there are a number of trails and the roads are really quiet to run on.  On my 80min on the road I saw only one car, and that was Chris who had driven out to check I had not collapsed in a heap somewhere.  The scenery is really beautiful and it's a really interesting place to run.  It's also much cooler than the rest of Australia so you don't need to try and beat the sun.  It's just a shame it is the other side of the world.

Whilst we were in Falls Creek we spotted a number of elite athletes including Gunther Weidlinger (who won the Great Australian Run in Melbourne a few days later) and also on a separate occasion Collis Birmingham and Bobby Curtis.  Of course they have no idea who we were but I was pretty happy to see Collis tucking into some sweets - makes me feel better about all the sweets I eat! (although unfortunately no haribo out here L).  Apparently a bunch of international athletes had just left our lodge on the morning we arrived as well - gutting!

This coming week we are heading out to New Zealand for a fortnight to see one of my friends from university.  I can see more scenic runs ahead!