Blog Roll: Dathan Ritzenhein

Settling In

I am sitting here in beautiful Switzerland in my altitude tent thinking, “Why am I not tired?” Usually at 11 at night I would have been asleep for over an hour (I know I’m lame). I seem to be on the every-other-night sleep plan. The first night I was so tired from the travel that I slept great for 11 hours; the next night I slept only four hours and was awake from 11-5 AM. But last night I slept great. Hopefully I will get tired soon and can pass out. Everything else I have adjusted to by now.

I am feeling great running and looking forward to my first workout tomorrow. Actually, I am doing two workouts, one long and easy in the AM and one short and fast in the PM. I will have to remind myself that I am at 6000 ft, otherwise I might get depressed at how much slower the times will be than back in Portland. The place we are staying is very nice. I stayed for a few nights with Jerry’s guys but I have to say this new hotel is much nicer. The people have been so nice and the food is great. Also it is nice to have a room that is not a typical European hotel room, which is ridiculously small. Alberto has already reminded me not to get fat while I am here, though, because included every night is a five-course dinner. I think I could get use to this but something tells me Kalin won’t keep that going when we go home.

It is amazing to see how many elite people train in town, and the funny thing is that they come from all over the world. I saw Dos Santos working out today at the track. I wonder if he is running the 10k in Berlin? The staff at the hotel seems to be used to athletes staying here because they seem to know all our needs. Hopefully the tent doesn’t scare away the cleaning lady. Alright, it is late enough and I am rambling. Until next time…

THX